South Hill, Washington

South Hill, Washington
Nickname: 
South Puyallup
Location of South Hill, Washington
Location of South Hill, Washington
Coordinates: 47°7′16″N 122°17′26″W / 47.12111°N 122.29056°W / 47.12111; -122.29056
CountryUnited States
StateWashington
CountyPierce
Area
 • Total18.1 sq mi (46.8 km2)
 • Land18.0 sq mi (46.6 km2)
 • Water0.1 sq mi (0.2 km2)
Elevation
535 ft (163 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total64,708
 • Density3,600/sq mi (1,400/km2)
Time zoneUTC-8 (Pacific (PST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-7 (PDT)
ZIP codes
98373-98375
Area code253 & 360
FIPS code53-65922[1]
GNIS feature ID1867636[2]

South Hill is a census-designated place (CDP) in Pierce County, Washington, immediately south of Puyallup. The population was 64,708 at time of the 2020 census, up from 52,431 in 2010.[3] The area primarily consists of suburban housing and shopping with several retail shopping centers, residential neighborhoods, and apartment/condo complexes throughout. Because South Hill is unincorporated, its addresses are part of the Puyallup "postal city" or ZCTA.

Most commercial areas are located along the main thoroughfare, Meridian Avenue (State Route 161). Major neighborhoods include Manorwood, Sunrise (Sunrise Master Association), Lipoma Firs, Silvercreek, and Gem Heights. There are also a few popular public parks: Bradley Lake Park, South Hill Community Park/Nathan Chapman Memorial Trail and Wildwood Park.

The area was first settled in the 1880s after a military road was built through the area in the 1850s. Several logging camps, farms, and hunting grounds sprouted up as the area was settled. It also was the main route to the towns of Kapowsin and Eatonville (Meridian Avenue or SR 161). Population growth was slow until after World War II, when roads improved and people could commute to nearby Tacoma, Fort Lewis, and Seattle.

  1. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  2. ^ "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. October 25, 2007. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  3. ^ "QuickFacts - South Hill CDP, Washington" (Web). United States Census Bureau. Retrieved November 18, 2021.