South Hill, Washington

South Hill, Washington
Interactive map of South Hill, Washington
South Hill
South Hill
Coordinates: 47°7′16″N 122°16′20″W / 47.12111°N 122.27222°W / 47.12111; -122.27222
CountryUnited States
StateWashington
CountyPierce
Area
 • Total
18.1 sq mi (46.8 km2)
 • Land18.0 sq mi (46.6 km2)
 • Water0.077 sq mi (0.2 km2)
Elevation
541 ft (165 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
64,708
 • Density3,600/sq mi (1,390/km2)
Time zoneUTC-8 (Pacific (PST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-7 (PDT)
ZIP codes
98373-98375
Area code253 & 360
FIPS code53-65922
GNIS feature ID2408766

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

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. Population growth was slow until after World War II, when roads improved and people could commute to nearby Tacoma, Fort Lewis, and Seattle.

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.