CountyScore

Union County

Illinois · IL

#30 in Illinois
67.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Union County, Illinois

Top performer against national benchmark

Union County's 68.7 composite score crushes the national median of 50.0—a 37% advantage that places it in approximately the 69th percentile nationally. This outstanding ranking reflects exceptional performance in tax burden and housing affordability.

Top tier among Illinois counties

At 68.7, Union County ranks well above Illinois' 62.1 state average, positioning it among the state's strongest performers. The 6.6-point margin over the state average reflects its particularly competitive position within Illinois.

Exceptional tax and cost advantages

Union County's Tax Score of 62.7 (1.405% effective rate) and Cost Score of 85.4 (median home $131,700, rent $658/month) are standout strengths. These factors alone make it one of Illinois' most affordable and tax-efficient counties.

Income levels lag significantly behind

The Income Score of 20.2 and median household income of $56,420 represent a notable weak point. Limited data on safety, health, schools, and infrastructure also leaves important community quality factors unmeasured.

Ideal for retirees and budget-first residents

Union County excels for people whose top priority is minimizing housing costs and taxes, even if incomes are modest. It's particularly well-suited for fixed-income households, early retirees, or anyone prioritizing affordability over earnings potential.

Score breakdown

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

Tax62.7Cost85.4SafetyComing SoonHealth71.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome20.2Risk44.6WaterComing Soon
🏛62.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠85.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼20.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤71.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡44.6
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

Tuscaloosa County
Alabama
67.3
Median income: $63,947
Miller County
Arkansas
67.3
Median income: $49,983
Inyo County
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67.3
Median income: $72,432
Cook County
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67.3
Median income: $50,133
Toombs County
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67.3
Median income: $54,130

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 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

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

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

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.