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         EST. 1901                                           Virginia

South Hill, Virginia

South Hill is a thriving, rapidly-growing community located in Mecklenburg County in south-central Virginia near the North Carolina state line halfway between the state capitals of Richmond, Virginia and Raleigh, North Carolina (80 miles each).  It is also about halfway between the Atlantic Ocean (on the east) and the Blue Ridge Mountains (on the west). South Hill's latitude is 36.726 N., and its longitude is 78.129 W.  It is just hours away from Historic Williamsburg and Jamestown, both national landmarks.  It is in the Eastern Standard time zone.

Since its beginning as a railroad town in 1889, South Hill has continued to be known for its ideal location.  Today, the Town is easily accessible by a highway network consisting of Interstate 85, U.S. Route 58, U.S. Route 1 and Highway 47.  South Hill is also only six miles away from the Mecklenburg-Brunswick Regional Airport.

Incorporated by the Virginia General Assembly on February 16, 1901, South Hill has always been known for its tobacco industry, and the Town is presently the third largest market in Virginia.  But over the past few years, a significant growth in manufacturing and trade has diversified the Town's economy.  The Town's growth is enhanced by its proximity to two nearby lakes, Kerr Lake (Buggs Island Lake) and Lake Gaston, both of which are created by the John H. Kerr Dam, which generates an average of 426,749,000 kilowatt hours per year.  With over 1,150 combined miles of shoreline, tourist trade and a booming real estate market serve to fuel our Town's growth.  With the natural beauty of the lakes and a relaxed lifestyle to match, living in this unique region is a gratifying experience.

Distance to Major Cities (in miles)

Durham, NC 72
Raleigh, NC 77
Richmond, VA 82
Greensboro, NC 123
Hampton Roads, VA 155
Roanoke, VA 168
Washington, DC 188
Baltimore, MD 234

Topography of South Hill

Consisting of 9.96 square miles, South Hill is situated in the Piedmont Physiographic Province among gently rolling hills characteristic of the Southern Piedmont.  Elevation is 438 feet above sea level.  Drainage is provided by the Meherrin and Roanoke Rivers.

Local Economy

Agriculture remains an important industry in South Hill, and a number of manufacturing facilities are located in the Town. 

South Hill is a major shopping center in Mecklenburg County.  We have several major department stores, large grocery stores, and a variety of specialty shops including hardware, gifts, building supplies, computers, florists, antiques, pharmacies and auto parts.

Tourists trade and sport fishing also play an important part in the local economy.

We are an ideal location for businesses in need of regional, national and even international connections.  With excellent trucking access and a quick and easy connection to the world-class ports of Hampton Roads and Richmond, we are a superb choice for both industrial and knowledge-based businesses.

Natural Resources

South Hill is located on two watersheds, the Roanoke River and the Meherrin River.

Mecklenburg County, in which South Hill is located, has 247,797 acres of forestland with loblolly pine, short-leaf pine, and Virginia pine; oak-pine and oak-hickory are the predominant forest types.

Mineral deposits in the area include granite, sand, clay, copper, soapstone and tungsten.

Climate

Snow at Old Depot in 2004

A generally moderate climate exists with south to southwest prevailing winds.  We enjoy a pleasant climate with four distinct seasons.

  • January average temperature:
    Low - 33°, High - 55.8°
  • July average temperature:
    Low - 68.8°, High - 91.1°
  • Average annual precipitation:  46"

Population

The 2010 population estimate for South Hill was 4,650.

Government   
List of South Hill Mayors   

South Hill is governed by an eight member Town Council headed by a Mayor.  They all serve four year terms.  A Town Manager oversees the daily operation of the Town.  The County seat is Boydton.

The Town Council has adopted a Comprehensive Plan, and the Town is zoned.  The Code Compliance Official may be reached by calling (434) 447-5041.

Around-the-clock fire service is provided by a volunteer force of 40, and service is provided to industry beyond the Town's corporate limits.  The department has a fire insurance rating of class 5.
South Hill Volunteer Fire Department
114 N. Brunswick Avenue
South Hill, VA  23970
(434) 447-8227

Twenty-four hour police protection is provided by a staff of 25, and 13 state police are assigned to the area.
South Hill Police Department
103 S. Brunswick Avenue
South Hill, VA  23970
(434) 447-3104

Mecklenburg County Sherriff's Department (434) 738-6171

Mecklenburg County (434) 738-6191

Voter Registration (434) 738-6191

All emergencies dial 911.