countyscore
57.4
County Score
Cost of Living 77.3Safety 76.6Schools 65.7

County Report Card

About Union County, Illinois

Union County Outperforms National Median

Union County secures a composite score of 57.4, comfortably beating the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a quality of life that exceeds the average American county experience.

Leading the Illinois Average

Union County ranks well within the state, exceeding the Illinois average composite score of 52.8. It stands out as a more livable alternative to many of its regional neighbors.

Exceptional Affordability and Safety

A cost score of 77.3 highlights incredible housing value, featuring a median gross rent of only $658. The county also boasts a safety score of 76.6, offering peace of mind for local residents.

Water Infrastructure and Income Gaps

Infrastructure is a weakness, with a water score of 9.7 representing one of the lowest marks in the state. An income score of 28.5 also reflects a median household income of $56,420, which is lower than many peer counties.

Perfect for Retirees and Budget-Conscious

Union County is an excellent choice for retirees or remote workers who prioritize low costs and personal safety. While infrastructure and local wages are lower, the low tax rate of 1.405% makes it highly attractive for fixed-income households.

Score breakdown

Tax17Cost77.3Safety76.6Health58.5Schools65.7Income28.5Risk44.6Water9.7Weather64.7
🏛17
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠77.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼28.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡76.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤58.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓65.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡44.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧9.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤64.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨65.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱55.6
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Deep Dives

Union County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Union County

via TaxByCounty

Union County keeps taxes low nationally

Union County's effective tax rate of 1.405% falls well below the national median of 1.831%, placing it among the more affordable counties for property taxes across the U.S. The median property tax of $1,851 is 31% lower than the national median of $2,690.

Illinois's most tax-friendly county

Union County ranks first among Illinois's 102 counties for the lowest effective tax rate at 1.405%, substantially below the state average of 1.831%. This represents a meaningful advantage for homeowners compared to the rest of the state.

Lowest taxes in the region by far

Union County's 1.405% rate is dramatically lower than Wabash County (1.471%), Wayne County (1.526%), and all other surrounding counties. A Union County homeowner saves $300–$1,000+ annually compared to neighbors in adjacent counties.

Median home costs just $1,851 yearly

A median-valued home in Union County ($131,700) carries an estimated annual property tax of only $1,851. This makes Union County an exceptionally affordable place to own property in Illinois.

Double-check your assessment anyway

Even in tax-friendly Union County, some homeowners are overassessed and can appeal their valuations at no cost. An appeal could further reduce your already-low tax obligations.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Union County

via CostByCounty

Union County offers exceptional housing value

Union County achieves a remarkable 14.0% rent-to-income ratio—the lowest among these eight counties and well below the national average of 14.7%. At $658 monthly rent, the county delivers genuinely affordable housing despite a median household income of $56,420, the second-lowest in this group.

Illinois's most affordable rental market

Union County stands out statewide with a 14.0% rent-to-income ratio, significantly beating Illinois's 14.7% average and the $837 state median rent—Union charges just $658. This exceptional affordability makes Union a standout for renters prioritizing low housing-cost burden.

Union beats all regional competitors on rent

Union County's $658 rent is the lowest across all eight counties surveyed, undercutting even similarly rural Wabash County ($774) and Wayne County ($632). The county's 14.0% rent-to-income ratio beats every neighbor, reflecting genuine affordability rather than squeezed household budgets.

Housing leaves room for other necessities

With median rent of $658 and owner costs of $746 on a $56,420 household income, Union residents dedicate just 14% to housing. This low burden—compared to 17.6% in Vermilion or 17.3% in Wabash—leaves families meaningful resources for healthcare, food, and savings.

Union County rewards cost-conscious movers

Relocating to Union County makes financial sense if you're escaping high-cost regions; your dollars stretch further here than almost anywhere in Illinois. Median home values of $131,700 and rock-bottom rents mean you'll spend less on housing while maintaining a rural lifestyle.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Union County

via IncomeByCounty

Union County falls well below national income

Union County's median household income of $56,420 sits $18,335 below the U.S. median of $74,755. This significant gap places the county among the lower-earning regions nationally, creating tighter household budgets.

Among Illinois's lowest-income counties

At $56,420, Union County trails the Illinois average of $68,580 by $12,160 and ranks among the state's lowest earners. Per capita income of $31,962 falls short of the state average of $36,009, indicating limited earning opportunities across the population.

Second-lowest income in eight-county region

Union County's $56,420 exceeds only Wayne County ($53,107) among its regional peers but lags well behind Tazewell ($76,704) and Washington ($75,652). The $20,284 gap with Tazewell highlights stark income disparities within central Illinois.

Rent affordable despite lower incomes

Union County's 14.0% rent-to-income ratio is notably affordable, suggesting landlords price rentals modestly relative to local earnings. Median home values of $131,700 require creative financing but remain within reach for households saving aggressively.

Strategic saving despite income constraints

Union County households earning $56,420 can dedicate approximately $1,128 monthly to savings with disciplined budgeting. Prioritizing employer matches, building credit for future home purchases, and seeking higher-wage employment opportunities are critical wealth-building steps.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Union County

via CrimeByCounty

Union County Surpasses National Safety Averages

Union County earns a high safety score of 99.1, making it significantly safer than the average U.S. community. Its total crime rate of 560.7 per 100,000 residents is nearly 75% lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Outperforming the Illinois State Average

The county's safety profile exceeds the Illinois average safety score of 98.7. With a crime rate significantly lower than the state average of 835.0, Union stands out as a regional leader in public safety.

Consistently Safer Than Regional Neighbors

Union County maintains a much lower crime footprint than nearby Vermilion County. While some neighbors face rising property crime, Union keeps its total incidents well below the thresholds of more urbanized areas.

Low Violent Crime Defines Local Landscape

Property crime accounts for 514.0 incidents per 100,000 residents, which remains the primary focus for the five reporting agencies. Violent crime is extremely rare at just 46.7 per 100,000, far below the national average of 369.8.

Simple Steps Protect Union County Homes

Even in highly safe areas, basic security measures like outdoor lighting and locked windows deter opportunistic theft. Keeping the county's safety score high starts with individual awareness and community vigilance.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Union County

via HealthByCounty

Union faces significant health challenges

Union County's life expectancy of 74.7 years falls short of both the U.S. average of 74.5 years and Illinois's 76.0-year average, reflecting deeper health disparities. With 17.9% reporting poor or fair health—close to the national 18%—Union residents experience elevated rates of chronic disease and health burden.

Union ranks below state average

At 74.7 years, Union County's life expectancy trails Illinois's 76.0-year average by 1.3 years, placing it in the lower half of state counties. The uninsured rate of 7.0% exceeds Illinois's 6.3% average, indicating coverage gaps that may delay care and increase health risks.

Lower life expectancy than most peers

Union's 74.7-year life expectancy lags most surrounding counties, including Tazewell (76.6), Stephenson (76.2), and Warren (76.0), though it ties with Wayne County. Union does lead in primary care provider density at 77 per 100,000, suggesting infrastructure that could support better outcomes with improved access.

High uninsured rate hampers care

At 7.0% uninsured—above the state average—Union residents face barriers to preventive care and regular check-ups. While the county has 77 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 246 mental health providers per 100,000, the high uninsured rate suggests cost and awareness challenges limit their reach.

Affordable coverage is within reach

Union's higher uninsured rate points to families who need protection from medical costs. Visit healthcare.gov or contact a local health department to explore Medicaid, subsidized plans, and free or low-cost community health services.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Union County

via SchoolsByCounty

Union County’s Rural School Network

Union County provides education to 2,536 students across 18 public schools and seven districts. The system includes 7 elementary, 4 middle, and 4 high schools, plus three specialized education centers.

High Performance with Targeted Spending

The graduation rate in Union County is an impressive 89.8%, significantly higher than the 87.0% national average. At $9,527, per-pupil spending exceeds the Illinois state average, resulting in a composite school score of 58.9.

Spotlight on Anna CCSD 37

Anna CCSD 37 is the largest district in the county, educating 574 students across three schools. No charter schools exist in this county, ensuring a focused traditional public school environment for all local families.

Small Schools in a Scenic Rural Locale

Attending school here feels community-oriented, as the average school size is just 169 students. The landscape is entirely rural and town-based, ranging from Anna-Jonesboro High’s 497 students to much smaller primary schools.

Join the Union County School Community

For families seeking small class sizes and high graduation rates, Union County is a compelling choice. Explore local real estate options near these high-performing rural schools to secure your student's success.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Union County

via RiskByCounty

Union County near national risk average

With a composite risk score of 55.38, Union County sits just above the national median for natural disaster risk. This "Relatively Low" rating masks significant earthquake exposure (90.14), which is exceptionally high despite moderate overall risk.

Slightly below Illinois average

Union's 55.38 score edges slightly below the Illinois state average of 54.46, making it one of the safer counties statewide. However, its earthquake risk places it among the state's most seismically vulnerable counties.

Similar risk to Washington County

Union County's 55.38 score closely mirrors nearby Washington County (55.15), both sitting in the lower-risk zone. Both counties share elevated earthquake exposure that distinguishes them from lower-risk peers like Wabash County (24.84).

Earthquake risk dominates the profile

Earthquake risk of 90.14 is exceptionally high and Union's primary hazard concern, reflecting its position near active fault zones in southern Illinois. Tornado risk (61.58) and hurricane risk (36.13) present secondary but meaningful threats.

Earthquake coverage is your priority

Standard homeowners insurance excludes earthquake damage—you must purchase a separate earthquake policy to protect your home from seismic events. Secure heavy furniture, water heaters, and mirrors to walls, and keep emergency supplies (water, food, first aid) accessible.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Union County

via WeatherByCounty

Far Exceeding National Temperatures

Union County averages 58.5°F annually, which is nearly six degrees warmer than the national median. It features a humid subtropical influence unique to the state's southern tip.

Illinois’ Warmest and Wettest Corner

At 58.5°F, this is one of the warmest counties in Illinois, far exceeding the 52.8°F state average. It is also exceptionally wet, receiving 51.1 inches of annual rain.

A Southern Illinois Thermal Peak

Union is even warmer than St. Clair County, which averages 56.8°F. It also receives about eight more inches of rain annually than its northern neighbors.

Long Summers and Little Snow

The county faces 43 days of extreme heat with July temperatures averaging 79.2°F. Winters are the mildest in the state, averaging 37.9°F with only 10.4 inches of snow.

Manage Heat and High Humidity

Residents need high-capacity cooling and dehumidification to handle the 51.1 inches of rain and 43 days of extreme heat. Heavy winter clothing is rarely needed given the mild 37.9°F winter average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Union County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Profile in the Southern Hills

Union County soil shows an average pH of 6.25, which is more acidic than the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 6.39. While specific taxonomic orders are not listed, this level of acidity is common in southern forest soils. Certain plants like blueberries or azaleas will find this environment particularly welcoming.

Fine Silt Dominates the Landscape

This soil is comprised of 67.6% silt, 23.2% clay, and just 9.2% sand. This fine-grained mix feels silky to the touch and holds onto moisture very effectively. However, the low sand percentage means the soil can become slick and heavy when wet, requiring careful timing for spring tilling.

Modest Organic Matter and Water Capacity

Organic matter sits at 1.95%, falling below the Illinois average of 2.94% and the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity is 0.201 in/in, which is nearly equal to the state benchmark. Gardeners should consider adding compost to boost fertility and improve the soil's natural structure.

Managing Moisture in Silt-Heavy Ground

Official drainage class records are unavailable, but the high silt and clay levels suggest the ground may drain slowly. Because the soil holds 0.201 inches of water per inch of depth, it stays moist longer than sandier areas. Raised beds can help prevent root rot during the rainy southern Illinois spring.

Long Seasons in Zone 7a

Union County enjoys a mild Zone 7a climate, perfect for extended growing seasons and even southern favorites like okra. With the right organic amendments, this soil can support productive orchards and vibrant flower gardens. Start your seeds early to make the most of the long southern Illinois summer.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Union County

via LawnByCounty

Southern Heat Challenges Union Lawns

Union County presents a challenge for homeowners with a lawn difficulty score of 55.6, well below the state average of 69.8. This Zone 7a climate requires more active management to keep turf green through the long, warm summers.

High Rainfall Meets Intense Heat

The county sees 51.1 inches of rain annually, which is significantly higher than the Illinois average of 41.8 inches. However, 43 extreme heat days and a high 4627 growing degree days mean evaporation happens quickly, stressing cool-season grasses.

Acidic Soil and Clay Mix

A soil pH of 6.25 is on the lower end of the ideal range, meaning a light lime application may benefit some lawns. The soil's 23.2% clay content can lead to drainage issues during those heavy 51-inch rainfall years.

Resilient Moisture Levels This Year

Union County only experienced 17 weeks in drought over the last year, which is low compared to northern neighbors. While 100% of the area is currently 'abnormally dry,' the high annual rainfall helps the landscape recover quickly.

Start Early in Zone 7a

With the last frost occurring early on April 8, the growing season starts fast. Heat-tolerant Tall Fescue or even warm-season Zoysia are recommended to withstand the 43 days of temperatures over 90°F.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Union County's county score?
Union County, Illinois has a composite county score of 57.4 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 Illinois?
Union County ranks #35 among all counties in Illinois 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, Illinois?
The median annual property tax in Union County is $1,851, with an effective tax rate of 1.41%. This earns Union County a tax score of 17/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Union County?
The median household income in Union County, Illinois is $56,420 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Union County earns an income score of 28.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Union County, Illinois a good place to live?
Union County scores 57.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #35 in Illinois. 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.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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