Union County's composite score of 65.3 beats the national median of 50.0 by nearly 31%, placing it in the 65th percentile nationally. It reflects solid, above-average livability across the country.
2 / 5
Performs below Iowa's average
At 65.3, Union County trails Iowa's 69.3 state average by about 6 points, making it a lower-tier performer within Iowa. There's room for improvement relative to other state communities.
3 / 5
Exceptional housing affordability
Union County's cost score of 83.8 reflects strong housing value with a median home value of $117,800 and median rent of just $683/month—the lowest in this group. This makes it highly accessible for budget-conscious households.
4 / 5
Tax burden and income both concerning
Union County's tax score of 51.9 (the lowest in this group) and an effective tax rate of 1.790% signal a significant tax burden. The income score of 20.5 with a median household income of $56,813 is the weakest in the group, reflecting limited economic opportunity.
5 / 5
For ultra-budget seekers accepting tradeoffs
Union County suits retirees and families on tight budgets who can absorb higher taxes and limited income in exchange for rock-bottom housing costs. It's best for those with fixed incomes or savings who can live affordably despite economic constraints.
Union County's composite score of 65.3 beats the national median of 50.0 by nearly 31%, placing it in the 65th percentile nationally. It reflects solid, above-average livability across the country.
Performs below Iowa's average
At 65.3, Union County trails Iowa's 69.3 state average by about 6 points, making it a lower-tier performer within Iowa. There's room for improvement relative to other state communities.
Exceptional housing affordability
Union County's cost score of 83.8 reflects strong housing value with a median home value of $117,800 and median rent of just $683/month—the lowest in this group. This makes it highly accessible for budget-conscious households.
Tax burden and income both concerning
Union County's tax score of 51.9 (the lowest in this group) and an effective tax rate of 1.790% signal a significant tax burden. The income score of 20.5 with a median household income of $56,813 is the weakest in the group, reflecting limited economic opportunity.
For ultra-budget seekers accepting tradeoffs
Union County suits retirees and families on tight budgets who can absorb higher taxes and limited income in exchange for rock-bottom housing costs. It's best for those with fixed incomes or savings who can live affordably despite economic constraints.
Score breakdown
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🏛51.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Union County's effective tax rate of 1.790% ranks among the highest in the nation, about 63% above the national median of 1.1%. The median property tax of $2,108 is 22% below the national median of $2,690, as lower home values offset the high rate.
Highest-taxed county in Iowa
Union County's 1.790% effective rate is the highest in Iowa, significantly exceeding the state average of 1.344%. At $2,108 in median taxes, it falls below the state median of $2,160 only because of unusually low home values in the county.
Union County stands out for high rates
Union County's 1.790% rate dwarfs all nearby counties—nearly double that of Sac County at 1.028% and substantially higher than even Story County's 1.472%. This represents the steepest property tax burden in the entire state.
What homeowners actually pay here
A homeowner with a $117,800 median-valued home in Union County pays approximately $2,108 annually in property taxes. That's about $176 per month—the highest rate in the state on a per-value basis.
Assessment appeals are especially critical
With Union County's exceptionally high tax rate, verifying your assessment's fairness is essential. Any overassessment will cost you significantly more here than elsewhere—making an appeal potentially worth substantial annual savings.
Union County renters spend 14.4% of income on housing, slightly above the national average of 14.1%, while earning notably below-average wages of $56,813. This combination—lower income paired with average housing costs—creates genuine affordability pressure for residents.
Lowest income paired with average costs
Union County's 14.4% rent-to-income ratio matches the state average, but median household income of $56,813 trails Iowa by nearly $18,000. This income disadvantage makes housing costs feel proportionally heavier despite reasonable absolute rent levels of $683.
Lowest income in the region
Union County's median income of $56,813 significantly lags peer counties—nearly $8,000 below Taylor County and $28,000 below Sioux County—while rent of $683 runs higher than the most affordable peers. Home values of $117,800 reflect the county's lower economic baseline.
Housing burden heaviest on lowest earners
Residents earning just $56,813 allocate 14.4% to rent or 17.3% to mortgage payments—a proportionally larger share of more limited resources. This leaves less financial cushion for emergencies or savings compared to higher-earning Iowa counties.
Union County requires careful planning
Union County combines modest housing costs with Iowa's lowest incomes, making it viable only if relocation includes job prospects or income growth. Before moving, confirm local employment will match or exceed current earnings; otherwise, the affordability math becomes challenging despite reasonable rent levels.
Union County's median household income of $56,813 falls nearly 24% below the national median of $74,755—the largest gap in this group. This substantial shortfall reflects Union's rural, aging population and limited economic opportunity.
Lowest income in Iowa comparison
Union County's $56,813 median household income sits approximately $13,000 below Iowa's state average of $69,830. Union ranks in Iowa's lower quartile for household earnings, reflecting demographic and economic challenges.
Lowest earner among regional peers
Union County's $56,813 income lags all seven comparison counties, with Taylor County ($67,279)—the next-lowest—earning nearly $10,000 more annually. Union's income gap widens dramatically when compared to Sioux ($84,736) or Scott ($76,363).
Affordable housing eases modest budgets
Union County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.4% and median home value of $117,800 are among the most affordable in this group. Housing affordability provides crucial relief for households managing lower incomes.
Start small, build systematically
Union County families face real budget constraints but can still build wealth through consistent, modest savings and financial education. Exploring employer benefits, local credit unions, and micro-investment platforms helps residents begin wealth-building despite income challenges.
At 75.6 years, Union County residents live 3.3 years less than the U.S. average of 78.9 years—the second-lowest in the eight-county region. The 17.0% poor/fair health rate exceeds the national average of 16%, indicating significant population health challenges.
Well below state average on longevity
Union County's 75.6-year life expectancy falls 2.1 years below Iowa's 77.7-year average, placing it among the state's lowest-performing counties. The health deficit is substantial and requires targeted intervention.
Lowest life expectancy, strong provider access
Union County's 75.6-year life expectancy is the lowest among all eight counties, yet paradoxically it offers 100 primary care providers per 100K—tied with Scott County for the region's best. The 218 mental health providers per 100K also ranks among the region's strongest.
Good provider access masks health challenges
Despite having 100 primary care and 218 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—excellent by regional standards—Union County still has the region's lowest life expectancy. The 5.6% uninsured rate is near the state average, suggesting barriers beyond provider access or insurance status drive poor health outcomes.
Ensure coverage and preventive care
Union County's 5.6% uninsured rate is near the state average, but the county's low life expectancy suggests even insured residents face health barriers. Review your coverage at Healthcare.gov and schedule preventive care with your available providers to improve health outcomes.
Union County's composite risk score of 49.52 with a Relatively Low rating exceeds the national average by roughly 25 percent. This indicates moderate but manageable exposure to natural hazards.
Union ranks above Iowa's middle threshold
At 49.52, Union County exceeds Iowa's state average of 39.68, placing it in the upper-middle range of the state's risk profile. Several Iowa counties rank lower, while others face substantially steeper hazards.
Union faces moderate regional risks
Union County's 49.52 score sits between safer Taylor County (38.49) and higher-risk Sioux County (52.39) and Story County (68.83). It represents a moderate risk level for south-central Iowa.
Tornadoes and wildfires demand attention
Tornado risk (57.09) and wildfire risk (49.84) represent Union County's primary hazards, while flood risk (30.09) and earthquake risk (24.20) pose secondary concerns. The combination of wind and fire threats requires active preparedness.
Cover wind, fire, and flood exposure
Union County residents should ensure homeowner's policies include robust tornado and wind coverage, plus consider flood insurance for extra protection. Maintain defensible space around your home to reduce wildfire risk.