57.4
County Score
Disaster Risk 79.4Safety 74.1Soil Quality 69.5

County Report Card

About Sullivan County, Indiana

Stability Above the National Median

Sullivan County earns a composite score of 57.4, well above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a higher-than-average level of security and livability for residents.

Competitive Within Indiana Borders

The county exceeds the Indiana state average of 55.9. It offers a more stable and affordable environment than many other counties across the state.

Secure and Affordable Foundations

Low environmental risk (79.4) and high safety (74.1) create a very secure living environment. Median home values of $122,200 make this one of the most affordable options in the region.

Economic Growth and Schools

Low household income scores of 25.0 indicate significant room for economic development. School performance also remains a focus area with a score of 35.6.

Ideal for Seekers of Security

Sullivan is tailor-made for people seeking a quiet, very safe, and extremely affordable lifestyle. It is a perfect match for those who prioritize community safety and low housing costs over high-growth career paths.

Score breakdown

Tax66Cost55.8Safety74.1Health53.5Schools35.6Income25Risk79.4Water62.6Weather60.8
🏛66
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠55.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼25
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡74.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
53.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓35.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
79.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧62.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤60.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨69.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱66
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty
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Deep Dives

Sullivan County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Sullivan County

via TaxByCounty

Sullivan County's modest tax rates

Sullivan County's effective tax rate of 0.675% sits slightly below the national median of 0.84%, offering moderate tax relief for homeowners. The median annual property tax of $825 remains well under the national median of $2,690, reflecting Indiana's lower property values.

Just above Indiana's average

Sullivan County's 0.675% rate runs virtually even with Indiana's state average of 0.671%, making it representative of the statewide tax environment. The median tax of $825 falls below the state median of $1,199, driven by lower home valuations.

Mid-range taxes in the region

Sullivan County's 0.675% rate sits in the middle of the eight-county range, above Steuben County's 0.582% but well below St. Joseph County's 0.867%. The county offers a balanced tax experience neither particularly high nor low regionally.

What Sullivan homeowners pay yearly

On a median home value of $122,200, Sullivan County homeowners pay about $825 in annual property taxes—the lowest median in the surveyed region. With a mortgage, expect closer to $883; without one, around $745.

Appeal an inflated assessment

Sullivan County homeowners should verify their assessment with the county assessor, as many properties are overvalued. An appeal or reassessment request could unlock savings, especially if your valuation hasn't adjusted to current market conditions.

Cost of Living in Sullivan County

via CostByCounty

Sullivan County: Affordability Challenged

Sullivan County renters face a 17.7% rent-to-income ratio—above Indiana's 15.6% state average—while earning just $54,985 annually, the lowest median income in this group. At $813 monthly rent, affordability here is strained despite modest absolute costs.

Among Indiana's Most Strained Markets

Sullivan County ranks below state averages for housing affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio that indicates genuine budget pressures on renters. The combination of low income and moderate rents creates a tighter squeeze than most Indiana counties.

Sullivan's Modest Rents, Lowest Income

Sullivan's $813 rent is cheaper than most comparables, yet its affordability challenge stems from the county's notably lower median income ($54,985) versus neighbors. Owner costs of $818 are among the lowest regionally, offering some relief for homebuyers.

Low Income Amplifies Housing Burden

Sullivan County households spend $813 on median rent and $818 on owner costs, combined equaling 29.8% of income—higher than most peers despite low absolute costs. The 17.7% rent-to-income ratio underscores how limited earnings stretch housing expenses thinly.

Sullivan: Budget Carefully Here

Relocating to Sullivan County? While rents are genuinely cheap and home values rock-bottom, your income will need to stretch further than in wealthier counties to maintain living standards. This county suits only those with stable, modest income expectations or significant savings.

Income & Jobs in Sullivan County

via IncomeByCounty

Sullivan faces significant income gap

Sullivan County's median household income of $54,985 trails the national median of $74,755 by nearly $20,000—the widest gap among these eight counties. Per capita income of $29,424 reflects limited access to higher-wage jobs and professional employment opportunities.

Lowest in Indiana's tier

Sullivan County ranks among Indiana's lowest-earning counties with a median income $13,696 below the state average of $68,681. Per capita income of $29,424 lags the state average by $5,349, indicating structural economic challenges in this rural southwest Indiana community.

Struggles against all comparables

Sullivan County's $54,985 median significantly underperforms all neighboring counties profiled here, including Starke County ($62,933) and Switzerland County ($65,148). The county faces the most acute income pressures of any community in this profile.

Housing affordability is critical

Sullivan County's 17.7% rent-to-income ratio approaches the affordability threshold, and median home values of $122,200 are the lowest in the region. For residents here, controlling housing costs is essential to maintaining financial stability.

Focus on financial basics first

Sullivan County residents should prioritize building an emergency fund and controlling debt before aggressive investing. Even small contributions—$25–50 monthly—to savings and retirement accounts compound over time and create a foundation for future wealth.

Safety in Sullivan County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety in Sullivan County

Sullivan County boasts a safety score of 99.0, placing it among the safest regions in the country. The total crime rate of 615.6 per 100,000 is far lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Outperforming Indiana State Averages

The county outperforms the Indiana state average of 693.8 per 100,000, marking it as a top performer for public safety. Three reporting agencies provide consistent data for the local community.

A Regional Leader in Security

Sullivan maintains a lower crime rate than many of its western Indiana neighbors. Its combination of low property crime and a high safety score makes it a regional leader in resident security.

Low Rates Across All Categories

Violent crime sits at 105.8 per 100,000, nearly matching the state average. Property crime is remarkably low at 509.8, which is only a fraction of the national property crime rate.

Maintaining a Safe Environment

Maintaining this high safety level requires communal vigilance and basic home security measures. Ensure all doors and windows are locked, and consider a doorbell camera to monitor arrivals.

Health in Sullivan County

via HealthByCounty

Sullivan County near national baseline

At 75.2 years, Sullivan County's life expectancy mirrors the U.S. average of 76.1 years closely. However, 20.2% report poor or fair health—among the highest in this regional analysis.

Tracking slightly ahead of state

Sullivan County's 75.2-year life expectancy edges past Indiana's 75.1-year state average by just 0.1 years. Yet its 20.2% poor/fair health rate signals underlying health burdens not fully captured by life expectancy alone.

Health challenges evident in the region

Sullivan County ranks below Steuben (77.3 years), Tippecanoe (77.6 years), and Spencer (76.3 years) counties. At 20.2% poor/fair health, it trails only Starke County, indicating widespread chronic disease concerns.

Low uninsured rate, moderate provider access

Sullivan County's 7.3% uninsured rate sits below Indiana's state average of 8.4%, a bright spot for coverage. However, with 34 primary care providers and 58 mental health providers per 100,000, provider capacity remains limited.

Strengthen Sullivan's coverage

Though most Sullivan County residents have insurance, those without should act now. Contact healthcare.gov or Indiana Health Coverage Programs at 1-877-438-4479 to close gaps and access preventive care.

Schools in Sullivan County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small Schools with Diverse Options

Sullivan County serves 3,165 students through a mix of 10 public schools across four districts. The system includes five elementary, two middle, and two high schools, plus one alternative learning center.

Competitive Results on a Lean Budget

Sullivan County achieves a graduation rate of 92.0%, nearly matching the state average and exceeding the national 87% benchmark. This is accomplished with a per-pupil expenditure of $5,412, which is just under the state average of $5,507.

Public and Charter Schools Side-by-Side

Southwest School Corporation is the largest provider with 1,743 students. Uniquely, 20% of the county's schools are charters, including the Dugger Union Community School Corp which serves 567 students.

A Rural Approach to Education

With nine of its 10 schools in rural locales, Sullivan County offers an average school size of 317 students. Sullivan Elementary is the largest campus with 663 students, while Rural Community Schools Inc provides an intimate setting of just 85 students.

Education Choice in Sullivan County

With a strong mix of traditional public and charter options, Sullivan County offers flexibility for every family. Explore real estate near Sullivan or Dugger to take advantage of these diverse educational paths.

Disaster Risk in Sullivan County

via RiskByCounty

Sullivan County enjoys minimal risk

Sullivan County scores 20.64 on the composite risk scale with a Very Low rating, less than half of Indiana's state average of 45.52. The county represents one of the nation's safer communities for natural disaster exposure.

Among Indiana's lowest-risk counties

Sullivan County ranks among the safest in Indiana's 92-county system, with a composite score significantly below the state median. Multi-hazard exposure here is substantially lower than the typical Indiana county.

Safest in its immediate region

Sullivan County (20.64) edges out Spencer County (39.41) as one of the region's safest options and shares similar protections with Switzerland County (11.61). The south-central Indiana zone benefits from relative geographic isolation from major hazard zones.

Tornadoes and earthquakes pose risks

Tornado risk reaches 47.96 in Sullivan County, the primary hazard concern, while earthquake risk at 77.93 reflects underlying seismic activity. Flood (23.03), wildfire (2.80), and hurricane (24.16) risks all remain low.

Focus on tornado and earthquake coverage

Sullivan County homeowners should maintain homeowners insurance with tornado protection and consider earthquake coverage given the 77.93 earthquake risk score. A basement safe space provides practical refuge during severe weather.

Weather & Climate in Sullivan County

via WeatherByCounty

Sullivan County's Temperate Balance

The county maintains an annual average of 54.5°F, which is warmer than the national median. It experiences a robust four-season climate typical of the Ohio Valley.

Exceeding the State Temperature Average

Sullivan's 54.5°F average is over two degrees higher than the Indiana state average of 52.2°F. It is part of the warmer southwestern quadrant of the state.

Matching the Southern Indiana Gradient

Sullivan mirrors the climate of Scott County almost exactly. It is significantly warmer and less snowy than northern counties like St. Joseph.

Hot July Peaks and Moderate Snow

July averages 76.3°F with 23 days of extreme heat above 90°F. Winters are manageable with 15.1 inches of snow and a January average of 29.4°F.

Balance Your Seasonal Home Prep

Ensure your HVAC system is ready for 23 days of extreme heat and 15 inches of winter snow. Check your home's drainage to handle the 45.6 inches of annual precipitation.

Soil Quality in Sullivan County

via SoilByCounty

Sullivan's Balanced and Productive Alfisols

Sullivan County sits on Alfisols, a taxonomic order known for being naturally productive and stable. The average pH of 6.24 is higher than the state average of 6.08 and approaches the national median of 6.5. This balanced pH level is ideal for most Midwestern crops and garden plants.

Fine Sandy Loam for Easy Tilling

The dominant texture is fine sandy loam, composed of 53.4% silt and 29% sand. With 16.4% clay, the soil maintains enough structure to hold nutrients without becoming difficult to till. This balance makes it one of the most workable soil types in the region.

Consistent Moisture for Healthy Crops

Organic matter is 3.02%, which exceeds the national average but falls below the state average of 4.90%. The available water capacity of 0.194 in/in provides a consistent supply of moisture to plant roots. This ensures that crops can withstand brief dry spells during the peak of summer.

Superior Drainage for Farming and Building

The soil is classified as well drained and belongs to hydrologic group B. This means water moves through the profile at an ideal rate, preventing standing water while keeping the soil moist. These conditions are excellent for residential construction and diverse agricultural uses.

The Perfect Gardening Spot in Zone 6b

Sullivan County's zone 6b climate supports everything from corn and soy to delicate perennials and fruit trees. The well-drained loamy soil is a significant asset for any home gardener. Now is the time to plant a vegetable patch or an orchard in this versatile ground.

Lawn Care in Sullivan County

via LawnByCounty

Steady Maintenance in Sullivan County

With a lawn difficulty score of 66.0, maintenance is more challenging than the state average but remains better than the national median. This Hardiness Zone 6b region offers a transition zone climate that can support both cool and some warm-season grasses.

High Heat and Generous Rain

The county experiences 23 extreme heat days, which is above the state average of 20, putting stress on cool-season turf. Fortunately, 45.6 inches of annual rainfall helps compensate for the high thermal demand and 3,878 growing degree days.

Strong Foundation with Sandy Loam

Sullivan features a well-drained fine sandy loam with a healthy pH of 6.24, which is near-perfect for grass growth. The 16.4% clay content provides enough structure to hold nutrients without the drainage issues found in heavier soils.

Battling Prolonged Dry Conditions

All 100% of the county is abnormally dry, following 28 weeks of drought over the last year. During these periods, allow your lawn to enter a natural dormancy rather than applying excessive fertilizer, which can burn stressed turf.

Optimizing the Sullivan Season

Tall fescue is the most resilient choice for this climate, handling the heat days and the 6b winter lows with ease. The growing window is generous, stretching from the last frost on April 14th to the first frost on October 27th.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sullivan County's county score?
Sullivan County, Indiana has a composite county score of 57.4 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Sullivan County rank among counties in Indiana?
Sullivan County ranks #49 among all counties in Indiana on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Sullivan County, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Sullivan County is $825, with an effective tax rate of 0.68%. This earns Sullivan County a tax score of 66/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sullivan County?
The median household income in Sullivan County, Indiana is $54,985 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sullivan County earns an income score of 25/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sullivan County, Indiana a good place to live?
Sullivan County scores 57.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #49 in Indiana. The best way to evaluate Sullivan County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Sullivan County with other counties side by side.