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Sullivan County, Pennsylvania — County Report Card

PA

#3 in Pennsylvania

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
61.8
County Score
Schools 92Disaster Risk 89.3Cost of Living 69

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.

2040608010033.86965.150.59261.489.38.556.3Tax33.8Cost69Safety65.1Health50.5Schools92Income61.4Risk89.3Water8.5Weather56.361.8/100
This county
National avg
5 above average2 below average

Sullivan County DNA

Doverall

How Sullivan County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Sullivan County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (89.3/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (8.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
33.8-18.200000000000003
Cost
69+21
Safety
65.1+10.099999999999994
Health
50.5
Schools
92+38
Income
61.4+10.399999999999999
Risk
89.3+42.3
Water
8.5-49.5
Weather
56.3
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$197,100

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$775/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$197,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,000/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $69,764/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

17.1

per 100K

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

Explore this county

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Deep Dives

Sullivan County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 61.8 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 Pennsylvania?
Sullivan County ranks #3 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 $2,015, with an effective tax rate of 1.02%. This earns Sullivan County a tax score of 33.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sullivan County?
The median household income in Sullivan County, Pennsylvania is $69,764 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sullivan County earns an income score of 61.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sullivan County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Sullivan County scores 61.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #3 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.