countyscore
62.4
County Score
Disaster Risk 89.9Safety 81.9Lawn Care 79.3

County Report Card

About Sullivan County, Missouri

A National Standout in Northern Missouri

Sullivan County boasts an impressive composite score of 62.4, far outstripping the national median of 50.0. This high ranking places it among the most livable rural counties in the United States.

Leading the Pack in Missouri

Ranking significantly higher than the state average of 50.3, Sullivan County is a top-tier Missouri performer. Its combination of safety and affordability makes it a regional leader in overall quality of life.

Exceptional Safety and Environmental Stability

Sullivan County shines with a remarkable risk score of 89.9 and a safety score of 81.9. Housing is also highly accessible, featuring a median home value of just $103,300 and a cost score of 78.6.

Room to Improve in Income and Water

The county struggles with an income score of 26.5, reflecting a median household income of $55,500. Additionally, a water score of 24.1 indicates that infrastructure or quality may need future investment.

Perfect for Quiet, Secure Rural Living

Sullivan County is a premier choice for individuals seeking maximum safety and very low housing costs. It suits those who value a stable, low-risk environment over high-growth professional opportunities.

2040608010059.378.681.931.864.426.589.924.145.7Tax59.3Cost78.6Safety81.9Health31.8Schools64.4Income26.5Risk89.9Water24.1Weather45.762.4/100
This county
National avg
4 above average4 below average

Sullivan County DNA

Doverall

How Sullivan County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Sullivan County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (89.9/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (24.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
59.3
Cost
78.6+30.599999999999994
Safety
81.9+26.900000000000006
Health
31.8-18.2
Schools
64.4+10.400000000000006
Income
26.5-24.5
Risk
89.9+42.900000000000006
Water
24.1-33.9
Weather
45.7-10.299999999999997
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$103,300

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$692/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$103,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$27,680/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $55,500/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

Pike County
Arkansas
Median income: $51,000
62.4
Crawford County
Indiana
Median income: $48,993
62.4
Buchanan County
Iowa
Median income: $78,430
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Palo Alto County
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Median income: $68,963
62.4
Morgan County
Kentucky
Median income: $47,493
62.4
Hamilton County
Nebraska
Median income: $79,884
62.4
Stokes County
North Carolina
Median income: $60,039
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Darke County
Ohio
Median income: $64,654
62.4

Nearby counties

Putnam County
Missouri
62.9
Grundy County
Missouri
51
Linn County
Missouri
61.9
Mercer County
Missouri
62.8
Adair County
Missouri
44.3
Wayne County
Iowa
62.9
Appanoose County
Iowa
48.6
Livingston County
Missouri
52.7

Deep Dives

Sullivan County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Sullivan County

via TaxByCounty

Sullivan County at Missouri's average rate

Sullivan County's effective tax rate of 0.736% nearly matches Missouri's state average of 0.733%, placing it near the middle of the national distribution. The median annual tax of $760 remains well below the national median of $2,690, reflecting the lower home values in this rural county.

Typical Missouri tax burden for Sullivan

At 0.736%, Sullivan County's rate ranks near the statewide average and sits in the middle tier of Missouri's 114 counties. Despite collecting close to the state median tax amount, Sullivan County's much lower home values mean residents pay considerably less in absolute dollars than state averages suggest.

In line with rural north-central region

Sullivan County's 0.736% rate aligns closely with neighboring Vernon County (0.710%) and sits slightly higher than the statewide average. In the rural north-central region, Sullivan County represents a typical tax environment for homeowners.

A $103,300 home costs $760 yearly

Sullivan County's median home value of $103,300 generates an estimated annual property tax of just $760. With a mortgage, that climbs to $911 as lenders typically escrow taxes, while homeowners without mortgages pay approximately $679.

Appeal overassessed property valuations

Sullivan County homeowners who believe their properties are overvalued can file a free appeal with the county assessor. Many rural properties in Sullivan County are assessed above fair market value, and appeals frequently result in lower tax bills.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Sullivan County

via CostByCounty

Sullivan County beats national affordability odds

Sullivan County's 15.0% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national baseline, making it one of the more affordable rental markets relative to resident incomes. At just $692 per month, median rent aligns closely with state averages, while the $55,500 median household income reflects a rural, modest-wage economy.

Missouri's most affordable county for renters

Sullivan County leads Missouri in rental affordability, with a 15.0% rent-to-income ratio that beats the state average of 15.6% and its own rental cost of $692. This county punches above its weight for residents seeking low housing cost burdens.

Cheapest rents in the region

Sullivan County's $692 median rent significantly undercuts Stone County ($892) and Taney County ($925), making it the most affordable option for renters in this corner of Missouri. Even renters earning the county's modest $55,500 median income find relief here.

Rent and mortgages nearly equal here

Sullivan County renters pay $692 monthly while homeowners carry $693 in costs—nearly identical figures reflecting balanced affordability. At $55,500 median household income, housing consumes just 15.0% of gross income for renters and 15.0% for owners.

Rural affordability with trade-offs

Sullivan County offers the cheapest rents in the region at $692, ideal for cost-conscious renters, though median home values of just $103,300 suggest limited equity-building potential. Job availability and amenities may be scarcer than in wealthier, more urban counties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Sullivan County

via IncomeByCounty

Sullivan County trails national income levels

Sullivan County's median household income of $55,500 is 26% below the national median of $74,755, reflecting economic conditions that challenge many families. This gap underscores the need for targeted economic development and wage growth strategies in the county.

Below average for Missouri households

Sullivan County's $55,500 median income falls nearly $4,000 below Missouri's state average of $59,503, placing it in the lower-middle tier of county rankings. The per capita income of $27,916 also lags the state average of $31,011.

Moderate income in a rural region

Sullivan County ranks third among nearby Ozark counties—Stone County ($61,323) and Taney County ($58,258) both earn more, though Vernon County ($54,519) earns slightly less. This positioning reflects Sullivan's role as a smaller rural economy.

Rent-to-income ratio signals affordability

Sullivan County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.0% is among the best in the region, well below the 30% affordability threshold. The median home value of $103,300 aligns well with household earning power, making homeownership attainable for many families.

Smart savings can build financial security

Despite modest household incomes, Sullivan County's low housing burden means families can redirect savings into emergency funds and retirement accounts. Seek out low-cost investment options and employer 401(k) matches to grow wealth over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Sullivan County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional safety in Sullivan County

Sullivan County boasts a remarkable safety score of 99.3, placing it far above the national baseline. Its total crime rate of 434.6 per 100K is a fraction of the national average of 2,385.5.

One of Missouri's safest regions

With a crime rate nearly five times lower than the state average of 1926.2, Sullivan County is a regional standout. Three reporting agencies keep the local total crime rate at just 434.6 per 100K.

Outperforming regional safety expectations

The county maintains an impressively low crime profile compared to more populated Missouri areas. Its total crime rate of 434.6 per 100K makes it one of the most secure counties in the state.

Minimal violent and property crime

Violent crime is extremely rare at 83.6 per 100K, while property crime sits at 351.0. These figures are drastically lower than the national property crime rate of 2,015.7.

Maintaining a secure local community

While crime rates are exceptionally low, basic security awareness helps preserve this safe environment. Simple measures like locking doors and joining neighborhood watch groups keep community safety high.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Sullivan County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Compact Public School Infrastructure

Sullivan County manages a lean educational network of seven public schools serving 1,062 students across four districts. The system is focused on core education with four elementary schools and three high schools.

Strong Results with Lean Investment

Students achieve a 93.8% graduation rate, which beats both the state average and the 87% national benchmark. Despite per-pupil spending of $7,367 being lower than national levels, the county maintains a solid school score of 56.3.

Milan C-2 Serves the Largest Student Body

Milan C-2 is the county's largest district, educating 653 students across two schools. There are no charter schools in Sullivan County, keeping the focus entirely on traditional local public districts.

A Truly Personal Rural Education

All seven schools are located in rural settings, with an intimate average school size of only 152 students. The largest campus is Milan Elementary with 356 students, while Grundy Co. Elementary serves just 60 children.

Relocate for Small-Town Educational Excellence

For families seeking a rural lifestyle where students receive individual attention, Sullivan County is a top choice. Consider local real estate to benefit from a school system that combines high graduation rates with a close-knit community feel.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Sullivan County

via RiskByCounty

Sullivan County ranks among safest

Sullivan County's composite risk score of 10.11 earns a Very Low rating, placing it well below the national average and in the safer tier of U.S. counties. This low exposure suggests residents face relatively modest cumulative natural disaster threats compared to the broader American landscape.

Missouri's lowest-risk county

Sullivan County's 10.11 composite score is dramatically lower than Missouri's 50.56 state average, making it one of the state's safest jurisdictions. This exceptional resilience reflects the county's geography and lower exposure across most major hazard categories.

Sheltered compared to peers

Sullivan County (10.11) stands apart from surrounding counties like Putnam and Adair, offering notably lower cumulative risk exposure. Even within northern Missouri's generally moderate-risk profile, Sullivan emerges as an outlier refuge from natural disaster threats.

Wildfire and tornado deserve attention

Wildfire risk reaches 42.62 and tornado risk hits 47.71 in Sullivan County, the highest relative hazards in the region though still below state averages. Flood exposure (12.37) and earthquake risk (21.76) remain minimal, giving residents a clearer, more manageable risk profile.

Standard coverage typically sufficient

Sullivan County's low overall risk means a standard homeowners policy generally provides adequate protection for most residents. Still, review tornado and severe wind provisions with your agent to ensure adequate wind damage coverage during spring storm season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Sullivan County

via WaterByCounty

Violation Rate Exceeds Missouri Average

Sullivan County earns an F grade for drinking water compliance with 7 recorded health violations. The local violation rate of 94.5 per 100K residents is higher than the state average of 81.5.

Regional Water Bodies Await Federal Assessment

Official §303(d) assessments for Sullivan County's watersheds are not currently available in the federal ATTAINS database. This means the percentage of impaired water bodies and specific pollutant drivers remain undocumented by federal regulators.

Dense Monitoring Network Across Local Sites

Environmental agencies maintain 48 monitoring sites across the county, totaling ,4813 readings in the last five years. These efforts prioritize physical attributes, nutrients, and inorganic non-metal concentrations.

East Locust Creek Flow Declines

Current discharge at East Locust Creek near Boynton is just 5 cfs, representing only 20% of its historical mean. This small drainage area of 34 square miles is experiencing significantly lower volume than typical for this period.

Monitor Water Quality During Low Flow

High violation rates and low streamflow indicate that residents should stay informed about their specific water provider's annual reports. Consider using certified filters to address potential contaminants identified during the frequent monitoring of local sites.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Sullivan County

via WeatherByCounty

A Chilly Outlier in the Midwest

Sullivan County averages 49.8°F annually, making it notably cooler than the national median temperature. This northern Missouri climate stays well below the 54.9°F state average.

Cooler Than the Missouri Average

The county ranks among the cooler regions in the state. Its 49.8°F annual average sits over five degrees lower than the Missouri mean of 54.9°F.

Dry and Brisk Northern Borders

Sullivan receives 40.3 inches of annual precipitation, which is drier than the state average of 43.8 inches. It experiences 25 extreme heat days, far fewer than counties in the southern Ozarks.

Icy Winters and Mild Summers

Winters are significant with 17.0 inches of annual snowfall and a January average of 22.4°F. Summer peaks in July at 74.0°F, offering a break from the intense heat found elsewhere.

Prepare for Snow and Cold

Residents should invest in heavy winter gear and snow removal tools to handle the 17.0 inches of yearly snow. Home heating systems must be robust to manage the 25.8°F winter average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Sullivan County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced Entisols in North Missouri

Sullivan County's Entisols have a pH of 6.34, placing it much closer to the national median of 6.5 than many other Missouri counties. This silty clay loam provides a solid chemical foundation for diverse plant life.

The Strength of Silty Clay Loam

With 48.7% silt and 26.2% clay, this soil holds onto nutrients effectively while maintaining structure. The 25.1% sand helps prevent the heavy clay from becoming completely unworkable during wet seasons.

Superior Water Retention for Crops

The available water capacity of 0.197 in/in exceeds the state average of 0.183, signaling excellent drought resistance. However, the organic matter at 2.82% is lower than the Missouri state average of 4.74%.

Well Drained for Stable Growth

This well-drained soil falls into hydrologic group C, meaning it has a slow infiltration rate when thoroughly wet. It offers a stable environment for construction while supporting robust agricultural runoff management.

Hardy Plants for Zone 6a

Falling in hardiness zone 6a, this county is perfect for hardy perennials and cold-weather greens. Get your garden started early to take advantage of the superior water-holding capacity of your soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Sullivan County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Conditions in Sullivan County

At 79.3, Sullivan County boasts an impressive lawn difficulty score that far exceeds the state average of 63.7. Located in Hardiness Zone 6a, this area offers some of the most favorable conditions for lush grass in Missouri.

Cooler Summers and Steady Growth

The county sees only 25 extreme heat days annually, significantly lower than the state average of 37. Although the growing season length is not specified, 40.3 inches of rain and 3,140 growing degree days provide a steady foundation for cool-season turf.

The Ideal Growing Foundation

A silty clay loam texture and a healthy 6.34 pH place this soil right in the ideal range for grass growth. The well-drained profile means you won't struggle with the standing water often found in heavier clay regions.

Resilient Moisture Profiles

Although 96.7% of the county is abnormally dry, there is currently no severe drought reported. With only 14 weeks of drought in the last year, Sullivan remains much more resilient than its southern neighbors.

Seeding for Success

Tall fescue or Kentucky bluegrass are excellent choices for the cooler 6a climate of northern Missouri. Aim for a spring planting after the April 26th frost date or a fall seeding before the first frost on October 14th.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sullivan County's county score?
Sullivan County, Missouri has a composite county score of 62.4 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 Missouri?
Sullivan County ranks #9 among all counties in Missouri 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, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Sullivan County is $760, with an effective tax rate of 0.74%. This earns Sullivan County a tax score of 59.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sullivan County?
The median household income in Sullivan County, Missouri is $55,500 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sullivan County earns an income score of 26.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sullivan County, Missouri a good place to live?
Sullivan County scores 62.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #9 in Missouri. 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.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.