Union scores nearly 40 points above national median
Union County's composite score of 69.9 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, positioning it well above average U.S. counties. This strong showing reflects balanced performance across affordability, taxes, and health.
2 / 5
Near parity with the state average
At 69.9, Union County is nearly aligned with Arkansas's state average of 70.3, placing it firmly in the state's competitive middle tier. It represents a solid, mainstream livability choice.
3 / 5
Health and tax efficiency lead
Union County stands out with the highest Health Score in this group at 61.9, suggesting better healthcare access or quality. The Tax Score of 86.1 reflects an effective tax rate of 0.576%, and median home values of $114,700 offer reasonable affordability (Cost Score: 83.2).
4 / 5
Income growth potential remains limited
Median household income of $50,221 produces an Income Score of 16.2, constraining wealth accumulation for working families. The Risk Score of 46.1 also suggests moderate exposure to economic or demographic vulnerability.
5 / 5
Good for families valuing healthcare access
Union County appeals to families and retirees who prioritize healthcare quality alongside affordability and low taxes. It offers the best health profile in this group, making it suitable for those with ongoing medical needs.
Union scores nearly 40 points above national median
Union County's composite score of 69.9 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, positioning it well above average U.S. counties. This strong showing reflects balanced performance across affordability, taxes, and health.
Near parity with the state average
At 69.9, Union County is nearly aligned with Arkansas's state average of 70.3, placing it firmly in the state's competitive middle tier. It represents a solid, mainstream livability choice.
Health and tax efficiency lead
Union County stands out with the highest Health Score in this group at 61.9, suggesting better healthcare access or quality. The Tax Score of 86.1 reflects an effective tax rate of 0.576%, and median home values of $114,700 offer reasonable affordability (Cost Score: 83.2).
Income growth potential remains limited
Median household income of $50,221 produces an Income Score of 16.2, constraining wealth accumulation for working families. The Risk Score of 46.1 also suggests moderate exposure to economic or demographic vulnerability.
Good for families valuing healthcare access
Union County appeals to families and retirees who prioritize healthcare quality alongside affordability and low taxes. It offers the best health profile in this group, making it suitable for those with ongoing medical needs.
Score breakdown
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🏛86.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
Life expectancy lags despite managed health status
Union County's 70.4-year life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 76.4 years by 6 years, placing it among Arkansas's weaker performers. Yet at 22.4% reporting poor or fair health—the lowest rate among the eight counties analyzed—residents report relatively better daily wellness than their life expectancy would suggest.
Below state average but fewer health complaints
Union County's 70.4-year life expectancy falls 1.9 years short of Arkansas's 72.3-year state average, yet its 22.4% poor or fair health rate is the best in the state group. This disconnect suggests that factors beyond active disease burden—possibly economic hardship, healthcare access, or care-seeking patterns—drive shorter lifespans.
Healthiest perceived wellness, shortest life span
Union County's 22.4% poor or fair health rate is the lowest among all eight counties, but its 70.4-year life expectancy ties St. Francis County at the bottom. This paradox hints that self-reported health doesn't capture underlying conditions like cardiovascular disease or diabetes that may not be actively managed or recognized.
Best insurance coverage rate in the group
Union County's 8.8% uninsured rate is the lowest among the eight counties—below Arkansas's 9.9% state average—meaning most residents have insurance access. With 63 primary care providers and 198 mental health providers per 100,000, the county offers reasonable provider capacity, yet life expectancy remains constrained.
Verify coverage to support good health
Union County has done well building insurance coverage, but the life expectancy gap suggests that having insurance alone isn't enough—regular checkups and chronic disease screening are essential. If you're among the uninsured, visit healthcare.gov or contact Arkansas Medicaid to close the coverage gap and enable preventive care.
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.