countyscore

Sullivan County, New Hampshire — County Report Card

NH

#6 in New Hampshire

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
42.8
County Score
Income & Jobs 78.4Health 77.1Soil Quality 65.9

County Report Card

About Sullivan County, New Hampshire

Sullivan County Trails National Benchmark

Sullivan County scores 42.8 on the composite index, which is roughly 7 points below the national median of 50.0. Despite being in the lower half of the national ranking, it remains competitive with many rural counties.

Mirroring the State Average

The county’s 42.8 score sits almost perfectly in line with the New Hampshire state average of 43.1. Sullivan represents a typical New Hampshire profile, balancing high service quality with the state's unique tax structure.

Robust Income and Low Environmental Risk

The county excels with an Income Score of 78.4 and a Risk Score of 62.5. Households earn a median of $75,929 and benefit from a lower-than-average threat from natural disasters or environmental hazards.

High Effective Tax Rates

Sullivan struggles with a Tax Score of only 1.1, driven by a heavy 2.377% effective tax rate. While the median home value of $236,300 is lower than its neighbors, the recurring tax burden remains a significant financial hurdle.

Stability for Practical Households

Sullivan County is a great fit for families seeking safety and solid incomes within a quintessential New England setting. It appeals most to residents who prioritize environmental resilience and can manage the state's high property tax reliance.

Score breakdown

Tax1.1Cost15.5Safety44.1Health77.1Schools63.3Income78.4Risk62.5Water57.8Weather50.1
🏛1.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠15.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼78.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡44.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤77.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓63.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡62.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧57.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨65.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱47.3
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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Nearby counties

Merrimack County
New Hampshire
43.6
Windsor County
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42.5
Cheshire County
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43.4
Windham County
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Belknap County
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Hillsborough County
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Rutland County
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Bennington County
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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 tax rate hits highest tier

Sullivan County's effective tax rate of 2.38% ranks among the highest in the nation, far exceeding the national median of 1.09%. Though the median property tax of $5,616 appears lower in absolute dollars, this reflects Sullivan's lower median home value of $236,300—below the national median of $281,900. The effective rate tells the true story: Sullivan residents pay a premium rate relative to home value.

Sullivan leads New Hampshire in tax rates

Sullivan County's 2.38% effective tax rate is the highest in New Hampshire, exceeding the state average of 1.85% by 0.53 percentage points. The median property tax of $5,616 sits just below the state median of $5,680, but the rate differential indicates Sullivan shoulders a heavier proportional burden. This makes Sullivan one of the most tax-intensive counties in the state.

Higher rate than eastern Strafford County

Sullivan County's 2.38% effective rate surpasses Strafford County's 1.98% by a significant margin, making it the higher-taxing county regionally. Sullivan homeowners pay $5,616 annually on a median home valued at $236,300, while Strafford homeowners pay $6,582 on a home valued $96,100 higher. The rate difference reflects distinct regional and municipal tax structures across southwestern New Hampshire.

What median homeowners pay annually

A homeowner with a median-valued property of $236,300 in Sullivan County pays approximately $5,616 in annual property taxes, or $468 monthly. Factoring in mortgage-related obligations increases the annual bill to $5,710 for those carrying a mortgage. This represents a steady, substantial cost for property ownership in the county.

Property tax appeals can lower your bill

Sullivan County residents should know that overassessment is common and a formal appeal to your town's assessor is a legitimate option. Many homeowners don't realize their assessed value may exceed actual market value—a strong case for filing an appeal. Review comparable property sales in your town, and consider requesting an assessment review if recent market data supports a lower value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Sullivan County

via CostByCounty

Sullivan keeps housing costs down

Sullivan County renters spend just 18.3% of their median household income on rent, a respectable figure that's only slightly above the national affordability threshold. This western New Hampshire county offers one of the region's more favorable rent-to-income ratios for budget-conscious renters.

Sullivan beats New Hampshire average

At 18.3%, Sullivan's rent-to-income ratio outperforms the state average of 17.7%, and its median rent of $1,159 stays $114 below New Hampshire's state median. Sullivan emerges as one of the state's more affordable corners for renters.

Sullivan undercuts Strafford County

Sullivan's $1,159 median rent is $254 cheaper than Strafford County's $1,413, and its median home value of $236,300 undercuts Strafford by $96,100. For renters and buyers alike, Sullivan delivers southwestern New Hampshire living at a notable discount.

Lower costs, tight budgets

Sullivan renters spend $1,159/month while homeowners pay $1,316/month against a median household income of $75,929. Housing consumes 18.3% of renter income and roughly 21% of owner income—lean figures that leave more room in the household budget.

Sullivan attracts value seekers

Sullivan County delivers the lowest housing costs in this comparison while maintaining median income just below the national average, making it ideal for relocators prioritizing affordability. If you're drawn to New England charm without the Seacoast premium, Sullivan's mountains and small towns offer measurable savings.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Sullivan County

via IncomeByCounty

Sullivan keeps pace with national income

Sullivan County's median household income of $75,929 edges out the U.S. median of $74,755 by just $1,174, placing it in the moderate-income tier nationally. The county's economy relies on a mix of tourism, healthcare, and small manufacturing, typical of rural New England regions.

Sullivan ranks below New Hampshire average

At $75,929, Sullivan County trails the state median of $86,521 by 12.2 percent, ranking it among the lower-income counties in New Hampshire. This gap reflects the county's smaller job centers and dependence on lower-wage rural and seasonal employment.

Strafford County outearns Sullivan by 13.9%

Sullivan's median household income of $75,929 falls notably short of neighboring Strafford County's $86,564. This $10,600 difference highlights the economic divide between Sullivan's rural character and Strafford's more urbanized population centers with larger employers.

Housing affordability is Sullivan's strength

Sullivan County boasts the best rent-to-income ratio between the two counties at 18.3%, well below the 30% affordability benchmark. The median home value of $236,300 is also notably lower than Strafford, making homeownership more attainable despite the county's lower median income.

Leverage affordability to build savings

Sullivan County's lower housing costs create a genuine opportunity: residents can allocate more income toward savings and investment than peers in higher-cost regions. Even modest monthly contributions to a savings account or low-cost investment fund can compound into meaningful wealth over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Sullivan County

via CrimeByCounty

Sullivan County Maintains Elite National Safety Marks

Sullivan County reports 1259.4 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is roughly half the national average of 2,385.5. This low frequency of incidents results in a high national safety score of 98.0 out of 100.

Sullivan Ranks Among New Hampshire's Safest Counties

Sullivan County matches the state's average safety score of 98.0. Its total crime rate of 1259.4 per 100,000 residents stays nearly level with the New Hampshire average of 1242.4.

Sullivan Shows Lower Crime Than Nearby Strafford

Sullivan County reports a total crime rate of 1259.4 per 100,000, edging out Strafford County’s rate of 1296.5. Both counties share a matching safety score of 98.0, indicating high standards across the region.

Breaking Down Sullivan's Violent and Property Crimes

Sullivan County records 1125.6 property crimes and 133.8 violent crimes per 100,000 residents. The violent crime rate is slightly higher than the New Hampshire average of 128.4, though it remains far below the national mark of 369.8.

Safeguarding Your Property in Sullivan County

With 1125.6 property crimes per 100,000 residents, staying vigilant helps maintain the county’s 98.0 safety score. Simple home awareness and security systems provide additional peace of mind in this high-safety environment.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Sullivan County

via HealthByCounty

Sullivan County life expectancy near U.S. average

Sullivan County residents live to an average age of 78.0 years, just barely above the U.S. life expectancy of 78.7 years despite being 0.3 years below New Hampshire's state average. However, 15.6% of Sullivan residents report being in poor or fair health, slightly below the national rate of 16.3%, reflecting a mixed health picture.

Sullivan ranks among lower-performing NH counties

Sullivan County has the lowest life expectancy of the two counties examined here at 78.0 years, trailing New Hampshire's state average of 78.3 years by 0.3 years. The county's uninsured rate of 7.0% exceeds the state average of 6.7%, indicating coverage challenges affecting roughly 2,800 residents.

Sullivan lags neighboring Strafford County

Sullivan County's life expectancy of 78.0 years falls short of Strafford's 77.6 years, and its uninsured rate of 7.0% significantly exceeds Strafford's 5.6%, suggesting Sullivan residents face greater barriers to health coverage and care. Primary care access in Sullivan is slightly stronger at 71 providers per 100,000 versus Strafford's 67, but mental health services are more scarce at 227 per 100,000 compared to Strafford's 330.

Mental health access is a key gap

Sullivan County has 71 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—adequate for routine care—but mental health providers number only 227 per 100,000, the lowest rate among these counties and below many state benchmarks. With a 7.0% uninsured rate, an estimated 2,800 Sullivan residents lack regular coverage, making mental health care and preventive services even harder to access.

Get covered—Sullivan has options

Sullivan County residents can enroll in the NH Health Plan Marketplace or explore federally qualified health centers that provide sliding-scale care regardless of insurance status. With 7% of the county uninsured, taking action now protects your health and can reduce the financial burden of unexpected illness or injury.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Sullivan County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Learning in Sullivan County

Sullivan County maintains a localized education system with 26 public schools spread across 11 distinct districts. This network serves 4,692 students through 16 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 4 high schools.

High Investment and Competitive Outcomes

With a graduation rate of 86.3%, Sullivan County nearly matches the state average of 87.2%. The county invests $13,257 per student annually, exceeding both the New Hampshire state average of $12,649 and the national average of $13,000.

Claremont and Fall Mountain Districts

The Claremont School District is the area's largest, enrolling 1,649 students across 6 schools, while Fall Mountain Regional follows with 1,418 students. There are currently no charter schools in the county, focusing all resources on traditional public districts.

Intimate Rural Learning Environments

Schools in Sullivan County offer a personalized feel with an average enrollment of just 180 students per school. The landscape is primarily rural, where even the largest facility—Stevens High School—serves a modest 525 students.

Find Your Home in a Tight-Knit Community

For those seeking a rural lifestyle with high per-pupil educational investment, Sullivan County offers unique opportunities for home buyers. Consider the intimate school sizes and strong community focus when researching your next move.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Sullivan County

via RiskByCounty

Sullivan County enjoys very low national risk

Sullivan County's composite risk score of 37.56 earns it a Very Low rating, placing it well below the national average exposure to natural disasters. This county represents one of the safer jurisdictions in the country when considering all hazard types combined.

New Hampshire's safest county by a significant margin

Sullivan County's score of 37.56 is dramatically lower than New Hampshire's state average of 69.89, making it the state's most protected county against natural disasters. This 32-point gap underscores Sullivan's exceptional advantage across nearly all hazard categories.

Significantly safer than adjacent Strafford County

Sullivan's composite risk of 37.56 stands nearly half that of neighboring Strafford County's 64.09—a substantial protective buffer. Sullivan benefits from lower exposure across all major hazards, particularly wildfire (13.74 vs. 34.51) and tornado risk (22.71 vs. 42.21).

Flood and hurricane risks deserve attention

Despite Sullivan's overall low-risk profile, flood (60.62) and hurricane (67.04) represent the county's most elevated hazards, though both remain below state averages. Wildfire (13.74) and tornado (22.71) risks are exceptionally low, reflecting the county's inland location and landscape characteristics.

Standard coverage typically sufficient for Sullivan

Sullivan County residents benefit from relatively modest disaster exposure, though flood insurance remains prudent for properties in flood zones along rivers and streams. Standard homeowners policies adequately cover most risks, but reviewing coverage limits ensures protection if major hurricanes or flooding events impact the region.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Sullivan County

via WeatherByCounty

Sullivan's Cold Northern Reach

Sullivan County maintains a brisk average annual temperature of 44.3°F, placing it nearly 10 degrees below the national median. This region defines the cooler end of the humid continental climate spectrum.

Below the New Hampshire Average

The county sits below the state average annual temperature of 45.4°F and is also slightly drier than most of New Hampshire. It records 42.0 inches of precipitation annually, compared to the 46.4-inch state benchmark.

A More Rugged Interior Climate

Sullivan is much colder and snowier than coastal-adjacent Strafford County, averaging 66.1 inches of snow per year compared to Strafford's 38.9. Its July average of 68.3°F is also two degrees cooler than its eastern neighbors.

Heavy Snow and Brisk Winters

Winter is the dominant season here, with average temperatures of 22.1°F and a January low of 19.2°F. Extreme heat is rare, as the county sees only 6 days a year reaching 90°F or higher.

Gear Up for Serious Snow

With 66.1 inches of annual snowfall, residents require heavy-duty snow removal equipment and dedicated winter tires. Home insulation is a priority given the winter average of 22.1°F, which is lower than many other parts of the state.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Sullivan County

via SoilByCounty

Moderate Acidity and Strong Scores

Sullivan County presents a pH of 4.72, which is less acidic than the state average of 4.24 but still significantly lower than the national 6.5 median. This chemical profile contributes to a strong overall soil score of 65.9, outpacing the state average of 59.8.

A Balanced Silt and Sand Mix

The local soil consists of 36.6% sand and 33.9% silt, providing a balanced structure for root penetration and moisture movement. With a low clay content of 5.3%, the soil remains easy to work and resists the heavy compaction often found in denser clays.

Superior Water Retention Potential

Available water capacity stands at 0.215 in/in, exceeding the state average of 0.204. While the 26.47% organic matter content is slightly below the state average of 32.63%, it remains vastly superior to the 2.0% national benchmark for soil health.

Productive Soils for Local Growth

Specific drainage and hydrologic classifications are currently unavailable for the county's soil profile. However, the high soil score indicates that the natural hydrology likely supports efficient drainage for both agricultural and residential development.

Productive Planting in Zone 5b

Sullivan's Hardiness Zone 5b climate is ideal for growing hearty crops like blueberries, potatoes, and northern-adapted fruit trees. Use the county's above-average soil quality to your advantage and begin your planting season with confidence.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Sullivan County

via LawnByCounty

Sullivan County Nears State Average Difficulty

With a lawn difficulty score of 47.3, Sullivan County is nearly on par with the New Hampshire average of 47.9. This USDA Hardiness Zone 5b area offers a slightly more forgiving environment than some neighboring coastal counties. While still below the national median of 50.0, it presents a balanced challenge for local homeowners.

Cooler Summers Benefit Cool-Season Grass

The county enjoys a milder summer with only 6 extreme heat days, staying below the state average of 7. Annual precipitation reaches 42.0 inches, providing consistent natural irrigation for the 2,021 growing degree days. This combination allows for a steady growth cycle without the intense heat stress found in southern regions.

Acidic Soil Demands Regular Testing

Sullivan County soil has a pH of 4.72, which is acidic enough to limit nutrient uptake in most standard turfgrasses. The soil is composed of 36.6% sand and a low 5.3% clay, suggesting that while it drains well, it may struggle to hold onto fertilizers. Adding lime is a critical step to bring the ground closer to the ideal 6.0-7.0 pH range.

Managing Moderate Drought Vulnerability

The area spent 36 weeks in drought over the past year, with 46.1% of the county currently in a severe drought stage. While 100% of the county is abnormally dry, these conditions are less widespread than in other parts of the state. Maintaining a higher mowing height can help shade the soil and retain what little moisture is available.

Plan Around a Shorter Season

Hardy cool-season grasses like Fine Fescue and Ryegrass thrive in Sullivan County's cooler 5b climate. Wait until the last frost passes around May 14th before you begin your spring seeding. With the first fall frost typically hitting by October 1st, the growing window is brief but productive.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sullivan County's county score?
Sullivan County, New Hampshire has a composite county score of 42.8 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 New Hampshire?
Sullivan County ranks #6 among all counties in New Hampshire 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, New Hampshire?
The median annual property tax in Sullivan County is $5,616, with an effective tax rate of 2.38%. This earns Sullivan County a tax score of 1.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sullivan County?
The median household income in Sullivan County, New Hampshire is $75,929 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sullivan County earns an income score of 78.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sullivan County, New Hampshire a good place to live?
Sullivan County scores 42.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #6 in New Hampshire. 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.

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