Median Income
$62,845
16% lower than US avg
Home Value
$95,600
66% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
1,159/100K
205% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.4%
48% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$790
32% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.4%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.4%
61% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.2%
26% lower than US avg
How Sullivan Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,253
Median Age38.1 yrs
Density1,535/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans8.5%
Economy
A
Median Income$62,845
Per Capita$33,819
Unemployment1.4%
Poverty9.2%
County GDP$981M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$95,600
Rent$790
Ownership72.9%
Zillow$189,748
Housing Units1,920
Rent Burden27.3%
Crime
F
Violent1,159/100K
Property1,137/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault1,137/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity38.4%
Uninsured8.0%
Smoking15.7%
Depression24.9%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain41.6 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation675 ft (206 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.4%
High School+93.7%
Graduate+8.2%
School Score5.53
Community
2024 VoteR 74% / D 25%
Commute17 min
Broadband88.9%
EV Stations21
Libraries4
Is Sullivan a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sullivan receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates. Sullivan offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sullivan is $62,845, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.4%. 9.2% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sullivan is $95,600, 66% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $790 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 1,159 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,137 per 100,000, 42% below the national average.
Education
17.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Sullivan experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 41.6 inches, including 12.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Sullivan has a population of 4,253 with a density of 1,535 people per square mile, spread across 2.7 square miles. The median age is 38.1 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.1% female and 47.9% male. The city is predominantly White (95.5%), with 2.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.1% of residents. 8.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.1yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.1%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.9%
86% below US avg
The median household income in Sullivan is $62,845, which is 16% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,819 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $992, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 342 business establishments, including 25 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,845 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,819 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $992 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $79,919 |
| Gini Index | 0.421 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.4% |
| 61% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.2% |
| 26% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 342 |
| County GDP | $981M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 25 |
| Healthcare | 33 |
| Retail | 46 |
| Manufacturing | 45 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,233 |
| 50% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.47% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.7% |
| Work from Home | 3.3% |
The median home value in Sullivan is $95,600, 66% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $189,748, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $790 (32% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 72.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,920 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1964. The average annual property tax is $5,233 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $95,600 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $189,748 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $790 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 72.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.1% |
| Housing Units | 1,920 |
| Median Year Built | 1964 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,233 |
| 50% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.47% |
In Sullivan, 38.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 30.9% have high blood pressure. 15.7% are current smokers. 20.6% report binge drinking. 22.6% are physically inactive. 24.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,627. The dentist ratio is 1:7,161. 65.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sullivan vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.4% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.9% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.7% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.6% |
| Depression | 24.9% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Short Sleep | 34.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.0% |
| Uninsured | 8.0% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,627 |
| Dentists | 1:7,161 |
| Mental Health | 1:495 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.0% |
| Dental Visits | 65.7% |
| Premature Death | 8,830/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 33 |
Sullivan has a violent crime rate of 1,159 per 100,000 residents, 205% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 1,136.6 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 22.3. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,137 per 100,000, 42% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,092, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 45 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Sullivan receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sullivan vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 1,158.9/100K |
| 205% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 22.3/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 1,136.6/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,136.6/100K |
| 42% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 1,092.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 44.6/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sullivan experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 293 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 41.6 inches. The area receives 12.9 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 675 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 53.0°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 675 ft (206 m) |
| Area | 2.7 sq mi (6.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,535/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.5952°N, 88.6089°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Moultrie County County |
| Nearest Airport | Central Il Regional/Bloomington-Normal (BMI)
63 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
41.6"
9% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.25"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 45.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 81.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 60.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
40 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.2. Most recent: M3.3 on May 13, 2025.
| Apr 18, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M5.2 |
142 km |
| Apr 18, 2008 |
9 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.7 |
142 km |
| Apr 21, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.0 |
143 km |
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
116 km |
| Nov 11, 1991 |
3 km W of Flat Rock, Illinois |
M3.8 |
109 km |
| Sep 19, 2017 |
4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.8 |
144 km |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.7 |
142 km |
| Nov 20, 2012 |
7 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.6 |
141 km |
| May 30, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Geff, Illinois |
M3.4 |
128 km |
| Jun 5, 2008 |
8 km WNW of Mount Carmel, Illinois |
M3.4 |
143 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
96 km |
| May 1, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.3 |
143 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
36 km |
| Oct 24, 1990 |
5 km ENE of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M3.2 |
142 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
72 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
144 km |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
9 km SSE of Mulberry Grove, Illinois |
M3.1 |
99 km |
| Dec 16, 1996 |
3 km NNE of Terre Haute, Indiana |
M3.1 |
104 km |
| May 10, 2012 |
0 km NW of Emison, Indiana |
M3.1 |
132 km |
| Jul 18, 2008 |
6 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.1 |
142 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
683 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 28 fatalities, 595 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1977 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1957 |
EF4 |
95 km |
2 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
90 km |
6 |
| Dec 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
96 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
81 km |
1 |
| Aug 21, 1977 |
EF3 |
19 km |
6 |
| Aug 6, 1977 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
47 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
54 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.0 in |
Driest |
| March |
42°F (5°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
67°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| December |
32°F (-0°C) |
3.0 in |
|
Sullivan has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 27°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.6 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (2.0").
Average costs for common services in Sullivan. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $826 |
| Toddler | $703 |
| Preschool | $611 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $801 |
| Toddler | $628 |
| Preschool | $628 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sullivan
What is the population of Sullivan?
Sullivan has a population of 4,253 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,535 people per square mile, spread across 2.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.1 years. The population is 52.1% female and 47.9% male.
Is Sullivan expensive to live in?
Sullivan has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $62,845, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $95,600 (66% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $790 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sullivan safe?
Public safety is a concern in Sullivan, with a violent crime rate of 1,159 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,137 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Sullivan receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sullivan?
Sullivan has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 41.6 inches, with 12.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Sullivan?
The job market in Sullivan is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $992. There are 342 business establishments in the area, including 25 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 3.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sullivan?
The median home value in Sullivan is $95,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $189,748. For renters, the median monthly rent is $790. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 72.9%. The average annual property tax is $5,233.
How are the schools in Sullivan?
Schools in Sullivan score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.4% of adults in Sullivan hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.7% have completed high school. 8.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sullivan?
The obesity rate in Sullivan is 38.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.7% of adults are smokers. 22.6% are physically inactive. 24.9% of residents report depression. 8.0% lack health insurance. 65.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,627.
What is transportation like in Sullivan?
The average commute in Sullivan is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 76.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sullivan?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sullivan is 95.5% White, 2.2% Black or African American. 98.1% of residents speak only English at home. 8.5% of the population are military veterans. 16.4% of residents have a disability. 95.0% have health insurance coverage.
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