The first settlement at Hill City was made in 1876. This makes it the oldest town in Graham County.[5] The community was named after W. R. Hill, a first settler.[6] Hill City was platted in 1878.[7] The first post office in Hill City was created in September 1878.[8] Hill City was designated county seat in 1880.[5] By 1915, Hill City had 647 people living there.[9]
On June 26, 2012 the temperature reached 115 °F (46 °C), breaking the June record tied just 2 days earlier. It was the hottest city in the United States for four days in a row it had temperatures of 114°, 111°, 115°, and 115 °F (46°, 44°, 46°, and 46 °C).[10][11]
On June 9, 2005 a large tornado passed 1 mile south of Hill City.[12] A large tornado hit just north of the city on June 20, 2011.[13]
The 2020 census says that there were 1,403 people, 625 households, and 359 families living in Hill City. Of the households, 68.3% owned their home and 31.7% rented their home.
The median age was 47.6 years. Of the people, 92.3% were White, 2.0% were Black, 0.9% were Asian, 0.4% were Native American, 0.1% were Pacific Islanders, 0.4% were from some other race, and 3.9% were two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.9% of the people.[3][14]
2010 census
The 2010 census says that there were 1,474 people, 669 households, and 404 families living in Hill City.[15]
Education
Hill City is served by USD 281 Graham County. The district high school is in Hill City. The Hill City High School mascot is Ringnecks.[16]
