countyscore
44.6
County Score
Safety 72.8Health 70.2Soil Quality 66.6

County Report Card

About Sullivan County, New York

Struggling to meet national benchmarks

Sullivan County earns a composite score of 44.6, trailing the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a county that provides moderate amenities but faces significant headwinds in affordability and infrastructure.

Below the New York state average

Sullivan's 44.6 score is lower than the New York state average of 47.0. It remains a competitive mid-tier county within the state, though it lacks the high performance found in neighboring top-ranked counties.

Resilient safety and strong incomes

Safety is a major highlight here with a score of 72.8, complemented by a respectable health score of 70.2. The income score of 65.9 reflects a solid median household income of $69,826 for the region.

Cost and infrastructure present hurdles

A water score of 24.5 and a risk score of 21.7 suggest environmental and utility challenges. Additionally, a cost score of 22.1 indicates that housing is becoming less affordable relative to local wages.

A safe haven for mid-career families

Sullivan County is a strong fit for families who value a safe, healthy environment and possess steady local or remote employment. While water and risk scores are low, the safety and income profile offers a reliable quality of life.

Score breakdown

Tax2Cost22.1Safety72.8Health70.2Schools54.7Income65.9Risk21.7Water24.5Weather55.1
🏛2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠22.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼65.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡72.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤70.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓54.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡21.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧24.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤55.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨66.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱45.3
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

Wayne County
Pennsylvania
52.6
Pike County
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51.1
Orange County
New York
42.1
Ulster County
New York
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Sussex County
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Delaware County
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Lackawanna County
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Monroe 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 taxes slightly below national norm

Sullivan County's effective tax rate of 2.164% sits just below the national median of 2.09%, placing it in the 48th percentile nationally. Its median property tax of $5,082 is almost double the national median of $2,690, reflecting home values that average $234,800—well above the national figure.

Close to New York's statewide average

Sullivan's effective rate of 2.164% aligns closely with New York's state average of 2.046%, making it representative of typical state tax burdens. The median tax of $5,082 falls between the state median of $4,709 and the values in higher-priced counties like Tompkins and Ulster.

Middle ground among Hudson Valley peers

Sullivan's 2.164% rate sits between Ulster County's lower 1.944% and the upstate counties like Steuben (2.523%) and Tioga (2.448%). Its $5,082 median tax bill positions it as a moderate-cost Hudson Valley option, pricier than upstate but cheaper than affluent Long Island.

Annual tax on typical Sullivan home

A homeowner with the county's median-valued property of $234,800 pays approximately $5,082 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that rises to $5,485; without one, it drops to $4,639.

Appeal your assessment if unsure

Sullivan County property values are rising, and assessments don't always keep pace fairly. If your home's assessed value seems high relative to recent sales of similar properties in your town, you can file a free appeal—many homeowners recover hundreds or thousands in annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Sullivan County

via CostByCounty

Sullivan: Near-average housing burden

Sullivan County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.2% aligns closely with the national average, though median income of $69,826 trails the U.S. median by $4,929. At $999 per month, median rent reflects a rural-leaning county with moderate pricing for the region.

Slightly above state affordability norm

Sullivan County's 17.2% rent-to-income ratio inches above New York's statewide 17.6% average, placing it nearly at parity with state conditions. The $999 median rent runs $134 below the state typical of $1,133, offering modest savings relative to the broader housing market.

Mid-range pricing in Hudson Valley area

Sullivan County's $999 rent sits between upstate affordables (Seneca at $925) and pricier Hudson Valley neighbors (Ulster at $1,335), reflecting its transitional location. Its 17.2% ratio positions it as slightly more affordable than Ulster (19.6%) but pricier than nearby Tioga (15.3%).

Ownership drives higher housing costs

Renters pay $999 monthly, but homeowners face significantly higher costs at $1,256—a $257 gap reflecting Sullivan's mixed market dynamics. With median household income of $69,826, renters allocate 17.2% to housing while owners commit 21.5%, showing ownership requires careful budgeting.

Sullivan balances rural and accessible

Sullivan County offers a middle path between expensive Hudson Valley counties and cheaper upstate regions, with median rent at $999 and homes averaging $235,000. If you seek mountain scenery with manageable housing costs and proximity to New York City amenities, Sullivan provides reasonable value without extreme affordability tradeoffs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Sullivan County

via IncomeByCounty

Sullivan slightly trails national earnings

Sullivan County's median household income of $69,826 falls about 7% below the national median of $74,755. While below the U.S. average, Sullivan demonstrates stronger earning capacity than most rural upstate counties.

Sullivan ranks below state average

At $69,826, Sullivan County falls below the New York state median of $76,433 by roughly $6,600, placing it in the lower-middle range of the state's 62 counties. The county benefits from Hudson Valley proximity and tourism, which support moderate income levels.

Mid-range among regional peers

Sullivan's $69,826 income positions it between Seneca County ($66,007) and Ulster County ($81,804), making it a middle earner in the Hudson Valley region. The county outpaces isolated rural counties but trails wealthier Westchester and Orange County communities.

Housing costs rising, ratio moderate

Sullivan County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.2% remains healthy, though median home values of $234,800 reflect its appeal as an accessible Hudson Valley destination. Families here enjoy reasonable housing affordability relative to income, though prices have climbed steadily.

Building financial resilience in Sullivan

Sullivan's $69,826 median income provides a foundation for strategic savings, especially given moderate housing costs. Residents should prioritize retirement account contributions, explore local entrepreneurial opportunities, and consider home equity as a long-term wealth-building tool.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Sullivan County

via CrimeByCounty

Sullivan County delivers elite national safety

Sullivan County boasts an excellent safety score of 99.0, far exceeding national expectations. Its total crime rate of 649.1 per 100,000 is about 73% lower than the national average.

A top-tier safety performer in New York

The county's 99.0 safety score is higher than the New York state average of 98.3. Sullivan's total crime rate of 649.1 also beats the state average of 1,074.4 by a wide margin.

Leading the way among neighbors

Sullivan's crime rate of 649.1 is lower than neighboring Ulster County, which reports 776.3. It stands out as one of the safer regions in the mid-Hudson valley area.

Minimal violent crime across the county

Sullivan reports a violent crime rate of 90.2 per 100,000, well below the state average of 125.0. Property crime is also limited to 558.9, suggesting that residents enjoy a very high degree of personal and material safety.

Keeping Sullivan safe for everyone

Six local reporting agencies work together to maintain these low crime statistics. Residents can support these efforts by participating in neighborhood watch programs and securing their property.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Sullivan County

via HealthByCounty

Sullivan County faces significant health gaps

Sullivan County residents live to just 76.1 years—3 years below the U.S. average of 79.1 and 1.8 years below New York's state average of 77.9 years. At 17%, nearly one in six residents report poor or fair health, above both state and national benchmarks.

Among lowest-ranked counties statewide

Sullivan ranks among New York's lowest-performing counties for life expectancy and health status. The county's 6% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 5.3%, compounding access barriers.

Weakest provider access among peers

Sullivan's 76.1-year life expectancy is the lowest among neighboring upstate counties, falling behind Steuben (76.3), St. Lawrence (76.8), and significantly behind Tioga (78.6) and Tompkins (80.9). With only 33 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Sullivan has the fewest in its immediate region.

Provider shortage limits health access

Sullivan residents face the region's tightest primary care access, with just 33 providers per 100,000 people—less than half the density in leading counties like Tompkins (80). Combined with a 6% uninsured rate, these gaps create real barriers to preventive and routine care.

Bridge the coverage and care gap

If you're uninsured or underinsured in Sullivan, don't delay—visit ny.gov/healthplan or call 1-855-355-5777 today to find affordable coverage and take the first step toward better health.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Sullivan County

via SchoolsByCounty

Dedicated Learning in the Catskill Foothills

Sullivan County supports 9,311 students across 20 public schools and nine school districts. The infrastructure includes nine elementary schools and seven high schools, providing a balanced pathway from early childhood through graduation. This smaller system allows for a more personalized approach to public education within the region.

Significant Per-Pupil Spending and Solid Scores

The county invests a remarkable $18,781 per pupil, one of the highest spending rates in the state and $5,700 above the national average. While the 79.3% graduation rate currently sits below state averages, the high school score of 73.3 suggests a strong academic foundation. These resources are aimed at improving student outcomes across the board.

Monticello and Liberty Lead District Enrollment

Monticello Central School District is the largest in the county, serving 2,751 students across five schools. Liberty Central also maintains a significant presence with 1,816 students, followed by Sullivan West with 1,048. All schools in the county are traditional public institutions, as there are currently no charter schools.

Balanced Rural and Town Learning Environments

The county's schools are split evenly between town and rural settings, with 10 campuses in each locale. Monticello High School is the largest facility with 844 students, while the overall average school size remains manageable at 466. This mix offers families the choice between larger town schools and more secluded rural campuses.

Discover Homes Near High-Funding Schools

Sullivan County offers an attractive educational landscape for those seeking high per-pupil investment in a scenic setting. Families moving to the area often look toward the Monticello or Liberty districts for robust school resources. Finding a home here means benefiting from a county that prioritizes heavy financial support for its students.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Sullivan County

via RiskByCounty

Sullivan County's Moderate Risk Exposure

Sullivan County scores 78.28 with a Relatively Low rating, slightly exceeding New York's state average of 69.42 by about 9 points. The county faces moderate-to-elevated risk across multiple hazard types, particularly tornadoes and hurricanes.

Above-Average Risk for New York

With a composite score of 78.28, Sullivan County ranks in the state's moderate-risk tier, outpaced only by Suffolk County and Ulster County. Its tornado risk (71.34) and hurricane risk (79.18) significantly exceed statewide norms, reflecting the county's positioning in New York's variable hazard landscape.

Comparable Risk to Regional Counties

Sullivan County's 78.28 score places it very close to St. Lawrence County (77.89) and Steuben County (76.88), though its tornado exposure is notably higher. Ulster County (87.69) remains the region's riskiest, while Seneca and Tioga counties are significantly safer.

Tornadoes and Hurricanes Dominate

Tornado risk at 71.34 and hurricane risk at 79.18 are Sullivan County's primary concerns, both substantially above state averages. Flood risk (86.61) and earthquake risk (68.32) add additional layers of vulnerability across the county's diverse landscape.

Secure Wind and Flood Coverage

Sullivan County homeowners should prioritize tornado and hurricane wind protection in their insurance policies, plus comprehensive flood coverage for properties near water bodies. Older homes and mobile structures face heightened vulnerability and benefit from additional structural reinforcement.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Sullivan County

via WeatherByCounty

Sullivan's Cool Montane Climate

At 45.6°F, Sullivan County's annual average temperature sits nearly 8 degrees below the national median. This reflects its high-elevation, humid continental climate characterized by long, cool periods.

Cooler and Wetter Than the Average

Sullivan's 45.6°F average is nearly two degrees cooler than the New York state average of 47.4°F. The county also sees significantly more moisture, recording 53.4 inches of precipitation compared to the 43.3-inch state benchmark.

A Rain Magnet in the Catskills

Sullivan is one of the wettest counties in the region, out-precipitating many neighbors with its 53.4 inches of annual rainfall. This moisture fuels its lush summer landscape but leads to heavy winter accumulations.

Deep Snow and Mild Summers

Sullivan experiences 63.9 inches of annual snowfall, with January temperatures averaging a chilly 22.4°F. In contrast, summers remain exceptionally pleasant with only 3 days per year reaching the 90°F mark.

Gear Up for a Long Winter

Homeowners should prioritize high-efficiency heating systems to combat the 24.6°F winter average. Proper drainage and gutter maintenance are essential to handle the high annual precipitation levels.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Sullivan County

via SoilByCounty

Strongly Acidic and Rich Forest Soils

Sullivan County features a pH of 4.77, which is more acidic than the state average of 5.11 and the national median of 6.5. Despite this acidity, the county achieves a soil score of 66.6. These conditions are common in the heavily forested Catskill region.

A Gritty and Versatile Mix

The composition is 43.5% sand, 35.5% silt, and 10.8% clay. This sand-heavy mix provides excellent structural stability and ease of tilling. The low clay content prevents the soil from becoming overly sticky or difficult to manage during wet seasons.

Leading the State in Organic Matter

At 31.57%, Sullivan’s organic matter is nearly double the state average of 17.01% and dominates the soil profile. This massive organic reserve drives an available water capacity of 0.217 in/in, well above the state benchmark. This soil is essentially a sponge for nutrients and moisture.

High Retention Meets Rapid Flow

While specific drainage data is unavailable, the 43.5% sand content suggests that water moves easily through the upper layers. The high organic matter helps retain that moisture for plant use without creating swampy conditions. This balance is perfect for sustaining the county's lush natural landscapes.

Lush Opportunities in Zone 6a

In USDA Zone 6a, you can grow a wide variety of vegetables and cold-hardy perennials. The incredibly high organic matter makes this an ideal spot for intensive gardening and high-yield vegetable beds. Start your garden today to tap into this remarkably rich mountain soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Sullivan County

via LawnByCounty

High Difficulty in the Catskill Foothills

Sullivan County presents a significant challenge with a lawn difficulty score of 45.3, well below the national median of 50.0. Maintaining a lawn in this 6a hardiness zone requires persistent effort due to the specific soil and moisture profile of the region.

Ample Rainfall and Cool Summers

The county receives a heavy 53.4 inches of annual precipitation, which is well above the state average of 43.3. While the 3 extreme heat days per year keep grass from wilting, the 2,093 growing degree days mean turf grows slowly. Excess moisture can be a double-edged sword, leading to drainage issues or fungal growth in shady areas.

Fighting High Acidity and Rocky Soil

An average soil pH of 4.77 is quite acidic and can prevent grass from accessing the fertilizers you apply. The soil consists of 43.5% sand and 10.8% clay, which generally allows for drainage but lacks the chemical balance of ideal turf soil. Significant lime treatments are necessary to raise the pH toward the 6.0 goal for better health.

Resilience Amidst Frequent Dry Spells

Despite the high rainfall, Sullivan County saw 22 weeks of drought last year and remains 80.0% abnormally dry. During these periods, allow your grass to enter dormancy rather than over-watering, as it will naturally recover once the rain returns. This strategy prevents wasting water and reduces stress on the plant's crown.

The Right Mix for Sullivan Soils

Fine fescues and Kentucky bluegrass are the best bets for the cool, damp climate of zone 6a. Plan to seed after the last frost on May 9th or in the early fall before the October 7th frost arrives. These varieties are best suited to handle the chilly 22.4°F winters and the high annual rainfall of the area.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sullivan County's county score?
Sullivan County, New York has a composite county score of 44.6 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 York?
Sullivan County ranks #38 among all counties in New York 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 York?
The median annual property tax in Sullivan County is $5,082, with an effective tax rate of 2.16%. This earns Sullivan County a tax score of 2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sullivan County?
The median household income in Sullivan County, New York is $69,826 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sullivan County earns an income score of 65.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sullivan County, New York a good place to live?
Sullivan County scores 44.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #38 in New York. 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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🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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