Cost of Living in Sullivan County, Tennessee

$850/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$190,800

Median Home Value

1% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$850/mo

1% below state average

Median Home Value

$190,800

32% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

27.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Sullivan County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Sullivan County$850/mo

Tennessee Average$860/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$850/mo

Median Gross Rent

$190,800

Median Home Value

$737/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

27.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

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.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Sullivan County

Your Annual Household Income

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

Your rent-to-income ratio18.0%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Sullivan County, Tennessee?

Sullivan County, Tennessee has a median monthly rent of $850/mo and a median home value of $190,800. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 27.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Sullivan County?

The median gross rent in Sullivan County is $850/mo. This is 1% below state average for Tennessee.

Is Sullivan County affordable?

Sullivan County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 27.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Sullivan County's rent compare to the state average?

Sullivan County's median rent of $850/mo is 1% below state average of $860/mo for Tennessee.

What is the median home value in Sullivan County?

The median home value in Sullivan County, Tennessee is $190,800. This is 32% below the national median home value of $281,900.