Cost of Living in Sullivan County, Tennessee
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 #1,314 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 42%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Sullivan County, Tennessee
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Sullivan County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Sullivan County is affordable. The median rent is $850/month against a median household income of $56,802, putting rent at 18.0% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Sullivan County pay $850/month on average, compared to $737/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 13%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $34,000/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $31,586/year. With a median household income of $56,802, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Sullivan County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Sullivan County sits 7% more expensive than Gibson County ($797/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Sullivan County
Rent Burden
18.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,325
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.6%
of gross income
The median home in Sullivan County may be a stretch
Median home value is $190,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,523 vs. your max of $1,325.
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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