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Sullivan County

PA · Pop. 5,849 · Rural County

55/100Homestead Score

Sullivan County sits in Pennsylvania across 450 square miles, home to 5,849 people at 13 per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage, corn. The median home price is $186,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.05%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 158-day growing season, average summer highs of 75.7°F and average winter lows of 16.9°F. Annual rainfall averages 50 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. UPMC Muncy is 20.9 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 52.7% of homes.

Property Tax: 1.05%
Growing Season: 158 days
Broadband: 52.7%
Density: 13/sq mi

Pros

  • A median home price of $186,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
  • At 13 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
  • Annual rainfall of 50 inches supports rain-fed gardens and pasture in most years.
  • A low poverty rate of 11% signals a relatively stable local economy.

Cons

  • A 158-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
  • Broadband reaches only 52.7% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
  • The nearest hospital, UPMC Muncy, is 20.9 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
  • The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.

At a glance

Sullivan County, PA is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.

Homestead score
55/100
Median home price
$186k
Property tax
1.05%
Growing season
158 days (zone 6a)
Annual rainfall
50"
Broadband
52.7%
Nearest hospital
UPMC Muncy, 20.9 mi

Taxes & Cost of Living

Property Tax Rate1.05%
Median Household Income$64,758
Poverty Rate11%

Land & Building

Median Home Price$186K

Climate & Growing

USDA Zone6a
Growing Season158 days
Annual Rainfall50 inches
Avg Summer High75.7°F
Avg Winter Low16.9°F
Top CropsHay, Haylage, Corn

Natural Disaster Risk

Drought1/10
Wildfire1/10
Tornado2/10
Flood4/10

Healthcare

Nearest HospitalUPMC Muncy (20.9 mi)
Emergency RoomNo
Healthcare Facilities0

Infrastructure & Community

Broadband Coverage52.7%

Business & Employment

Unemployment Rate4.4%
Ag EconomyWeak

Homesteading in Sullivan County: FAQ

What is the growing season like in Sullivan County?
Sullivan County is in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 158-day growing season, average summer highs of 75.7°F, and average winter lows of 16.9°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, corn.
How affordable is land and property here?
The median home price is $186,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.05%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
Is broadband internet available?
Broadband reaches 52.7% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
How close is healthcare?
UPMC Muncy is 20.9 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.

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Nearby counties

The closest counties to Sullivan County by distance, including across state lines.

Data sources

Verified

Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.