62
County Score
Property Tax 85.2Weather & Climate 79.1Schools 71.7

County Report Card

About Union County, Georgia

Union County Beats National Medians

Union County’s composite score of 62.0 is significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. It ranks among the more desirable counties in the nation for its blend of low taxes and quality schools.

A Leader in Georgia Livability

Scoring 62.0, Union County is a top-tier performer compared to the Georgia average of 46.7. Its high standard of living makes it one of the premier destinations in the northern part of the state.

Superior Schools and Tax Policy

The county boasts a tax score of 85.2, driven by a low effective rate of 0.505%. Its school score of 71.7 and relatively high median income of $65,697 create a robust environment for family success.

Water Infrastructure and Risk

Union County’s water score of 36.5 is its lowest metric, suggesting room for infrastructure investment. A risk score of 47.5 also reflects the natural vulnerabilities of its beautiful mountainous terrain.

Best for Families and High Earners

Union County is an excellent fit for families seeking quality education and professionals who want to keep more of their income. It offers a premium mountain lifestyle with a high-performance social fabric.

2040608010085.249.666.946.371.756.547.536.579.1Tax85.2Cost49.6Safety66.9Health46.3Schools71.7Income56.5Risk47.5Water36.5Weather79.162/100
This county
National avg
4 above average1 below average

Union County DNA

Doverall

How Union County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Union County excels in 4 of 9 measured dimensions, led by Property Tax (85.2/100). A few areas trail the national average, including Water Quality (36.5/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
85.2+33.2
Cost
49.6
Safety
66.9+11.900000000000006
Health
46.3
Schools
71.7+17.700000000000003
Income
56.5
Risk
47.5
Water
36.5-21.5
Weather
79.1+23.099999999999994
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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

$272,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$842/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$272,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$33,680/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $65,697/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

50.8

per 100K

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

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'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.

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.

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.

Safety in Union County

via CrimeByCounty

Union County Safety in the National Spotlight

Union County features a high safety score of 98.8, with a total crime rate of 779.8 per 100,000 residents. This rate is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Outperforming the Georgia State Average

Union County’s crime rate is nearly half of the Georgia state average, which stands at 1412.9. It is consistently ranked as one of the safer regions in the state.

Safety Comparisons with Neighboring Areas

The county's crime rate of 779.8 is slightly higher than neighboring Towns County at 741.3. Three active reporting agencies ensure that safety data is transparent and accessible.

Low Violent and Property Crime Rates

Violent crime is extremely low at 76.4 per 100,000, far below the state average of 248.1. Property crime is also controlled at 703.4, reflecting a peaceful community environment.

Home Security Tips for Union County

Keep your home secure by installing smart cameras and ensuring all windows have sturdy locks. Community awareness is the foundation of Union County's impressive safety record.

Schools in Union County

via SchoolsByCounty

Robust Rural Education in Union County

Union County provides 5 schools for 3,024 students within its single school district. The infrastructure includes 2 elementary, 1 middle, 1 high, and 1 specialized school.

Exceptional Success and Efficient Spending

Union County boasts an outstanding 97.0% graduation rate, far exceeding state and national averages. The county achieves these results with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,297, slightly below the Georgia state average.

Traditional Rural Excellence

The Union County district manages the entire public enrollment with no charter schools. The system includes unique facilities like Woody Gap High/Elementary, which serves a very small group of 66 students.

All-Rural Settings with Larger Campuses

Every school in the county is classified as rural, with an average size of 605 students. Union County High is the largest at 887 students, followed by the Primary School which serves 776.

Relocate for Top-Tier Graduation Rates

With a 97% graduation rate, Union County is a premier destination for educational quality in Georgia. Explore homes in the Blairsville area to join this high-performing rural community.

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.

Water Quality in Union County

via WaterByCounty

Drinking Water Grade F Following Violations

Union County has recorded 11 health violations over the last five years, resulting in a Grade F for drinking water compliance. The violation rate of 42.2 per 100,000 residents is lower than the state average of 152.5 but signals ongoing safety concerns. Local water providers are under pressure to improve treatment consistency to meet federal standards.

Majority of Water Bodies Face Impairment

The 2022 reporting cycle indicates that 58.3% of the 48 assessed water bodies in Union County are impaired. This is higher than the Georgia average of 48.4%, with E. coli and fecal coliform being major pollutants. Poor fish bioassessments also indicate significant ecological degradation in local streams.

High Data Volume from Nine Monitoring Sites

With 10,392 measurements recorded over the last five years, Union County has a very well-documented water quality profile. Nine active monitoring sites track physical, nutrient, and organic characteristics. This data is essential for identifying where E. coli and other contaminants are entering the Nottely River system.

Nottely River Flow Below Long-Term Mean

The Nottely River near Blairsville is currently flowing at 75 cfs, which is 40% of its typical 187 cfs mean. This gauge, which drains 75 square miles, indicates that the river is currently in a period of lower-than-normal volume. Reduced flow can impact the concentration of biological contaminants in the water.

Prioritize Filtration and Bacterial Awareness

The Grade F rating and 58.3% impairment rate suggest that both drinking and recreational waters require extra attention. Residents should consider home filtration and be cautious of E. coli levels when swimming in local streams. Managing agricultural runoff and septic maintenance is critical to improving the health of the 28 impaired water segments.

Weather & Climate in Union County

via WeatherByCounty

Georgia's cool and rainy mountain refuge

Union County offers a cool annual temperature of 55.9°F, much closer to the national median than most of Georgia. It is also exceptionally wet, receiving 60.3 inches of rain annually.

Significantly cooler than the Georgia average

This is one of Georgia's coolest counties, sitting nearly 8 degrees below the state average of 63.7°F. It receives significantly more rain and snow than the typical Georgia county.

Snowier and wetter than western neighbors

Union is much cooler and snowier than Walker County to the west. While Walker gets 0.9 inches of snow, Union averages 3.1 inches due to its higher mountain elevation.

Mild summers and cold, snowy winters

The county experiences just 8 extreme heat days per year, a stark contrast to the state average. Winters are the coldest in the region, with a January average of 37.4°F.

Gear up for mountains and moisture

Residents need a versatile wardrobe including heavy coats for the 3.1 inches of snow and 39.5°F winters. Waterproof gear is essential for the 60.3 inches of annual rainfall.

Soil Quality in Union County

via SoilByCounty

High Altitude Mountain Soil

Soil pH and taxonomic data are not available for Union County in this dataset. Most mountain soils here are moderately acidic due to the weathering of metamorphic rock.

Loamy Textures and Steep Terrains

Specific sand and silt measurements are currently missing. Loamy textures are common in this region, offering more balanced drainage than the sandy soils of South Georgia.

Fertility in the Blue Ridge

Organic matter data is not recorded for this county compared to the 1.83% state average. Cool mountain air often slows the breakdown of organic material, helping maintain soil health.

Rapid Drainage on the Slopes

Drainage classifications are not provided for the county. The steep terrain generally ensures that surface water moves quickly, though valley floors can stay quite damp.

Cool Nights and Garden Greens

Hardiness Zone 7b provides the perfect environment for cabbage, kale, and root vegetables. Start your garden and take advantage of the refreshing climate and rich mountain views.

Lawn Care in Union County

via LawnByCounty

Georgia's Premier Spot for Lawns

Union County is a standout for lawn care with an impressive difficulty score of 65.7, far exceeding the state average of 35.8. Located in the cooler Hardiness Zone 7b, the county provides some of the best conditions in Georgia for a healthy lawn. It even surpasses the national median of 50.0, making it a dream for local gardeners.

Abundant Moisture and Mild Summers

The county receives a generous 60.3 inches of rain annually, well above the 30-50 inches considered ideal. With only 8 extreme heat days per year, turf faces far less stress than in the rest of Georgia. The moderate 3,577 growing degree days mean grass grows at a manageable pace, requiring less frequent mowing than southern counties.

Mountain Soil Management

Specific soil data for pH and texture is unavailable for Union County, but mountain soils often require careful management of organic matter. Given the high rainfall, residents should check for soil acidity and potential erosion issues on sloped properties. A quick soil test from a local extension office will provide the data needed to optimize your lawn's health.

Navigating Rare Severe Droughts

Despite its high rainfall, 100% of Union County is currently experiencing severe drought after 18 weeks of dry conditions this past year. These conditions are unusual for the region but highlights the need for a backup irrigation plan. Even in this favorable climate, preserving moisture through proper mowing heights is essential during dry windows.

Perfect Timing for Cool-Season Turf

Tall Fescue is the champion of Union County's Zone 7b climate, thriving in the cooler air and plentiful rain. Plan your main lawn projects between the last frost on April 26 and the first frost on October 19. The mild summers make this one of the few places in the state where cool-season grasses can truly flourish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Union County's county score?
Union County, Georgia has a composite county score of 62 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 Georgia?
Union County ranks #6 among all counties in Georgia 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, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Union County is $1,376, with an effective tax rate of 0.50%. This earns Union County a tax score of 85.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Union County?
The median household income in Union County, Georgia is $65,697 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Union County earns an income score of 56.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Union County, Georgia a good place to live?
Union County scores 62/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #6 in Georgia. 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

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