Median Income
$82,500
10% higher than US avg
Home Value
$244,500
13% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
21/100K
94% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.8%
41% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,055
9% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.6%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.9%
75% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
21.4%
73% higher than US avg
How Sullivan Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population711
Median Age40.5 yrs
Density624/mi²
Male / Female57% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans4.7%
Economy
B+
Median Income$82,500
Per Capita$37,391
Unemployment0.9%
Poverty21.4%
County GDP$4,923M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$244,500
Rent$1,055
Ownership47.1%
Zillow$417,300
Housing Units262
Rent Burden24.9%
Crime
F
Violent21/100K
Property847/100K
Health
Obesity39.6%
Uninsured7.2%
Smoking13.4%
Depression24.2%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain36.8 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation844 ft (257 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.8%
High School+94.1%
Graduate+3.5%
School Score5.88
Community
2024 VoteR 58% / D 41%
Commute26 min
Broadband88.0%
EV Stations11
Libraries7
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, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, high obesity 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 $82,500, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.9%. The poverty rate of 21.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sullivan is $244,500, 13% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,055 per month. At just 3x 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 21 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 847 per 100,000, 57% below the national average.
Education
19.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Sullivan experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.8 inches, including 39.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Sullivan has a population of 711 with a density of 624 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 40.5 years, 4% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.5% female and 56.5% male. The city is predominantly White (98.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.8% of residents. 4.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 17.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.5yrs
Median Age
4% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.8%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.2%
84% below US avg
The median household income in Sullivan is $82,500, which is 10% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,391. The average weekly wage is $1,042, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 21.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,344 business establishments, including 201 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 15.1% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $82,500 |
| 10% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,391 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,042 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,650 |
| Gini Index | 0.402 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.9% |
| 75% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 21.4% |
| 73% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,344 |
| County GDP | $4,923M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 201 |
| Healthcare | 218 |
| Retail | 277 |
| Manufacturing | 139 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,930 |
| 69% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.43% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 15.1% |
The median home value in Sullivan is $244,500, 13% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $417,300, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,055 (9% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $872 for a one-bedroom to $1,097 for a two-bedroom apartment. 47.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 262 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $5,930 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $244,500 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $417,300 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $261 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.0% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,055 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 47.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 47.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 52.9% |
| Housing Units | 262 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,930 |
| 69% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.43% |
In Sullivan, 39.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.2% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 26.3% have high blood pressure. 13.4% are current smokers. 21.6% report binge drinking. 24.9% are physically inactive. 24.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.6% experience frequent mental distress. 7.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,574. The dentist ratio is 1:1,589. 74.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sullivan vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.6% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.2% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.3% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 5.2% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.4% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.9% |
| Depression | 24.2% |
| Mental Distress | 16.6% |
| Physical Distress | 11.7% |
| Short Sleep | 31.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.2% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,574 |
| Dentists | 1:1,589 |
| Mental Health | 1:841 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.9% |
| Dental Visits | 69.7% |
| Premature Death | 7,008/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 218 |
Sullivan has a violent crime rate of 21 per 100,000 residents, 94% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 847 per 100,000, 57% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 8 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 | 21.2/100K |
| 94% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 847.5/100K |
| 57% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sullivan experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 36.8 inches. The area receives 39.6 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 844 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 47.2°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 844 ft (257 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (3.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 624/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.0123°N, 88.5953°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Jefferson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southern Wisconsin Regional (JVL) 35 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.8"
3% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.09"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 75.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 19.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 92.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.9 on Mar 25, 2015.
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
116 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
149 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
94 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
114 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
524 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 47 fatalities, 1,227 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 18, 1996 |
EF5 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF4 |
19 km |
1 |
| Apr 4, 1981 |
EF4 |
56 km |
3 |
| Apr 21, 1974 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
92 km |
24 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
100 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
90 km |
6 |
| Aug 22, 1964 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| Sep 26, 1951 |
EF4 |
74 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 |
EF3 |
69 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
79 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 1992 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1977 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,524 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,524 |
57 km |
| 2010 |
RX BURN |
1,236 |
57 km |
| 1994 |
SOMMERS |
938 |
62 km |
| 1988 |
PEACHY RD |
812 |
59 km |
| 2024 |
IBSP SOUTH F1 RX |
690 |
93 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
612 |
64 km |
| 2007 |
TOWER RD 2 |
592 |
59 km |
| 2024 |
RX-HWY Y - SOUTH |
553 |
13 km |
| 2009 |
COLD SPRINGS |
552 |
92 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
22°F (-5°C) |
1.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.7 in |
|
Sullivan has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 20°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.0 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.1").
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) |
$235 ($141–$376) |
| Specialist Visit |
$329 ($188–$518) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$188 ($94–$329) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,070 ($753–$4,705) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$122 ($71–$188) |
| Dental Filling |
$235 ($141–$376) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$565 ($376–$941) |
| Battery Replacement |
$188 ($94–$329) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($56–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$376 ($141–$753) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,587 ($3,764–$11,292) |
| Roof Repair |
$941 ($376–$1,882) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,469 ($5,176–$14,115) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,412 ($471–$3,294) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,115 ($4,705–$28,230) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,705 ($1,882–$9,410) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,412 ($753–$2,823) |
| Will Preparation |
$471 ($188–$941) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,353 ($941–$4,705) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71–$235) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$122) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.86 ($2.82–$5.18) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.29 ($2.35–$4.71) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.35–$5.18) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.23 ($2.82–$6.12) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.18 ($3.76–$7.06) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.56–$1.69) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75–$235) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$188 ($71–$471) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,882 ($1,129–$3,294) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$122) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.53–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$235) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,129 ($565–$2,353) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$941 ($471–$1,882) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$376 ($188–$659) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$941 ($376–$2,353) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,763 ($4,705–$28,230) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$188) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$188 ($94–$376) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,022 |
| Toddler | $909 |
| Preschool | $909 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $736 |
| Preschool | $736 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sullivan
What is the population of Sullivan?
Sullivan has a population of 711 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 624 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.5 years. The population is 43.5% female and 56.5% male.
Is Sullivan expensive to live in?
Sullivan is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $82,500, 10% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $244,500 (13% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,055 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, 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 21 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 847 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 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.8 inches, with 39.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Sullivan?
The job market in Sullivan is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,042. There are 2,344 business establishments in the area, including 201 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 15.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sullivan?
The median home value in Sullivan is $244,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $417,300. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,055. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 47.1%. The average annual property tax is $5,930.
How are the schools in Sullivan?
Schools in Sullivan score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.8% of adults in Sullivan hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.1% have completed high school. 3.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sullivan?
The obesity rate in Sullivan is 39.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.4% of adults are smokers. 24.9% are physically inactive. 24.2% of residents report depression. 7.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 74.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,574.
What is transportation like in Sullivan?
The average commute in Sullivan is 26 minutes. 76.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 15.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sullivan?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sullivan is 98.2% White, 1% Hispanic or Latino. 97.8% of residents speak only English at home. 4.7% of the population are military veterans. 17.6% of residents have a disability. 95.0% have health insurance coverage.