Sullivan County, Tennessee

Income Data

-4% vs. Tennessee average
$56,802
Median Household Income
$35,143
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$56,802
-4% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$35,143
-11% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
29.8%
income as % of home value
Rank in Tennessee
#50 / 95
by median household income

How Sullivan County Compares

Sullivan County$56,802
Tennessee Average$58,994
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$56,802
Median Household Income
$35,143
Per Capita Income
$190,800
Median Home Value
29.8%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Sullivan County, Tennessee

Sullivan Trails National Income Average

Sullivan County's median household income of $56,802 sits nearly $18,000—or 24%—below the nation's $74,755 median. This significant gap underscores economic challenges facing many households in this East Tennessee region.

Below Tennessee Average Income

Sullivan County ranks below Tennessee's state median of $58,994 by about $2,200, placing it in the lower third of state counties. Despite hosting the tri-cities area, the broader county income lags behind state norms.

Among the Lower-Earning Counties Nearby

Sullivan County's $56,802 income ranks it near the bottom of its immediate region, outpacing only Unicoi County ($50,381) and significantly trailing Tipton County ($71,736). This positions Sullivan as one of the more economically challenged areas in East Tennessee.

Rent Takes a Larger Share Here

At 18.0%, Sullivan County's rent-to-income ratio edges toward the affordability danger zone, though it remains below the critical 30% threshold. With a median home value of $190,800, homeownership becomes more challenging on the county's median income.

Breaking the Income Ceiling in Sullivan

Sullivan County residents earning the median face tighter financial constraints, making intentional wealth-building strategies essential. Even small increases in income through skill development, side work, or investment returns can meaningfully improve long-term financial stability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Sullivan County, Tennessee?
The median household income in Sullivan County, Tennessee is $56,802, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Sullivan County?
The per capita income in Sullivan County is $35,143, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $56,802.
How does Sullivan County compare to the Tennessee average?
Sullivan County's median household income of $56,802 is lower than the Tennessee state average of $58,994. The per capita income is $35,143, compared to the state average of $31,458.
What is the per capita income in Sullivan County, Tennessee?
The per capita income in Sullivan County, Tennessee is $35,143, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Sullivan County a low-income area in Tennessee?
Sullivan County's median household income of $56,802 is below the Tennessee average of $58,994. The per capita income of $35,143 is also comparable to the state average of $31,458. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Sullivan County rank for income in Tennessee?
Sullivan County ranks #50 out of 95 counties in Tennessee by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $56,802 and per capita income of $35,143, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Sullivan County

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Your income is above the Sullivan County median

County median: $56,802 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-4%

vs. National Median

-24%

vs. Sullivan County MedianAbout equal
vs. Tennessee Average4% below
vs. National Median24% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent5.6x

Your monthly income ($4,734) vs. median rent ($850/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.