countyscore
52.8
County Score
Water Quality 86Property Tax 70.7Weather & Climate 68.8

County Report Card

About Sullivan County, Tennessee

Ahead of the National Curve

Sullivan County holds a composite score of 52.8, slightly outperforming the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a stable balance of economic and lifestyle factors relative to the U.S. at large.

Leading the State Baseline

With its 52.8 score, Sullivan remains above the Tennessee state average of 51.3. It maintains a competitive edge in the Tri-Cities region through consistent performance across multiple dimensions.

Pure Water and Low Taxes

Water quality is a major asset here, earning a top-tier score of 86.0. Additionally, the county maintains a strong tax score of 70.7, supported by a modest 0.632% effective property tax rate.

Environmental and Economic Headwinds

Sullivan struggles with an environmental risk score of 28.5 and a lower income score of 29.8. Median household incomes of $56,802 trail behind state and national leaders, impacting overall purchasing power.

Best for Reliability and Value

Sullivan County is a strong fit for families who value high-quality utilities and tax savings. It appeals to those seeking a traditional East Tennessee lifestyle with manageable living costs.

Score breakdown

Tax70.7Cost57.7Safety46.5Health39Schools55Income29.8Risk28.5Water86Weather68.8
🏛70.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠57.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼29.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡46.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤39
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓55
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡28.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤68.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨45.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱55.3
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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Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Bristol city
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41.6
Washington County
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58.3
Washington County
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54.9
Carter County
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Scott County
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Johnson County
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Russell County
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Unicoi 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 taxes still below national median

Sullivan County's effective rate of 0.632% remains well below the national median of 0.711%, placing the county in the lower half of U.S. tax jurisdictions. The median tax payment of $1,205 is less than half the national median of $2,690, reflecting Tennessee's tax-friendly status.

Higher than Tennessee average, moderately taxed

Sullivan County ranks above Tennessee's state average rate of 0.511%, making it one of the pricier counties to own property in the state. At $1,205 median taxes versus the state average of $1,016, Sullivan County homeowners pay roughly $190 more annually than the typical Tennessee resident.

Highest taxes in this rural corner

Sullivan County's 0.632% rate exceeds most neighboring counties, including Stewart County at 0.520% and Unicoi County at 0.571%. This higher burden reflects Sullivan County's larger population and more developed tax base compared to its rural peers in the region.

Annual taxes exceed $1,200 on median home

A typical Sullivan County home worth $190,800 carries an estimated annual tax bill of $1,205. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $1,288; without one, it drops to $1,111—a noticeable expense for homeowners in this northeastern Tennessee county.

Sullivan County homeowners can appeal assessments

Many properties in Sullivan County may be assessed above their true market value, especially if the market has softened or improvements have aged. Homeowners can request a reassessment or file a formal appeal with the county assessor's office to potentially reduce their annual tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Sullivan County

via CostByCounty

Sullivan County's affordability challenge

Sullivan County renters pay 18.0% of their income toward housing—above both the national rate of 17.6% and Tennessee's state average of 17.6%. With a median income of $56,802, well below the national $74,755, affordability pressure is real here.

Struggling on the statewide scale

Sullivan County ranks among Tennessee's least affordable counties, with renters spending 18.0% of income on housing compared to the state average of 17.6%. This modest but consistent gap compounds for lower-income households, making renting costlier relative to earnings.

Sullivan pricier than nearby peers

Sullivan County's $850 median rent exceeds neighboring Stewart County ($837) and Unicoi County ($665), positioning it as one of the pricier options in the Tri-Cities region. For homebuyers, the $737 monthly mortgage cost also runs higher than most surrounding counties.

Stretched tight: $56K income

On a median income of $56,802, Sullivan County renters allocate 18.0% ($850/month) to housing—eating into budgets faster than state and national averages. Homeowners fare slightly better, dedicating 15.6% to monthly mortgage costs, but overall housing remains a significant expense.

Evaluate neighboring counties first

Sullivan County's 18.0% rent-to-income ratio ranks above average for Tennessee—shoppers might find better value in nearby Unicoi ($665 rent) or Stewart County ($837 rent). Compare your expected income to these differences to maximize housing affordability in the region.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Sullivan County

via IncomeByCounty

Sullivan Trails National Income Average

Sullivan County's median household income of $56,802 sits nearly $18,000—or 24%—below the nation's $74,755 median. This significant gap underscores economic challenges facing many households in this East Tennessee region.

Below Tennessee Average Income

Sullivan County ranks below Tennessee's state median of $58,994 by about $2,200, placing it in the lower third of state counties. Despite hosting the tri-cities area, the broader county income lags behind state norms.

Among the Lower-Earning Counties Nearby

Sullivan County's $56,802 income ranks it near the bottom of its immediate region, outpacing only Unicoi County ($50,381) and significantly trailing Tipton County ($71,736). This positions Sullivan as one of the more economically challenged areas in East Tennessee.

Rent Takes a Larger Share Here

At 18.0%, Sullivan County's rent-to-income ratio edges toward the affordability danger zone, though it remains below the critical 30% threshold. With a median home value of $190,800, homeownership becomes more challenging on the county's median income.

Breaking the Income Ceiling in Sullivan

Sullivan County residents earning the median face tighter financial constraints, making intentional wealth-building strategies essential. Even small increases in income through skill development, side work, or investment returns can meaningfully improve long-term financial stability.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Sullivan County

via CrimeByCounty

Sullivan County maintains strong safety marks

With a safety score of 98.1, Sullivan County proves far safer than the national average. Its total crime rate of 1202.1 per 100,000 is roughly half the national figure of 2,385.5.

Sullivan outperforms the state average

The county's safety score exceeds the Tennessee average of 97.2 across its six reporting agencies. Its total crime rate of 1202.1 is also significantly lower than the state average of 1785.6.

Comparing Sullivan to nearby counties

Sullivan's crime rate of 1202.1 is higher than Unicoi's 907.8 but remains lower than Union's 1455.2. It sits in a middle ground for regional safety performance.

Violent crime remains below national levels

The violent crime rate of 293.0 is lower than the national average of 369.8. Property crime accounts for the majority of local incidents, occurring at a rate of 909.1 per 100,000 residents.

Defending your property in Sullivan

Since property crime is more common than violent crime, residents should focus on securing valuables. Installing smart doorbells or motion-activated lights can effectively discourage theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Sullivan County

via HealthByCounty

Sullivan County's health matches national norms

Sullivan County's 72.7-year life expectancy aligns closely with the U.S. average of 72.6 years, placing residents in line with national longevity trends. With 18.8% reporting poor or fair health, the county performs slightly better than many peers, signaling relatively stable health profiles.

Sullivan ranks comfortably above state average

At 72.7 years, Sullivan County exceeds Tennessee's 72.4-year state average and boasts a 10.5% uninsured rate—below the state's 11.9% benchmark. The county's 18.8% poor/fair health rate is among Tennessee's better outcomes, reflecting stronger community health management.

Sullivan stands out for provider strength

Sullivan County's 121 primary care providers per 100,000 residents vastly outpaces neighboring Stewart County (7 per 100K) and Sumner County (47 per 100K), making it a regional healthcare hub. With 151 mental health providers per 100K—the highest among peers—Sullivan demonstrates robust healthcare infrastructure.

Strong provider access meets low uninsured rates

Sullivan's 121 primary care providers per 100K and 10.5% uninsured rate represent some of East Tennessee's best healthcare access metrics. Residents can typically find appointments locally and afford coverage, reducing barriers to preventive care and chronic disease management.

Maximize your coverage today

One in ten Sullivan County residents remains uninsured despite strong local healthcare availability. Explore plans at healthcare.gov or contact the Sullivan County Health Department to ensure your family has coverage that matches your needs and budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Sullivan County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Tri-City Educational Network

Sullivan County features a diverse landscape of 37 public schools serving 19,690 students across three distinct districts. The infrastructure includes 23 elementary, 7 middle, and 5 high schools, offering broad coverage for the region.

Strong Academic Results and Balanced Investment

The county maintains a 94.4% graduation rate, which exceeds the state average and the national benchmark of 87.0%. Local investment is strong, with per-pupil spending at $6,522, surpassing the Tennessee average of $6,215.

Three Districts Serving Local Hubs

Sullivan County Schools is the largest district with 8,380 students, followed closely by Kingsport with 7,784 and Bristol with 4,029. No charter schools operate in the county, as the three traditional districts manage 100% of the public enrollment.

From Urban Centers to Rural Valleys

This county offers high locale diversity with 19 schools in city settings, 11 in rural areas, and 7 in suburbs. The massive Dobyns-Bennett High School serves 2,514 students, representing a significant contrast to smaller local primary schools.

Relocate Near Sullivan's Diverse Districts

With its mix of city and suburban school options, Sullivan County offers families various lifestyles paired with strong academic outcomes. High graduation rates and competitive school scores make this area a premier choice for Tennessee homebuyers.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Sullivan County

via RiskByCounty

Sullivan County faces elevated risks

Sullivan County's composite risk score of 71.47 exceeds the national average, earning a Relatively Low overall rating. This score reflects genuine exposure to multiple hazard types that deserve your attention and preparation.

Middle of the risk pack statewide

Sullivan County ranks at 71.47, slightly above Tennessee's state average of 52.45, placing it in the moderate-risk group. You face more exposure than the safest counties but less than the state's highest-risk areas.

Higher risk than mountain neighbors

Sullivan County's 71.47 score is notably higher than nearby Unicoi County (10.59) and Union County (12.88), despite their proximity. Your location in the northern foothills exposes you to different hazard patterns than your higher-elevation neighbors.

Flooding and earthquakes drive risk

Flood risk stands at 81.62 and earthquake risk at 87.25, making these your primary concerns. Tornado risk is moderate at 47.23, while hurricane exposure is notable at 54.69 despite your inland location.

Invest in flood and earthquake coverage

Given your 81.62 flood risk, separate flood insurance is essential—it's not included in standard homeowners policies. Add earthquake coverage and ensure proper drainage around your foundation to mitigate water intrusion during heavy rainfall.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Sullivan County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate Temperatures and Manageable Rain

Sullivan County's 57.0°F average annual temperature is slightly higher than the national median. It is drier than many of its peers, with 44.5 inches of annual precipitation.

Cooler and Drier Than Average

At 57.0°F, Sullivan is cooler than the 58.1°F Tennessee state average. It is significantly drier than the state norm, receiving over 11 inches less rain than the state average of 55.9 inches.

The Drier Side of Appalachia

Sullivan County is notably drier than its mountain neighbors to the south. Its 44.5 inches of rain is low for East Tennessee, though it shares the region's characteristic cool winter breezes.

Mild Summers and Crispy Winters

Summers are pleasant with only 26 days of extreme heat and a 74.6°F average. Winters bring a January average of 36.6°F and 7.1 inches of annual snowfall.

Enjoy More Outdoor Days

With only 26 extreme heat days, Sullivan offers more comfortable outdoor time than much of Tennessee. Residents should keep a shovel ready for the 7.1 inches of snow that typically falls each winter.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Sullivan County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Silty Clay Loams in the Highlands

Sullivan County is dominated by silty clay loam and young Inceptisols soil. The average pH of 5.17 is significantly more acidic than the national 6.5 median and falls below the Tennessee state average of 5.35.

Gritty Texture Meets Heavy Clay

This soil mix contains 35.6% sand and 16.0% clay, creating a grittier profile than many neighboring counties. While the 37.7% silt helps with structure, the higher sand content typically allows for faster initial drainage in garden beds.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

Sullivan County boasts an impressive 8.90% organic matter, nearly four times the state average of 2.44%. Despite this richness, the available water capacity of 0.153 in/in is lower than the state benchmark, meaning these soils may dry out faster than expected.

Fast Drainage but High Runoff Risk

The soil is classified as well-drained, but its hydrologic group D designation suggests a high runoff potential when the ground is saturated. This combination makes the land excellent for preventing root rot but challenging for managing storm water.

Acid-Loving Plants Thrive in Zone 7b

The high organic matter makes this a dream for specialized gardening in zone 7b. Blueberries and azaleas thrive in this acidic environment, and with a soil score of 45.8, your backyard crops are starting from a position of strength.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Sullivan County

via LawnByCounty

Above-Average Lawn Success in Sullivan

Sullivan County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 55.3, indicating it is easier to grow grass here than the national and state averages. Located in Zone 7b, the county offers a favorable environment for many popular turf varieties. You start with a significant advantage compared to neighbors in more difficult Tennessee climates.

Perfect Precipitation for Healthy Roots

Annual precipitation averages 44.5 inches, falling perfectly within the ideal 30-50 inch range for lawn health. The area sees only 26 extreme heat days per year, which is 10 days fewer than the Tennessee state average. This milder summer helps prevent the turf burnout often seen in hotter Southern regions.

Amending Highly Acidic Clay Soil

A low soil pH of 5.17 means your lawn likely needs lime to reach the 6.0 to 7.0 sweet spot for nutrient uptake. The soil is a well-drained silty clay loam with about 16.0% clay and 35.6% sand. While the drainage is excellent, the high sand content may require more frequent light watering during dry periods.

Staying Green Through 24 Weeks of Drought

Sullivan County experienced 24 weeks of drought over the last year, and 100% of the county is currently abnormally dry. Maintaining a higher mowing height during these periods helps shade the soil and retain moisture. Proper irrigation is critical when natural rainfall dips below the 44.5-inch average.

Seeding for Success in Zone 7b

Tall fescue is a top performer for this region, balancing cold hardiness with heat tolerance. Your primary growing window opens after April 16 and closes with the first frost around October 29. Get your soil tested today to address the acidity before your next seeding project.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sullivan County's county score?
Sullivan County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 52.8 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 Tennessee?
Sullivan County ranks #43 among all counties in Tennessee 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, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Sullivan County is $1,205, with an effective tax rate of 0.63%. This earns Sullivan County a tax score of 70.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sullivan County?
The median household income in Sullivan County, Tennessee is $56,802 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sullivan County earns an income score of 29.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sullivan County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Sullivan County scores 52.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #43 in Tennessee. 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.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.