Sullivan County's composite score of 75.2 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it well above average for U.S. counties overall. This ranking reflects solid livability fundamentals in tax burden and housing affordability.
2 / 5
Slightly Below Tennessee's State Average
At 75.2, Sullivan County falls just short of Tennessee's state average of 76.3, positioning it as a mid-tier performer within the state. It remains a respectable choice relative to other Tennessee counties.
3 / 5
Low Taxes and Accessible Housing
Sullivan County delivers strong value on taxes with a score of 84.5 and an effective rate of 0.632%, alongside affordable housing with a median home value of $190,800 and median rent of $850/month. These fundamentals make it financially approachable for working families.
4 / 5
Income Opportunities Are Limited
The county's income score of 20.5 reflects a median household income of just $56,802, the lowest of the eight counties profiled here. Safety, health, education, and infrastructure data remain unavailable, preventing a complete livability assessment.
5 / 5
Best for Cost-Conscious, Lower-Income Households
Sullivan County appeals to retirees, remote workers, and families seeking genuine affordability without sacrificing basic livability. Its tax-friendly profile and low housing costs make it an economical choice, though income mobility and quality-of-life metrics merit further research.
Sullivan County's composite score of 75.2 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it well above average for U.S. counties overall. This ranking reflects solid livability fundamentals in tax burden and housing affordability.
Slightly Below Tennessee's State Average
At 75.2, Sullivan County falls just short of Tennessee's state average of 76.3, positioning it as a mid-tier performer within the state. It remains a respectable choice relative to other Tennessee counties.
Low Taxes and Accessible Housing
Sullivan County delivers strong value on taxes with a score of 84.5 and an effective rate of 0.632%, alongside affordable housing with a median home value of $190,800 and median rent of $850/month. These fundamentals make it financially approachable for working families.
Income Opportunities Are Limited
The county's income score of 20.5 reflects a median household income of just $56,802, the lowest of the eight counties profiled here. Safety, health, education, and infrastructure data remain unavailable, preventing a complete livability assessment.
Best for Cost-Conscious, Lower-Income Households
Sullivan County appeals to retirees, remote workers, and families seeking genuine affordability without sacrificing basic livability. Its tax-friendly profile and low housing costs make it an economical choice, though income mobility and quality-of-life metrics merit further research.
Score breakdown
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🏛84.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.