Sullivan, IL
Population 4,253 · Illinois
About Sullivan, IL
Sullivan is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 4,253 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $62,845 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Sullivan features a median home value of $95,600, which is 61% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Sullivan one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $790, 32% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,895 total housing units, 73% are owner-occupied (1,298 units) and 27% are renter-occupied (482 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Sullivan shows an unemployment rate of 2.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 11.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Sullivan have an average one-way commute time of 17.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
17.4% of Sullivan residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.2% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.7% Asian residents, with 0.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Sullivan, IL
Compared to national averages, Sullivan has a median household income of $62,845 (16% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $95,600, which is 61% below the national median. Monthly rent at $790 is 32% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Sullivan's income is 16% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 42% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Sullivan, IL?
Sullivan offers affordable housing with a median home value of $95,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $790/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.4%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 11.6%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 17.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($62,845) that falls below the national average. However, Sullivan’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Sullivan has a population of 4,253 with a median age of 38.1 years. Compare Sullivan with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Sullivan
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shelbyville | 4,248 | $54,400 | $111,200 | Compare |
| West Peoria | 4,246 | $57,450 | $92,500 | Compare |
| Hometown | 4,244 | $59,265 | $152,000 | Compare |
| Lawrenceville | 4,241 | $44,885 | $77,600 | Compare |
| Anna | 4,222 | $36,238 | $128,200 | Compare |
| Sherman | 4,211 | $147,025 | $291,300 | Compare |
| Poplar Grove | 4,202 | $93,409 | $253,500 | Compare |
| Paxton | 4,201 | $60,470 | $116,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Illinois
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Sullivan With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Sullivan
What is the population of Sullivan, IL?
The population of Sullivan, IL is 4,253 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Sullivan?
The median household income in Sullivan, IL is $62,845 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Sullivan?
The median home value in Sullivan, IL is $95,600, which is 61% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Sullivan?
The median monthly rent in Sullivan, IL is $790, which is 32% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Sullivan?
The unemployment rate in Sullivan, IL is 2.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Sullivan, IL a good place to live?
Sullivan offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 4,253 and a median age of 38.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Sullivan, IL?
17.4% of residents in Sullivan aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Sullivan?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Sullivan, IL: median home value is $95,600 (61% below national), median rent is $790/month, and median household income is $62,845. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Sullivan?
The poverty rate in Sullivan, IL is 11.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Sullivan, IL?
Sullivan's population is 0.2% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, and 2.2% two or more races. 0.6% of residents are foreign-born.