Sullivan County, NY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
79,721
0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$72,382/yr
3.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
49,994
0.7% year-over-year change

Sullivan County population

How many people live in Sullivan County

Sullivan County is home to 79,721 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.9% of Sullivan County locals are male, and 48.1% are female.

Total population
79,721
0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.9%
41,379
Female
48.1%
38,342
Value Percent YoY change
Male 41,379 51.9% 0.9%
Female 38,342 48.1% 0.5%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Sullivan County is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.7% are children under 15, then 11.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.5% of the population, while another 26.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
41.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.7%
15 to 24
11.8%
25 to 44
24.5%
45 to 64
26.6%
Over 65
19.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 14,144 17.7% 1.0%
15 to 24 9,448 11.8% 0.7%
25 to 44 19,560 24.5% 1.7%
45 to 64 21,220 26.6% -1.2%
Over 65 15,349 19.2% 1.9%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Sullivan County, 84.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 9.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 6.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 69.9% of locals are Caucasian, 9.2% are African American and 2.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 10.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
84.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
9.4%
Non-citizens
6.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 67,031 84.1% -1.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 7,530 9.4% 10.8%
Non-citizens 5,160 6.5% 19.8%
Racial breakdown
White
69.9%
Black or African American
9.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
2.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
10.4%
Other
7.6%
Value Percent
White 55,728 69.9%
Black or African American 7,374 9.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 512 0.6%
Asian 1,696 2.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 21 0%
Two or more races 8,301 10.4%
Other 6,089 7.6%

Households in Sullivan County

A peek inside Sullivan County households

Sullivan County has 31,434 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 60.6% are families, while the remaining 39.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
31,434
4.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
12,374
Family households
19,060
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 12,374 39.4% 0.8%
Family households 19,060 60.6% 6.2%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Sullivan County

The housing landscape of Sullivan County

Sullivan County's housing consists of 49,994 units, with 69.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 8.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
49,994
0.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 34,837 69.7%
1 unit, attached 2,729 5.5%
2 units 2,115 4.2%
3 or 4 units 2,264 4.5%
5 to 9 units 1,416 2.8%
10 to 19 units 713 1.4%
20 to 49 units 708 1.4%
50 or more units 813 1.6%
Mobile home 4,375 8.8%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 24 0%
Homes built since 2020
447
137.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Sullivan County

In Sullivan County, the median construction year is 1974. About 20.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 10.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 10,029 20.1% -2.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 3,821 7.6% -2.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 4,542 9.1% -8.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 4,380 8.8% 0.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 5,958 11.9% 5.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 8,508 17% 6.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 3,724 7.4% -1.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 5,396 10.8% -2.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 3,189 6.4% 6.4%
Built in 2020 or later 447 0.9% 137.8%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Sullivan County occupancy rates

Out of the 31,434 occupied housing units in Sullivan County, 67.4% are owner-occupied, while 32.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 37.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
31,434
4.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
10,256
Owner occupied
21,178
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 10,256 32.6% 10.5%
Owner occupied 21,178 67.4% 1.2%
Unoccupied housing units
37.1%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Sullivan County housing costs

Housing costs in Sullivan County come to a median of $1,187 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,106.

Median housing costs per month
$1,187/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Sullivan County
$1,106/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Sullivan County

Sullivan County education at a glance

About 38.6% of the population in Sullivan County went to high school, while 19.4% pursued college studies. Another 9.6% earned an associate degree and 16.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 11.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 2,829 4.5% -1.3%
High school diploma 24,172 38.6% 0.2%
College diploma 12,183 19.4% 3.7%
Associate degree 5,978 9.6% -3.8%
Bachelor's degree 10,148 16.2% 0.1%
Graduate degree 7,314 11.7% 2.9%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Sullivan County

How much people earn in Sullivan County

The average annual household income in Sullivan County was $105,703 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $72,382, reflecting a +3.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Sullivan County
$105,703/year
3.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Sullivan County
$72,382/year
3.7% year-over-year change

Sullivan County income by age

In Sullivan County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $77,256. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $89,115 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $59,034, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $57,196 in earnings. Overall, 84.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $59,034 1.7%
25 - 44 $77,256 5.1%
45 - 64 $89,115 4.7%
Over 65 $57,196 4.6%
Above poverty level
63,797
Below poverty level
11,952
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 63,797 84.2% 0.4%
Below poverty level 11,952 15.8% 5.4%

Employment in Sullivan County

Workforce and job types in Sullivan County

The job market in Sullivan County is powered by 35,747 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 78.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 21.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12.5% run their own businesses, 55.5% are employed by private companies, and 18.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
35,747
0.8% year-over-year change
White collar
28,162
Blue collar
7,585
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 28,162 78.8% 0.9%
Blue collar 7,585 21.2% 0.4%
Employer type
Self employees
12.5%
Private companies
55.5%
Governmental workers
18.4%
Not for profit companies
13.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 4,471 12.5% 5.2%
Private companies 19,827 55.5% 0.6%
Governmental workers 6,595 18.4% -7.3%
Not for profit companies 4,854 13.6% 10.1%
Unemployment rate
5.8%
-3.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Sullivan County stands at 5.8%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Sullivan County

How people get around in Sullivan County

In Sullivan County, the average commute time is 28 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 80.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
28 min
0.7% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 27,828 80.5% -1.5%
Taxicab 244 0.7% 144.0%
Bus or trolleybus 161 0.5% 73.1%
Subway or elevated 240 0.7% N/A
Railroad 65 0.2% -21.7%
Motorcycle 77 0.2% -11.5%
Bicycle 163 0.5% -17.7%
Walk 994 2.9% 4.7%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Sullivan County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
12483 45 32 $2,499 $0
12720 447 138 $66,597 $113,322
12721 7,359 2,358 $103,214 $117,339
12723 1,923 890 $77,313 $111,380
12724 60 31 $0 $167,077
12725 403 87 $90,893 $113,725
12726 1,168 565 $77,149 $110,799
12701 12,197 5,160 $57,222 $76,992
12719 1,339 620 $79,921 $119,965

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FAQs about Sullivan County demographics 

What is the total population of Sullivan County?

Sullivan County has a total population of 79,721 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Sullivan County?

The gender ratio in Sullivan County is as follows:
  • 51.9% males (41,379 residents)
  • 48.1% females (38,342 residents)

What is the median age in Sullivan County?

The median age in Sullivan County is 41.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Sullivan County?

The age distribution in Sullivan County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.7% (14,144 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.8% (9,448 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.5% (19,560 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.6% (21,220 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.2% (15,349 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Sullivan County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Sullivan County is as follows:
  • White: 69.9% (55,728 residents)
  • Black or African American: 9.2% (7,374 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (512 residents)
  • Asian: 2.1% (1,696 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (21 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10.4% (8,301 residents)
  • Other: 7.6% (6,089 residents)

What percentage of the population in Sullivan County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 84.1% of the population in Sullivan County.

How many housing units are there in Sullivan County?

There are 49,994 housing units in Sullivan County, reflecting a +0.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Sullivan County and what is the average household size?

Sullivan County has a total of 31,434 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Sullivan County?

Sullivan County has a median household income of $72,382, representing a +3.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Sullivan County?

The employment rate is 94.2% in Sullivan County, with a workforce of 35,747 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 78.8% (28,162 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 21.2% (7,585 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12.5% (4,471 residents)
  • Private companies: 55.5% (19,827 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18.4% (6,595 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 13.6% (4,854 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025