countyscore
40
County Score
Property Tax 77.2Cost of Living 64.7Disaster Risk 46.1

County Report Card

About Union County, Arkansas

Union County trails national livability baseline

Union County's composite score of 40.0 falls 20% below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the lower-middle quartile nationally. The county faces meaningful livability challenges that affect quality of life.

Below Arkansas average

Union County scores 40.0 against Arkansas's state average of 47.9, ranking it among the state's weaker performers. The county trails many Arkansas peers across key livability dimensions.

Tax advantage and moderate health scores

Union County's tax score of 77.2 reflects an effective rate of 0.576%, offering residents solid tax relief. Health outcomes at 29.6 are among the better performers in this group, suggesting adequate medical infrastructure.

Safety and water quality need urgent work

Union County's safety score of 7.9 signals serious public safety concerns that households should evaluate carefully. Water quality scores at just 17.3 and income at $50,221 also present notable challenges.

Consider carefully for safety concerns

Union County suits cost-conscious residents who can tolerate lower safety ratings and may appeal to those with strong remote work arrangements. Families prioritizing safe neighborhoods should explore other options first.

2040608010077.264.77.929.633.41546.117.344.5Tax77.2Cost64.7Safety7.9Health29.6Schools33.4Income15Risk46.1Water17.3Weather44.540/100
This county
National avg
2 above average6 below average

Union County DNA

Foverall

How Union County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Union County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (77.2/100) but notably weak in Safety (7.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
77.2+25.200000000000003
Cost
64.7+16.700000000000003
Safety
7.9-47.1
Health
29.6-20.4
Schools
33.4-20.6
Income
15-36
Risk
46.1
Water
17.3-40.7
Weather
44.5-11.5
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Compare mortgage rates in Union County

Whether buying or refinancing in Union County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$114,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$825/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$114,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$33,000/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $50,221/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

20.9

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Union County with Faulkner County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Calhoun County
Arkansas
55.4
Bradley County
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53.9
Union Parish
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66.8
Ouachita County
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47
Ashley County
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Claiborne Parish
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Lincoln Parish
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Columbia County
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Deep Dives

Union County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Union County

via TaxByCounty

Union County taxes below national average

Union County's 0.576% effective tax rate sits comfortably below the national median of 0.86%, placing it in the lower third of US counties. The median property tax of $661 represents less than 25% of the national median, reflecting both favorable rates and lower regional home values.

Slightly above Arkansas state average

Union County's 0.576% effective rate modestly exceeds Arkansas's state average of 0.532%, though it remains in the upper-middle tier statewide. Its median property tax of $661 sits just below the state median of $705.

Middle-of-the-pack in regional comparison

Union County's 0.576% rate and $661 median tax place it near the center of this eight-county region. It taxes higher than Sevier County (0.480%) and Van Buren County (0.460%), but lower than Sebastian County (0.651%).

Expected annual tax on median home

A typical Union County homeowner with a $114,700 property pays approximately $661 annually in property taxes. Mortgage holders typically face about $772, while non-mortgage owners pay closer to $587.

Check if you're overassessed

Union County residents should request an assessment review to ensure their $114,700 median-value home isn't overvalued. Overassessments are common and correctable—a simple appeal could lower your annual tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Union County

via CostByCounty

Union slightly above national strain

Union County renters spend 19.7% of income on housing, 1.6 points above the national average. With a median income of $50,221—33% below the national median—residents manage moderate-to-high rents on constrained paychecks.

Slightly above state average

Union County's 19.7% rent-to-income ratio edges above Arkansas's 18.1% average, placing it in the less affordable tier. At $825 monthly rent, it ranks among the priciest in this analysis.

Higher rents, moderate income

Union County's $825 rent is the second-highest in this county set, exceeded only by Washington County's $1,005. On $50,221 income—middle-of-the-pack for this group—residents pay a premium for housing.

Ownership costs significantly less

Homeowners in Union County pay $679 monthly, $146 less than renters, offering meaningful relief. With a median home value of $114,700, purchasing becomes an attractive option for those with down payment resources.

Union works best for buyers

Union County's high rents push affordability stress; if you're relocating, prioritize homeownership here to cut costs by $146 monthly. Compare it to cheaper-rent counties like Sevier or Sharp before committing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Union County

via IncomeByCounty

Union County trails national earnings

Union County's median household income of $50,221 falls short of the national median of $74,755 by nearly $24,500, or 33 percent. The county's income position reflects economic conditions common to rural southern counties.

Slightly below state average

At $50,221, Union County's median household income approaches but slightly trails Arkansas's state average of $51,156, placing it in the lower-middle tier statewide. The county reflects broader rural economic patterns across the state.

Mid-range regional performer

Union County households earn about $1,400 less than Sevier County ($51,641) but roughly $8,400 more than Sharp County ($42,950). The county occupies a moderate position within its regional peer group.

Housing costs well-managed

Union County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.7 percent indicates solid housing affordability, with costs appropriately proportioned to household income. A median home value of $114,700 remains accessible for typical households.

Build wealth intentionally

Union County households should establish automatic savings plans and explore homeownership as a wealth-building vehicle, leveraging the county's affordable housing market. Engage with local financial institutions and investment education programs to grow modest income into lasting assets.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Union County

via CrimeByCounty

Crime Rates Exceed National Average

Union County has a total crime rate of 2,996.3 per 100K, exceeding the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 95.3.

Just Below State Safety Average

The county's safety score is one point lower than the Arkansas average of 96.3. Five reporting agencies track crime across this industrial and timber hub.

Higher Activity than Nearby Sevier

The crime rate here is more than double the rate found in Sevier County. It also trends higher than Washington County, despite Union having a smaller population center.

Violent Crime Double State Average

Violent crime reaches 979.0 per 100K, nearly double the state average of 517.8. Property crime also stays high at 2,017.3 per 100K.

Tech Provides Peace of Mind

Investing in a modern security system can provide peace of mind in this high-activity county. Keeping vehicles locked and valuables out of sight reduces property theft risks.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Union County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse Districts Across the County

Union County is home to 15 public schools serving 7,076 students through six different school districts. The system includes 6 elementary, 3 middle, and 5 high schools, along with one specialized campus. This variety provides families with multiple district options depending on their specific location within the county.

Steady Performance Near State Averages

The county's graduation rate of 90.3% perfectly matches the Arkansas state average and remains above the 87.0% national benchmark. While the per-pupil expenditure of $5,923 is slightly below the state average, the school score of 51.4 is nearly identical to the state's 51.9. These numbers indicate a stable and consistent educational environment.

El Dorado is the Hub of Union County

The El Dorado School District is the largest by far, with six schools and 4,051 students. Other significant districts include Smackover, with 1,161 students, and Junction City with 702. There are currently no charter schools in Union County, with the focus remaining on traditional district-led education.

Town Schools with a Modern High School Feel

With nine schools in town settings and six in rural areas, the average school size is 505 students. El Dorado High School is the largest campus in the county, educating 1,303 students in a comprehensive secondary environment. This mix allows families to choose between a more centralized town experience or a quieter rural setting.

Standard-Setting Schools for Local Families

Union County offers a balanced educational landscape that mirrors the state's best performance metrics. Homes in the El Dorado district are particularly popular for their proximity to the county’s largest high school and middle schools. Consider the proximity to these stable districts when evaluating your next home purchase.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Union County

via RiskByCounty

Union County has low disaster risk

Union County's composite risk score of 53.88 sits just below the national average, earning a relatively low-risk designation. The county experiences modest natural disaster exposure across most hazard types. Compared to typical American counties, Union County residents face below-average total disaster vulnerability.

Below-average risk in Arkansas

Union County scores 53.88, marginally below Arkansas's state average of 55.51, placing it in the safer half of state counties. The county ranks favorably compared to most Arkansas areas with more temperate hazard exposure. This positioning reflects relatively balanced risk across multiple disaster types.

Comparable to nearby southwestern counties

Union County's score of 53.88 is similar to Van Buren County (50.57) but lower than nearby Sevier County (64.95). The county faces moderate tornado and earthquake risks consistent with southwestern Arkansas patterns. Regional disaster vulnerability is relatively consistent across this portion of the state.

Tornadoes and earthquakes drive exposure

Tornado risk in Union County scores 69.75, creating the primary severe weather threat residents face. Earthquake risk of 77.13 presents meaningful structural vulnerability, particularly for older buildings. Flood risk is moderate at 51.21, reflecting typical regional precipitation and drainage patterns.

Balance tornado and earthquake planning

Union County homeowners should ensure coverage includes windstorm and hail protection given the 69.75 tornado risk. Earthquake insurance deserves evaluation at 77.13 risk—it's often affordable as a homeowners policy add-on. A family tornado safety plan addressing your home's shelter-in-place capabilities will address the county's primary hazards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Union County

via WaterByCounty

Union County Struggles with Water Violations

Union County receives a Grade F for drinking water compliance, recording 63 health violations over the past five years. Its violation rate of 159.9 per 100K is approaching the state average of 172.5. Frequent violations suggest systemic issues in providing consistently safe drinking water.

Half of Assessed Water Bodies Impaired

A staggering 50.0% of the 112 assessed water bodies in Union County are listed as impaired, far exceeding the state average of 17.8%. Mercury in fish tissue and high turbidity are the most prevalent issues identified in the 2022 cycle. This indicates a high level of environmental stress across the county's watersheds.

High Density Monitoring Across Union County

With 36 monitoring sites and 22,426 measurements, Union County has one of the most active water quality tracking programs in the region. Most measurements focus on inorganics, nutrients, and metals. This large volume of data is crucial for managing the significant impairments found in the county.

Smackover Creek at Extreme Low Flow

Smackover Creek is currently discharging only 34 cubic feet per second, a mere 8% of its long-term mean. Historical averages sit at 420 cfs, highlighting an extreme departure from normal conditions. These conditions can concentrate pollutants like mercury and minerals.

Prioritize Filtration and Fishing Safety

Given the Grade F compliance and high impairment rates, residents should consider high-quality water filtration for their homes. Be particularly cautious about eating fish from local waters due to the widespread mercury impairments. During the current extreme low-flow period, the impact of these contaminants is likely magnified.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Union County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm Southern Climate

Union County is quite warm, with an annual average temperature of 63.7°F that far exceeds the national median. It is also a very wet region, logging 52.8 inches of annual precipitation.

Among the Warmest in Arkansas

This county is 2.7 degrees warmer than the Arkansas state average of 61.0°F. It represents the hotter, southern tier of the state's climate profile.

Hotter and Drier Than the North

Union County faces 82 days of extreme heat, which is significantly more than Washington County's 39 days. It also receives almost no snow, averaging just 0.8 inches annually.

Intense Summers and Soft Winters

Summers are long and hot, averaging 80.8°F with nearly three months of days over 90°F. Winters are very mild, with a January average temperature of 44.1°F.

Prepare for Sustained Heat

HVAC systems must be robust to handle 82 days of extreme heat annually. Outdoor activities should be planned for the early morning during the summer to avoid the 82.1°F July average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Union County

via SoilByCounty

Strongly Acidic Soils of South Arkansas

Union County presents a very acidic profile with an average pH of 5.10, significantly lower than the state average of 5.56. This low pH presents challenges for most crops without regular lime applications to neutralize the acidity.

Sand-Dominant Composition Influences Drainage

The soil is over half sand at 55.4%, paired with 31.9% silt and 12.7% clay. This high sand content results in a coarse texture that provides plenty of pore space but struggles to retain nutrients over time.

Lower Organic Levels and Water Storage

Organic matter sits at 1.68%, falling short of the state’s 4.15% benchmark. Coupled with an available water capacity of 0.134 in/in, this soil requires careful irrigation and frequent organic amendments to support healthy plant growth.

High Runoff Risk Despite Sandy Texture

The soil is classified in hydrologic group D, indicating very low infiltration rates when saturated. Although sandy, the underlying layers often restrict water movement, leading to increased surface runoff during heavy Southern rainstorms.

Southern Hardiness in Zone 8b

Union County's warm 8b zone allows for a long growing season of heat-tolerant plants like citrus in pots or southern peas. Success in this acidic, sandy soil depends on proactive soil testing and regular fertilization.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Union County

via LawnByCounty

Significant Lawn Challenges in Union County

Union County is one of the most difficult places for lawns, with a very low difficulty score of 23.1. This is far more challenging than the state average of 37.3 and the national median of 50.0. Success in Zone 8b requires an expert focus on heat and soil acidity.

Extreme Summer Heat and High Rain

With 82 extreme heat days, Union County is much hotter than the state average of 64 days. It also receives 52.8 inches of rain annually, which exceeds the ideal range for many turfgrasses. These conditions create high stress for cool-season grasses, making warm-season varieties mandatory.

Managing Highly Acidic, Sandy Soils

The soil is extremely acidic with a pH of 5.10, requiring significant lime treatment to reach the 6.0-7.0 ideal. With 55.4% sand, the soil drains rapidly and may struggle to hold onto essential nutrients. Frequent, light fertilization and watering are necessary to keep grass fed and hydrated.

Conserving Water Amidst Frequent Drought

The county spent 27 weeks in drought over the last year, and over 40% of the area currently faces severe drought. Because sandy soils lose moisture quickly, you must monitor your lawn daily during the hot summer months. Using rain barrels can provide a helpful supplemental water source during these periods.

Heat-Loving Grasses for Union County

Bermudagrass and St. Augustine are the most resilient choices for the intense heat of Zone 8b. You can start your lawn as early as late March, following the typical last frost on March 24th. Given the low difficulty score, don't be afraid to consult a local extension for a custom soil plan.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Union County's county score?
Union County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 40 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Union County rank among counties in Arkansas?
Union County ranks #62 among all counties in Arkansas on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Union County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Union County is $661, with an effective tax rate of 0.58%. This earns Union County a tax score of 77.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Union County?
The median household income in Union County, Arkansas is $50,221 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Union County earns an income score of 15/100 on CountyScore.
Is Union County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Union County scores 40/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #62 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate Union County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Union County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.