Cost of Living in Sullivan County, New York
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Sullivan County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Sullivan County ranks #2,124 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 32%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Sullivan County, New York
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Sullivan County
Affordability Verdict
Sullivan County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $999/month representing approximately 17.2% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 29.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $999/month rent versus $1,256/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $257/month cheaper — a 20% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $39,960/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $53,829/year. With a median household income of $69,826, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Sullivan County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Oswego County where rent averages $943/month, Sullivan County is approximately 6% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Sullivan County
Rent Burden
17.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,629
per month
Owner Cost Burden
21.6%
of gross income
The median home in Sullivan County may be a stretch
Median home value is $234,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,874 vs. your max of $1,629.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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