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Sullivan County, Pennsylvania — County Report Card

PA

#4 in Pennsylvania

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
60.4
County Score
Schools 92Disaster Risk 89.3Safety 65.1

County Report Card

About Sullivan County, Pennsylvania

Outperforming the National Average

Sullivan County earns a composite score of 60.4, significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. This score puts the county in the top tier of rural districts across the country.

A Top Pennsylvania Performer

With a 60.4 overall score, Sullivan far exceeds the Pennsylvania state average of 51.8. It ranks as one of the most livable rural counties in the Commonwealth.

Exceptional Schools and Safety

The county boasts an elite school score of 92.0 and a natural risk score of 89.3. Families benefit from safe communities and affordable housing, with a median home value of $186,400.

Infrastructure and Tax Hurdles

The water score of 8.5 indicates a significant need for infrastructure improvements. Additionally, a tax score of 34.5 reflects an effective tax rate of 1.051% that impacts household budgets.

Ideal for School-Focused Families

Sullivan is a premier choice for families who prioritize top-tier public education and physical safety. It suits those looking for a low-risk environment who can navigate higher local taxes.

Score breakdown

Tax34.5Cost63.4Safety65.1Health50.5Schools92Income53.3Risk89.3Water8.5Weather56.3
🏛34.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠63.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼53.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡65.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤50.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓92
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡89.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧8.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤56.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱62.8
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's Tax Rate Beats National Average

Sullivan County homeowners pay an effective tax rate of 1.051%, well below the national median of 1.281% and among the lowest in the nation. At $1,959 in median annual property taxes, residents here pay $731 less than the national median of $2,690, placing the county in the bottom quarter nationally for tax burden.

Lowest Taxes Among Pennsylvania Counties

Sullivan has the lowest effective tax rate of any Pennsylvania county at 1.051%, compared to the state average of 1.317%. The county's median property tax of $1,959 is 26% below Pennsylvania's average of $2,657, making it the most tax-friendly county in the state.

Significantly Lower Than Regional Peers

Sullivan's 1.051% rate undercuts every neighboring county in the northeastern region, including Susquehanna (1.148%) and Tioga (1.189%). Homeowners save roughly $350–$400 annually compared to adjacent counties with similar home values.

Median Home, Modest Tax Bill

A typical Sullivan County home valued at $186,400 generates $1,959 in annual property taxes. With mortgage-related assessments, the annual bill rises to $2,090, but without them, it drops to $1,845—among the lowest in Pennsylvania.

Even Low Bills Warrant Assessment Review

Many Sullivan County homeowners are still overassessed relative to comparable properties and current market values. Filing a property tax appeal takes little time and costs nothing—potentially unlocking valuable refunds or future savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Sullivan County

via CostByCounty

Sullivan's Rent Affordability Advantage

Sullivan County renters spend just 14.5% of their income on rent, well below the national norm and significantly better than Pennsylvania's 16.5% average. This makes the county one of Pennsylvania's most affordable rental markets, despite incomes running slightly below the national median of $74,755.

A Rare Bright Spot in PA Housing

Sullivan ranks among Pennsylvania's most affordable counties for renters, with a 14.5% rent-to-income ratio that beats the state average by 2 percentage points. At $781 monthly rent versus Pennsylvania's $960 average, renters here keep more money in their pockets for other essentials.

Cheapest Rents in Northeast PA

Sullivan's $781 monthly rent undercuts nearby Tioga County ($850) and Susquehanna County ($913), making it the region's most accessible rental market. Homeowners also enjoy lower costs here at $766/month compared to neighbors like Union County at $1,057/month.

Sullivan: Rent and Mortgage Breakdown

On a median income of $64,758, Sullivan County residents allocate roughly 14.5% to rent ($781/month) and similar percentages to mortgage payments ($766/month). This balanced affordability means households can dedicate substantial income to savings, healthcare, and other priorities.

Consider Sullivan for Affordable Living

If housing costs are pinching your budget, Sullivan County offers Pennsylvania's most competitive rental rates paired with reasonable home values around $186,400. Compare these figures to your current housing expenses—you might find Sullivan's combination of affordability and lower density living worth the move.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Sullivan County

via IncomeByCounty

Sullivan trails national income median

Sullivan County's median household income of $64,758 sits 13% below the national median of $74,755, placing the county in the lower-income tier nationally. This gap means a typical Sullivan household earns roughly $10,000 less annually than average American households, narrowing economic flexibility for savings and major purchases.

Below-average earnings within Pennsylvania

Sullivan's $64,758 median falls $4,856 short of Pennsylvania's state average of $69,614, ranking the county in the lower half statewide. However, Sullivan's per capita income of $38,338 exceeds the state average of $37,407, suggesting more balanced income distribution across the population.

Middle-income county in rural northeast

Sullivan earns more than neighboring Tioga ($62,932) and Venango ($61,626) counties but less than adjacent Susquehanna ($66,930) and Union ($72,894). Among this cluster of rural northeastern Pennsylvania counties, Sullivan ranks fourth—competitive but not leading in household earnings.

Rent remains manageable for most

A 14.5% rent-to-income ratio signals healthy affordability; the common benchmark is 30%, and Sullivan sits well below that threshold. With a median home value of $186,400 and solid rental costs, households here maintain reasonable housing security relative to income.

Build savings despite income gaps

Sullivan households earning below-national-average incomes can still build wealth by prioritizing emergency savings and affordable retirement accounts like IRAs. With lower housing cost burden (14.5% of income), residents have breathing room to invest in long-term financial security and skill development that raises earning potential.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Sullivan County

via CrimeByCounty

Sullivan County is exceptionally safe

Sullivan County maintains a stellar safety score of 98.7, placing it far above typical American communities. Its total crime rate of 816.3 per 100k residents is roughly one-third of the national average of 2,385.5.

Beating the Pennsylvania safety average

The county's safety score exceeds the Pennsylvania state average of 98.5. Five reporting agencies coordinate to maintain an environment that is significantly more secure than the state average total crime rate of 932.4 per 100k.

Safer than northern neighbors

Sullivan's crime rate of 816.3 per 100k is lower than Tioga County's 845.0. While it is highly secure, it remains slightly more active than nearby Susquehanna County, which reports a rate of 736.9.

Low violent crime risk

Violent crime is rare here, occurring at a rate of 102.0 per 100k compared to the national 369.8. Property crime accounts for 714.3 incidents per 100k, representing the vast majority of local law enforcement activity.

Vigilance protects your property

Even in high-safety areas, property crimes like theft can occur. Installing motion-activated lighting and securing outbuildings helps deter the 714.3 property incidents reported per 100k residents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Sullivan County

via HealthByCounty

Sullivan County's Health Falls Behind National Average

Sullivan County residents live to an average age of 76.2 years, trailing the U.S. life expectancy of 78.9 years by nearly three years. One in five Sullivan County residents (21.8%) report poor or fair health, a concerning indicator that outpaces national health satisfaction trends. These gaps suggest underlying healthcare and wellness challenges that deserve attention.

Slightly Below Pennsylvania's Health Benchmark

At 76.2 years, Sullivan County's life expectancy sits just 0.2 years below Pennsylvania's state average of 76.4 years, placing it in the middle tier of state health outcomes. The county's 21.8% poor/fair health rate exceeds the state picture, signaling health management challenges despite comparable life span. This suggests residents may be living longer but reporting lower overall health quality.

Mental Health Access Among the Lowest

Sullivan County has just 17 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, far below neighboring Tioga County's 147 and Susquehanna County's 81 providers per capita. With limited mental health infrastructure, residents seeking behavioral health services face geographic and availability barriers compared to surrounding counties. This gap highlights a critical access disparity in the region.

One in Twelve Residents Lack Insurance

Sullivan County's 8.1% uninsured rate surpasses Pennsylvania's state average of 7.0%, meaning roughly one in twelve residents navigate healthcare without coverage. Primary care provider data is unavailable for detailed analysis, but the combination of higher uninsured rates and limited mental health capacity suggests healthcare access remains a daily challenge for many. Residents without insurance face higher out-of-pocket costs and delayed care.

Explore Your Health Insurance Options Today

With 8.1% of Sullivan County uninsured, exploring coverage options through the Pennsylvania Health Insurance Marketplace or community health programs could improve access to affordable care. Whether you're self-employed, between jobs, or managing a family, understanding your options takes just minutes online. Contact local health departments or visit healthcare.gov to find plans that fit your needs and budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Sullivan County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Concentrated Rural Education Infrastructure

Sullivan County maintains a highly focused educational footprint with just two public schools serving a total of 616 students. This single-district system consists of one elementary school and one junior-senior high school.

Top-Tier Graduation Rates and Performance

The county boasts an impressive 95.0% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the national average of 87.0%. With a school score of 69.5 and per-pupil spending of $13,179, the county invests more than the state average to ensure student success.

One District Leading the Way

The Sullivan County School District manages both public campuses in the region, serving the entire student body without any charter school competition. This unified approach provides a consistent academic experience for all local families.

Small, Rural Learning Environments

Every school in the county is classified as rural, creating a tight-knit community feel with an average school size of 308 students. Sullivan Co El Sch is the largest facility with 329 students, while the JSHS serves 287 students in grades 7–12.

Find Your Home in Sullivan County

For families seeking small class sizes and high graduation standards, this county offers a rare level of educational intimacy. Explore local real estate to find a home within walking distance of these high-performing rural campuses.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Sullivan County

via RiskByCounty

Sullivan County's low national disaster risk

Sullivan County ranks as very low risk nationally with a composite score of 10.72, placing it well below the U.S. average. This county experiences significantly less natural disaster exposure than most American communities, making it one of Pennsylvania's safest counties for weather and geological events.

Safest county in Pennsylvania

Sullivan County's composite risk score of 10.72 is substantially lower than Pennsylvania's state average of 67.45, ranking it as the lowest-risk county in the state. This 84% reduction in risk compared to state peers reflects the county's geographic protection from major hazard zones.

Well protected compared to neighbors

Sullivan County's score of 10.72 contrasts sharply with neighboring Susquehanna County (53.59) and Tioga County (59.76), both of which face substantially higher flood and tornado risks. As the safest county in this region, Sullivan offers residents notably greater natural disaster resilience than surrounding communities.

Hurricane and earthquake pose modest threats

Sullivan County's main natural hazards are hurricane risk (58.95) and earthquake risk (24.46), though both remain relatively mild compared to state averages. Flood risk (37.37) and tornado risk (12.15) present minimal concerns, making the county exceptionally well-positioned for weather safety.

Basic coverage protects your property

While Sullivan County's overall risk is very low, homeowners should maintain standard property insurance for the modest hurricane and earthquake exposure. Even in low-risk counties, comprehensive coverage ensures financial protection against unexpected natural events.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Sullivan County

via WeatherByCounty

A Cold and Wet Mountain Climate

Sullivan County averages 45.5°F annually, making it significantly colder than the U.S. median. With 48.4 inches of annual precipitation, it is also wetter than the average American county.

Well Below the State Temperature Mark

Sullivan's 45.5°F average is much lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 49.9°F. It also receives more annual precipitation than the state average, totaling 48.4 inches compared to 45.3 inches.

Similar Temperatures to Nearby Susquehanna

Sullivan's annual average of 45.5°F is nearly identical to Susquehanna County's 45.2°F. However, Sullivan receives about 10 inches less snow per year than Susquehanna, averaging 55.5 inches.

Cold Winters With Minimal Heat Waves

Winters feature a January average of 22.5°F and over 55 inches of snow. High heat is almost non-existent, with the county typically recording only one day per year reaching 90°F.

Focus on Winter Resilience and Waterproofing

Reliable home heating and winter vehicle prep are mandatory for the long 25.0°F winter season. Given the 48.4 inches of precipitation, ensuring proper property drainage and roof integrity is critical.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Sullivan County

via SoilByCounty

A Landscape of Mountain Soils

Sullivan County's specific soil taxonomic data is currently limited, though the region reflects Pennsylvania's mountainous terrain. Without local pH data, growers should test their soil, as the state average sits at a highly acidic 5.22.

Coarse and Rocky Textures

Detailed texture and particle size data for this county are not currently available in the dataset. Local gardeners usually encounter a mix of rocky materials and weathered stone typical of the Endless Mountains.

Potent Forest Soil Potential

While specific organic matter percentages are unavailable, the county's lush forests suggest significant potential for nutrient cycling. Local growers should aim for the state's robust average of 12.14% organic matter to maximize yields.

Managing the Mountain Runoff

Comprehensive drainage and hydrologic records are not currently documented for this specific area. Proper site assessment is crucial before building or farming to ensure proper water management in this rugged landscape.

Growing in the Endless Mountains

Sullivan County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, offering a moderate growing season for resilient crops. Despite limited soil data, the region's natural beauty encourages home gardening with cool-weather vegetables.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Sullivan County

via LawnByCounty

Manageable Lawn Care in Sullivan County

Sullivan County earns a lawn difficulty score of 62.8, significantly outpacing the national median of 50.0 and the Pennsylvania average of 59.2. This hardiness zone 6a region offers a relatively hospitable environment for residential turf compared to its neighbors. Maintaining a lush yard here is easier than in many parts of the state thanks to mild summer temperatures.

Abundant Rain and Gentle Summers

Your lawn receives 48.4 inches of annual precipitation, which sits perfectly within the ideal range for cool-season grasses. With only 1 day of extreme heat over 90°F annually, your grass avoids the scorched dormancy common in southern counties. The 2072 growing degree days indicate a moderate growth rate that keeps mowing schedules predictable.

Invest in Local Soil Testing

Specific soil data for Sullivan County is currently limited, though nearby regions often struggle with naturally acidic conditions. To ensure your lawn thrives, we recommend a professional soil test to identify if lime or specific nutrients are needed. Proper testing bridges the gap when local data isn't available to guide your fertilization strategy.

Staying Green Through Dry Spells

The county faced 19 weeks in drought over the last year, and currently, 100% of the area is classified as abnormally dry. While these conditions aren't severe, you should monitor soil moisture closely during the summer months. Deep, infrequent watering is the best strategy to encourage root growth and survive these rainless periods.

Start Your Sullivan Lawn Success

Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue are excellent choices for this 6a hardiness zone. Plan your primary seeding or sodding after the last spring frost on May 14 to give roots time to establish before fall. Early autumn is also a prime window as the first frost typically arrives by October 7.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sullivan County's county score?
Sullivan County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 60.4 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 Pennsylvania?
Sullivan County ranks #4 among all counties in Pennsylvania 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, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Sullivan County is $1,959, with an effective tax rate of 1.05%. This earns Sullivan County a tax score of 34.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sullivan County?
The median household income in Sullivan County, Pennsylvania is $64,758 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sullivan County earns an income score of 53.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sullivan County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Sullivan County scores 60.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #4 in Pennsylvania. 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.