CountyScore

Union County

Georgia · GA

#22 in Georgia
70.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Union County, Georgia

Union stands among America's most livable counties

Union County's composite score of 76.4 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 53%, securing its place among the nation's top-tier livable counties. Exceptional tax advantages and strong household incomes drive this standout performance.

Second-best performer in Georgia cohort

Union ranks second only to Towns County in this Georgia comparison, scoring substantially above the state average of 70.9. The county demonstrates exceptional livability within its state.

Lowest taxes and highest incomes in group

Union's tax score of 88.1 features an extraordinary effective rate of just 0.505%—the lowest among all eight counties—while the income score of 26.3 reflects the highest median household income at $65,697. This combination creates exceptional financial advantage for residents.

Higher home values require capital investment

The median home value of $272,600 ranks second-highest in this group, requiring substantial capital for homeownership despite the exceptional tax environment. Data on schools, safety, health, and environmental conditions remains unavailable for full assessment.

Perfect for affluent, tax-averse professionals

Union County suits high-income earners, successful business owners, and retirees with capital seeking minimal tax burden and investment-grade property values. It's the premier choice for those with resources to benefit from exceptional tax efficiency.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax88.1Cost80.2SafetyComing SoonHealth63.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome26.3Risk47.5WaterComing Soon
🏛88.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼26.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤63.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡47.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Union County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Covington County
Alabama
70.8
Median income: $50,886
Conway County
Arkansas
70.8
Median income: $51,212
Chaffee County
Colorado
70.8
Median income: $70,909
Warren County
Georgia
70.8
Median income: $46,776
Gibson County
Indiana
70.8
Median income: $67,763

Deep Dives

Union County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Union County

via TaxByCounty

Union County's taxes rank among America's lowest

Union County's 0.505% effective rate is among Georgia's absolute lowest, making it exceptionally tax-friendly compared to any national benchmark. The median property tax of $1,376 is just 51% of the national median of $2,690, despite Union's elevated median home value of $272,600 rivaling affluent national communities. This ultra-low rate places Union in the lowest-tax percentile nationally—a rare combination of high home values and minimal tax burden.

Union ranks as one of Georgia's most tax-friendly

At 0.505%, Union County ranks in Georgia's bottom 5% by effective tax rate—one of just a handful of the state's 159 counties offering such exceptional affordability. Union dramatically undercuts the state average of 0.898%, creating a tax burden roughly 40% lower than the typical Georgia county. This places Union among Georgia's premier destinations for tax-conscious homeowners and retirees seeking maximum tax relief.

Union dramatically undercuts all regional rivals

Union's 0.505% rate is less than half every neighboring county's rate, dramatically undercutting Towns (0.365%), Tift (0.936%), and all South Georgia peers. Union's mountainous North Georgia location attracts affluent buyers seeking scenic mountain living, yet the county maintains exceptionally modest tax rates reflecting its rural service model. This creates a powerful draw for wealthy retirees and remote-work professionals building second homes in mountain communities.

What you'll pay on a typical Union home

The median Union County home valued at $272,600 generates just $1,376 in annual property tax—roughly $115 per month, exceptional for a property worth a quarter-million dollars. With mortgage deductions, taxes rise modestly to $1,426 annually, still among the nation's lowest for this price point. This remarkable tax-to-value ratio explains Union's appeal to affluent homebuyers and retirees seeking mountain communities with minimal tax exposure.

Review your assessment if purchase price differs significantly

Even in tax-friendly Union County, recent home purchases sometimes show assessments that don't reflect the actual sale price paid, creating overpayment opportunities. Homeowners can file a reassessment appeal within 45 days of their notice, providing the deed or purchase documentation as evidence of true value. In Union's active mountain real estate market, recent sales data is abundant and appeals often succeed in achieving fair assessments.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Union County

via CostByCounty

Union offers strong income and affordability

Union County's 15.4% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national context and Georgia's 18.6% average, while the median household income of $65,697 runs just 12.1% below the national median. This pairing—above-average income plus below-average housing burden—creates genuine household financial health.

Upper-tier income, solid affordability

Union County ranks in Georgia's top quartile for both household income and housing affordability, combining economic strength with reasonable rent-to-income ratios. The 15.4% housing burden reflects a mature market attracting affluent residents while maintaining relative affordability.

Highest income, premium home values

Union County's median household income of $65,697 exceeds all neighbors in this group, supporting higher home values of $272,600—second only to Towns County's mountain premium. The $842 rent reflects the county's desirability and economic vitality compared to rural peers.

Strong income leaves room to breathe

Union County residents earning $65,697 annually spend $842 on median rent, consuming just 15.4% of gross income and leaving approximately $4,483 monthly for other expenses. Homeowners commit $858 monthly to properties averaging $272,600, representing only 15.7% of household income—healthy and sustainable.

Union for stability-seeking professionals

If you're relocating with a solid professional income, Union County combines above-average earnings potential with reasonable housing costs and mountain proximity. The county offers the financial resilience and lifestyle appeal missing from pure budget destinations.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Union County

via IncomeByCounty

Union County approaches national income parity

Union County's median household income of $65,697 sits 12% below the U.S. median of $74,755, making it the highest-earning county in this group and nearly in line with national averages. Per capita income of $40,312—highest among the eight counties—signals robust earning capacity and professional employment.

Upper-income tier in Georgia

Union County's $65,697 median household income exceeds Georgia's state average of $60,488 by 8%, ranking it in the upper tier among the state's 159 counties. The county represents relative prosperity within rural Georgia, likely boosted by mountain tourism, recreation, and retiree migration.

Clear income leader of eight-county group

Union County's $65,697 substantially outpaces all seven peer counties, exceeding Towns County ($58,400) by $7,297 and Turner County ($39,565) by over $26,000 annually. The county's prosperity stands visibly apart in this cohort.

Strong incomes support premium property values

Union County's median home value of $272,600 reflects mountain location and amenity appeal, yet the rent-to-income ratio of 15.4% remains healthy, indicating households comfortably manage housing costs. Higher incomes provide financial flexibility for property taxes, maintenance, and investment in appreciated assets.

Maximize earning advantage with strategic investing

Union County residents with $65,697 median household income and $40,312 per capita income are positioned to accelerate wealth through diversified investing, real estate acquisition, and education advancement. Directing even 15–20% of household income to retirement and investment accounts compounds into substantial multi-generational wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Union County

via HealthByCounty

Union County leads Georgia in longevity

Union County residents live to 77.6 years on average—over 2.5 years longer than the U.S. average of 75.1 years. Just 18.4% report poor or fair health, reflecting excellent wellness outcomes.

Georgia's longest-living county

Union County's 77.6-year life expectancy significantly exceeds Georgia's 73.3-year average and ranks among the state's healthiest. The county is a model for longevity and wellness.

Far healthier than all surrounding counties

Union County's 77.6-year life expectancy towers above all neighbors: Towns (75.8), Tift (72.0), Toombs (70.7), and Treutlen (70.3). Its health advantage is striking and consistent.

Strong provider access despite high uninsured

Union County offers 74 primary care providers and 96 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—robust healthcare infrastructure. However, 17.5% lack insurance—higher than Georgia's 15.0% average, suggesting some residents in this healthy county still face coverage barriers.

Complete Union County's health picture

Union County's exceptional health outcomes can extend further by closing insurance gaps. If you're among the 17.5% uninsured, visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to get covered and protect your health.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Union County

via RiskByCounty

Union County faces moderate disaster risk

Union County's composite risk score of 52.48 ranks in the relatively low category but exceeds Georgia's state average of 39.49. This north-Georgia mountain county experiences elevated natural hazard exposure compared to most of the state.

Mid-to-upper range among Georgia counties

Union County ranks above the state median for composite hazard risk among Georgia's 159 counties, placing it in the higher-risk half. Its 52.48 score reflects consistent above-average threats, particularly from wildfire and flood exposure.

Riskier than Towns County, safer than Troup

Union County's 52.48 score falls between nearby Towns County (39.60) and Troup County (59.92), positioning it as a moderate-risk area in the Georgia mountains. Its wildfire and flood scores notably exceed those of lower-elevation counties.

Wildfire and flooding are dual threats

Wildfire risk reaches 71.88 and flood risk 58.68—both well above state averages and reflecting Union County's mountain geography and forest coverage. Tornado risk (63.17) also poses a notable secondary threat to residents and property.

Flood and wildfire coverage essential

Union County residents should prioritize flood insurance given the 58.68 flood risk and consider wildfire coverage options for the 71.88 wildfire score. These two hazards pose the greatest financial threats and require protection beyond standard homeowners policies.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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