Cost of Living in Sullivan County, Pennsylvania
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 #557 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 18%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Sullivan County, Pennsylvania
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Sullivan County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Sullivan County is affordable. The median rent is $781/month against a median household income of $64,758, putting rent at 14.5% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Sullivan County is $781/month, while owner costs run $766/month. Owning saves approximately $15/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,240/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $32,829/year. With a median household income of $64,758, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Sullivan County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Pennsylvania, Sullivan County is more affordable than Juniata County by roughly 7% ($781/mo vs $730/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Sullivan County
Rent Burden
14.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,511
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.2%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Sullivan County
Median home value is $186,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,488 vs. your max of $1,511.
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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