Median Income
$44,313
41% lower than US avg
Home Value
$97,000
66% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
56/100K
85% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.4%
69% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$836
28% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.7%
36% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.6%
28% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
20.0%
61% higher than US avg
How Sullivan Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,250
Median Age32.9 yrs
Density2,261/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans7.8%
Economy
B
Median Income$44,313
Per Capita$20,583
Unemployment2.6%
Poverty20.0%
County GDP$1,163M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$97,000
Rent$836
Ownership63.2%
Zillow$169,002
Housing Units2,129
Rent Burden29.2%
Crime
F
Violent56/100K
Property3,887/100K
Health
Obesity43.7%
Uninsured8.8%
Smoking20.4%
Depression28.4%
Heart Disease6.5%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain47.2 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation531 ft (162 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.4%
High School+93.1%
Graduate+3.1%
School Score5.78
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 23%
Commute20 min
Broadband81.5%
EV Stations2
Libraries6
Is Sullivan a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sullivan receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Sullivan has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sullivan is $44,313, 41% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.6%. The poverty rate of 20.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sullivan is $97,000, 66% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $836 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Sullivan is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 56 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,887 per 100,000, 98% above the national average.
Education
10.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Sullivan experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 29°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 47.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Sullivan has a population of 4,250 with a density of 2,261 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age is 32.9 years, 15% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.1% female and 46.9% male. The city is predominantly White (93%), with 3.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.3% of residents. 7.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.0% of residents have a disability. 93.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
32.9yrs
Median Age
15% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.3%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.7%
95% below US avg
The median household income in Sullivan is $44,313, which is 41% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,583 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $996, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 20.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 372 business establishments, including 38 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $44,313 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,583 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $996 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $58,421 |
| Gini Index | 0.411 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.6% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 20.0% |
| 61% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 372 |
| County GDP | $1,163M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 38 |
| Healthcare | 37 |
| Retail | 60 |
| Manufacturing | 17 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,738 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.79% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.3% |
The median home value in Sullivan is $97,000, 66% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $169,002, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 96.6% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $836 (28% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $783 for a one-bedroom to $1,028 for a two-bedroom apartment. 63.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,129 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1963. The average annual property tax is $1,738 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 29.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $97,000 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $169,002 |
| Median List Price | $154,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $154,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $97 |
| Homes Sold | 6 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.6% |
| Price Drops | 25.9% |
| Inventory | 27 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $836 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $758 |
| 1 Bedroom | $783 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,028 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,251 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,720 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 63.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 63.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 36.8% |
| Housing Units | 2,129 |
| Median Year Built | 1963 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,738 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.79% |
In Sullivan, 43.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.5% of residents. 36.3% have high blood pressure. 20.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.2% report binge drinking. 27.4% are physically inactive. 28.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.8% experience frequent mental distress. 8.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,965. The dentist ratio is 1:4,134. 32.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sullivan vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.7% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.3% |
| Asthma | 12.2% |
| COPD | 9.3% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.4% |
| 46% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.4% |
| Depression | 28.4% |
| Mental Distress | 20.8% |
| Physical Distress | 15.3% |
| Short Sleep | 37.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.2% |
| Uninsured | 8.8% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,965 |
| Dentists | 1:4,134 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,730 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.6% |
| Dental Visits | 57.4% |
| Premature Death | 9,727/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 32.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 37 |
Sullivan has a violent crime rate of 56 per 100,000 residents, 85% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,887 per 100,000, 98% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 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 | 56.3/100K |
| 85% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,886.6/100K |
| 98% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 15 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sullivan experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 29°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 47.2 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 531 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-1°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 54.4°F |
| 1% above US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 531 ft (162 m) |
| Area | 1.9 sq mi (4.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,261/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.0973°N, 87.4073°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Sullivan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Terre Haute Regional (HUF)
25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
47.2"
24% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.72"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 20.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 30.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 63.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
50 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 9, 2025.
| Apr 18, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M5.2 |
83 km |
| Apr 18, 2008 |
9 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.7 |
82 km |
| Jun 18, 2002 |
6 km SW of Parkers Settlement, Indiana |
M4.6 |
126 km |
| Apr 21, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.0 |
83 km |
| Dec 7, 2000 |
7 km W of Evansville, Indiana |
M3.9 |
127 km |
| Jan 24, 1990 |
6 km WNW of Alton, Indiana |
M3.9 |
133 km |
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
82 km |
| Jan 27, 1990 |
6 km N of Alton, Indiana |
M3.8 |
132 km |
| Nov 11, 1991 |
3 km W of Flat Rock, Illinois |
M3.8 |
34 km |
| Sep 19, 2017 |
4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.8 |
87 km |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.7 |
83 km |
| Dec 20, 1990 |
5 km S of Stilesville, Indiana |
M3.7 |
86 km |
| Apr 14, 2000 |
4 km NW of Heritage Lake, Indiana |
M3.6 |
93 km |
| Nov 20, 2012 |
7 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.6 |
83 km |
| Jun 5, 2008 |
8 km WNW of Mount Carmel, Illinois |
M3.4 |
81 km |
| May 30, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Geff, Illinois |
M3.4 |
108 km |
| May 1, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.3 |
82 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
84 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
112 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
140 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
449 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 17 fatalities, 537 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
84 km |
1 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
70 km |
6 |
| Jan 7, 1989 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
61 km |
6 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
63 km |
2 |
| May 25, 2011 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Mar 8, 2009 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 2005 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 2002 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1989 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Mar 10, 1986 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 1, 1974 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,547 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
1,547 |
99 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
898 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-1°C) |
2.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
32°F (0°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
4.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (24°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| December |
33°F (1°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Sullivan has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 29°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 42.7 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (2.4").
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) |
$233 ($140–$373) |
| Specialist Visit |
$327 ($187–$513) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$187 ($93–$327) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,053 ($746–$4,665) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$187) |
| Dental Filling |
$233 ($140–$373) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($47–$112) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$560 ($373–$933) |
| Battery Replacement |
$187 ($93–$327) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$140) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($47–$131) |
| HVAC Repair |
$373 ($140–$746) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,531 ($3,732–$11,196) |
| Roof Repair |
$933 ($373–$1,866) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,397 ($5,132–$13,995) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,400 ($467–$3,266) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,995 ($4,665–$27,990) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,665 ($1,866–$9,330) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,400 ($746–$2,799) |
| Will Preparation |
$467 ($187–$933) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,333 ($933–$4,665) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$140 ($70–$233) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.83 ($2.80–$5.13) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.27 ($2.33–$4.67) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.55 ($2.33–$5.13) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.20 ($2.80–$6.06) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.13 ($3.73–$7.00) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.68) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$131 ($75–$233) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$140) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$112) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($47–$140) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$187 ($70–$467) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,866 ($1,120–$3,266) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.46–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$233) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,120 ($560–$2,333) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$933 ($467–$1,866) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$373 ($187–$653) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$933 ($373–$2,333) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,663 ($4,665–$27,990) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($47–$187) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$187 ($93–$373) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Sullivan
What is the population of Sullivan?
Sullivan has a population of 4,250 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 2,261 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.1% female and 46.9% male.
Is Sullivan expensive to live in?
Sullivan is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $44,313, 41% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $97,000 (66% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $836 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sullivan safe?
Sullivan is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 56 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,887 per 100,000 (above 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 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 29°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 47.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Sullivan?
The job market in Sullivan is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $996. There are 372 business establishments in the area, including 38 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 5.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sullivan?
The median home value in Sullivan is $97,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $169,002. For renters, the median monthly rent is $836. Fair market rent is $783 for a 1-bedroom and $1,028 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 63.2%. The average annual property tax is $1,738.
How are the schools in Sullivan?
Schools in Sullivan score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.4% of adults in Sullivan hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.1% have completed high school. 3.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sullivan?
The obesity rate in Sullivan is 43.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.4% of adults are smokers. 27.4% are physically inactive. 28.4% of residents report depression. 8.8% lack health insurance. 32.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,965.
What is transportation like in Sullivan?
The average commute in Sullivan is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 88.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sullivan?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sullivan is 93% White, 3.5% Hispanic or Latino. 99.3% of residents speak only English at home. 7.8% of the population are military veterans. 14.0% of residents have a disability. 93.2% have health insurance coverage.
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