countyscore
67.1
County Score
Safety 97.5Disaster Risk 94.8Lawn Care 89

County Report Card

About Union County, Indiana

Union County Outperforms National Averages

Union County earns a composite score of 67.1, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This strong performance signals a high quality of life compared to the typical American county.

A Top Performer in Indiana

With a score of 67.1, Union County significantly exceeds the Indiana state average of 55.9. This makes it one of the more desirable locations in the region for overall livability.

High Safety and Strong Incomes

The county boasts an elite safety score of 97.5 and a robust income score of 83.3. Residents benefit from a high median household income of $79,500 while enjoying a very low environmental risk score of 94.8.

Room for Educational Growth

Education remains the primary area for improvement with a school score of 49.3. The health score of 53.0 also indicates opportunities to enhance local medical access and wellness outcomes.

Ideal for Secure, High-Earning Families

This county is a premier choice for families seeking safety and financial stability. It suits those who value low environmental risk and a median home value of $162,200.

Score breakdown

Tax62.5Cost53.3Safety97.5Health53Schools49.3Income83.3Risk94.8Water86Weather56.6
🏛62.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠53.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼83.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤53
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓49.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡94.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤56.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨77.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱89
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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Explore this county

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Nearby counties

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57.4
Fayette County
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59.8
Wayne County
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55.2
Franklin County
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Butler County
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Henry County
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Randolph County
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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 taxes well below national average

At 0.705% effective rate, Union County homeowners pay significantly less than the national median of $2,690 annually. On a median home value of $162,200, this rate puts the county in the bottom half nationally for property tax burden.

Slightly above Indiana's average rate

Union County's 0.705% effective rate sits just above Indiana's state average of 0.671%, ranking it near the middle of Indiana's 92 counties. The county's median tax of $1,144 is slightly below the state median of $1,199.

Competitive within eastern Indiana region

Union County's rate compares favorably to Randolph County neighbors and sits between Wayne and Fayette counties in the region. Among similar rural counties, Union maintains a moderate tax burden that attracts residents seeking affordable property ownership.

Median homeowner pays $1,144 annually

On the county's median home value of $162,200, a typical property tax bill reaches $1,144 per year. With mortgage interest, annual taxes average $1,151 compared to $1,133 for properties owned outright.

Review your assessment for potential savings

Many Indiana homeowners discover their properties are assessed above market value. If your home's assessed value seems high, filing an appeal with the county assessor could reduce your annual tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Union County

via CostByCounty

Union County rents are remarkably affordable

Renters in Union County spend just 11.9% of their income on housing, well below the national benchmark of 12-15% that experts consider sustainable. The county's median rent of $792 is nearly $100 cheaper than Indiana's state average of $883, while household incomes run slightly above the national median at $79,500.

A top affordability choice statewide

Union County ranks among Indiana's most affordable counties, with a rent-to-income ratio of 11.9% compared to the state average of 15.6%. This combination of reasonable rents and solid incomes makes housing here genuinely accessible for working families across the income spectrum.

Better than most peers

Union County's $792 monthly rent undercuts neighboring Wabash County ($752) and Warren County ($815) moderately, but beats Vanderburgh County ($964) by $172 per month. The county's rent-to-income ratio of 11.9% is the strongest among its peer group, reflecting healthy local wage levels.

Where your housing dollar goes

Median monthly rent stands at $792 while homeowners pay $893 for mortgages, both reasonable against a median household income of $79,500. Just 11.9% of household income goes to rent—meaning families keep more money for food, healthcare, and savings.

Consider Union County's balance

If you're weighing a move to Indiana, Union County offers both affordability and income stability that outpace state averages. With rents well below $800 and no wage penalty compared to neighbors, it's worth serious consideration for renters and homebuyers alike.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Union County

via IncomeByCounty

Union County earns above the national average

At $79,500, Union County's median household income exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by $4,745—placing it in the top tier nationally. This 6.3% advantage signals strong earning power compared to most American households.

Top 15% of Indiana counties by income

Union County ranks among Indiana's highest-earning counties, with a median income $10,819 above the state average of $68,681. Only a handful of Indiana counties exceed this income level.

Outearning most surrounding counties

Union County's $79,500 median significantly outpaces neighbors like Wabash County ($68,414) and Warren County ($74,635). Only Warrick County—a regional economic hub—surpasses Union at $95,027.

Rent remains comfortably affordable here

A 11.9% rent-to-income ratio means typical renters spend less than $788 monthly on rent from a $79,500 household income—well below the 30% affordability threshold. Union County offers genuine housing security for working families.

Build on your earning advantage

With median income above national levels, Union County households are well-positioned to invest in retirement accounts, education, and wealth-building strategies. Consider consulting a financial advisor to maximize long-term security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Union County

via CrimeByCounty

Union County Safety Statistics

Union County achieves a 100.0 safety score with a reported crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents. Because only one agency reports data, these figures should be interpreted with some caution.

Among the Safest in Indiana

The county ranks among the safest in Indiana, significantly outperforming the state average safety score of 98.9. Data comes from a single reporting agency covering the entire jurisdiction.

Local Results in Eastern Indiana

Union County appears significantly safer than more populous neighbors with multiple reporting agencies. Its zero-crime report is a standout for the eastern Indiana region.

Analyzing Reported Incident Data

No violent or property crimes were reported in the 2022 data cycle. This result is much lower than the state's average violent crime rate of 102.9 and property crime averages.

Partnering with Local Law Enforcement

Single-agency reporting means community awareness is especially important for local safety. Protect your home with reliable locks and get to know your local law enforcement officers.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Union County

via HealthByCounty

Union County's life expectancy matches state average

At 75.1 years, Union County residents live as long as the Indiana average but trail the U.S. life expectancy of 76.4 years. About 19% of residents report poor or fair health, slightly above the national average of 18%, suggesting room for improvement in chronic disease management and preventive care.

Middle-of-the-pack health rank statewide

Union County ranks at the state average for life expectancy but falls below the median on health outcomes compared to Indiana's 92 counties. The county's uninsured rate of 8.2% is nearly identical to the state average of 8.4%, indicating typical insurance coverage challenges across the region.

Health outcomes lag nearby counties

Union County's 75.1-year life expectancy trails Warren County (77.6 years) and Warrick County (76.9 years) but exceeds Washington County (72.5 years). With 18.9% reporting poor/fair health, the county sits between its healthier southern neighbors and the challenges faced in southeastern Indiana.

Limited primary care, adequate mental health access

Only 14 primary care providers per 100,000 residents serve Union County, well below the state average, making routine checkups harder to schedule. Mental health services are equally sparse at 14 providers per 100,000, suggesting residents may face significant waits for behavioral health care.

Check your coverage options today

With 8.2% of Union County uninsured, thousands of residents lack health protection against unexpected costs. Visit healthcare.gov or contact the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, and employer coverage options available now.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Union County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small-Scale Rural School Infrastructure

Union County operates a streamlined education system with four total schools serving 1,295 students. The county manages two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school, all unified under a single district.

Exceptional Graduation Rates Lead the Way

The county boasts an impressive 97.0% graduation rate, significantly higher than both the 92.6% state average and the 87.0% national benchmark. While per-pupil spending sits at $5,075, the school score of 53.1 remains slightly above the state average of 51.7.

Consolidated District Management

The Union Co/Clg Corner Joint School District manages every public school in the county, overseeing the education of all 1,295 enrolled students. There are currently no charter schools operating within the county boundaries.

Consistent Rural Educational Environment

Every school in the county is classified as rural, creating a consistent community feel for all students. Enrollment ranges from 277 students at Union County Middle School to 386 students at Union County High School, with a low average school size of 324.

Secure Your Child's Future in Union County

With graduation rates that lead the state, this county is a top choice for families prioritizing academic outcomes. Explore homes in the area to join a close-knit rural school community where every student counts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Union County

via RiskByCounty

Union County's disaster risk is very low

With a composite risk score of 5.22, Union County sits well below the national average and ranks among the safest counties in the country for natural disasters. This very low rating reflects minimal exposure to most major hazards, though no county is without risk entirely.

Safest county in Indiana

Union County's score of 5.22 is dramatically lower than Indiana's state average of 45.52, placing it among the lowest-risk counties in the state. Residents here face roughly one-ninth the disaster risk of a typical Indiana county.

Safer than similar counties nearby

Union County's composite risk of 5.22 outperforms neighboring Warren County (5.76) and Vermillion County (23.44) across most hazard types. Only neighboring counties like Union maintain this exceptional safety profile in east-central Indiana.

Tornadoes pose the highest threat

Tornado risk at 28.37 is Union County's leading hazard, though it remains below state averages. Earthquake risk (26.75) and flood risk (9.54) round out the top concerns, but all three are relatively modest threats.

Standard homeowners insurance covers most needs

Union County's low-risk profile means standard homeowners insurance provides adequate coverage for the county's primary hazards. Still, renters and property owners should verify tornado and wind protections are included in their policies.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Union County

via WeatherByCounty

Humid Continental Patterns with Heavy Rain

Union County maintains a humid continental climate with a steady 43.7 inches of annual precipitation. While specific temperature data is limited, its rainfall patterns align closely with the broader Midwest.

Matching the Indiana Rainfall Average

The county’s annual precipitation of 43.7 inches almost perfectly matches the Indiana state average of 43.9 inches. This ensures a consistent water supply for the local landscape throughout the year.

Higher Snowfall Totals than Peers

Union County is notably snowier than many peers, recording 24.9 inches of snowfall annually. This is nearly double the amount of snow seen in southern counties like Vanderburgh.

Snow is the Defining Seasonal Feature

Snow is a major factor here, with 24.9 inches falling during the winter months. Though specific summer heat data is unavailable, the high precipitation suggests humid conditions during the growing season.

Gear Up for Significant Snow

Solid winter gear and snow removal equipment are essential for managing the nearly 25 inches of annual snow. Homeowners should also ensure gutters are clear to handle the 43.7 inches of annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Union County

via SoilByCounty

Union County’s Balanced Silt Loam Identity

Union County sits on Alfisols with a dominant silt loam texture. Its average pH of 6.45 aligns almost perfectly with the national median of 6.5 and exceeds the Indiana state average of 6.08.

Silt-Heavy Mix for Reliable Workability

The soil contains 59.2% silt and 19.1% clay, creating a smooth profile that is easy to till and manage. With 21.8% sand, the mix provides enough structural support to prevent the heavy compaction common in wetter regions.

Moderate Fertility and High Water Retention

Organic matter stands at 2.34%, which is higher than the national average but below the 4.90% state benchmark. However, the available water capacity of 0.214 in/in is superior to the state average of 0.202, protecting plants during dry spells.

Well-Drained Soils Support Active Agriculture

The county features well-drained soils belonging to hydrologic group C. This classification indicates moderate infiltration rates, making the land ideal for row crops without frequent ponding issues.

Hardy Crops Thrive in Zone 6a

Located in USDA hardiness zone 6a, Union County is a prime spot for corn, soybeans, and stone fruits. Home gardeners should take advantage of the high water capacity to cultivate thirsty vegetables like tomatoes and peppers.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Union County

via LawnByCounty

An Exceptionally Easy Growing Environment

Union County boasts an impressive lawn difficulty score of 89.0, signaling maintenance is much simpler here than the national median of 50.0. This score sits well above the Indiana state average of 71.0, making it one of the premier spots for turf in the region. Situated in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, homeowners enjoy a climate that supports classic Midwestern grass varieties with minimal stress.

Reliable Rainfall Supports Steady Growth

The county receives 43.7 inches of annual precipitation, which falls perfectly within the ideal 30-50 inch range for healthy turf. While specific data on extreme heat and growing degree days is limited for this area, the ample rainfall reduces the need for constant supplemental irrigation. This consistent moisture keeps root systems strong throughout the traditional growing season.

Perfectly Balanced Soil for Robust Roots

Soil here is a high-quality silt loam with a pH of 6.45, fitting squarely within the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for nutrient uptake. The well-drained nature of the land, combined with 21.8% sand and 19.1% clay, prevents the waterlogging often seen in neighboring counties. This natural drainage and balanced texture mean fewer amendments are required to establish a thick, green carpet.

Remarkable Resilience Against Recent Dry Spells

Lawns in Union County faced only 5 weeks of drought over the past year, showing much better stability than much of Indiana. Currently, 0% of the county experiences abnormally dry conditions, allowing homeowners to stick to standard watering schedules. This lack of water stress helps turf maintain its density and naturally resist weed encroachment.

Thriving in Zone 6a Conditions

Hardy mixtures of Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue perform best in this environment. Homeowners should aim to seed in late summer or early fall to take advantage of the favorable Hardiness Zone 6a transition. With such a high difficulty score, a little basic maintenance goes a long way toward achieving a professional-looking lawn.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Union County's county score?
Union County, Indiana has a composite county score of 67.1 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 Indiana?
Union County ranks #7 among all counties in Indiana 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, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Union County is $1,144, with an effective tax rate of 0.71%. This earns Union County a tax score of 62.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Union County?
The median household income in Union County, Indiana is $79,500 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Union County earns an income score of 83.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Union County, Indiana a good place to live?
Union County scores 67.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #7 in Indiana. 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.