Union County's composite score of 75.2 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top half of U.S. counties. This 50% advantage over the typical American county reflects strong fundamentals in tax and housing affordability.
2 / 5
Right at Kentucky's middle
Union County ranks at the state average with a score of 75.2, matching Kentucky's overall mean of 75.0. The county holds its own among its peers in the Commonwealth without standing out or falling behind.
3 / 5
Tax and housing are the draw
Union County excels in affordability, with a cost score of 84.5 and median home values of just $109,000—well below state norms. Its tax score of 80.1 reflects an effective tax rate of only 0.787%, giving residents a favorable fiscal environment.
4 / 5
Income growth lags behind
The income score of 23.2 is Union County's weakest dimension, with a median household income of $60,989 trailing state expectations. Data on safety, health, schools, and water quality are not yet available, limiting a fuller picture of livability.
5 / 5
Best for budget-conscious families
Union County suits families and retirees prioritizing low costs and minimal tax burden over higher wages. The strong housing affordability and low tax rate make it an attractive option for those seeking stability in a modestly-resourced rural setting.
Union County's composite score of 75.2 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top half of U.S. counties. This 50% advantage over the typical American county reflects strong fundamentals in tax and housing affordability.
Right at Kentucky's middle
Union County ranks at the state average with a score of 75.2, matching Kentucky's overall mean of 75.0. The county holds its own among its peers in the Commonwealth without standing out or falling behind.
Tax and housing are the draw
Union County excels in affordability, with a cost score of 84.5 and median home values of just $109,000—well below state norms. Its tax score of 80.1 reflects an effective tax rate of only 0.787%, giving residents a favorable fiscal environment.
Income growth lags behind
The income score of 23.2 is Union County's weakest dimension, with a median household income of $60,989 trailing state expectations. Data on safety, health, schools, and water quality are not yet available, limiting a fuller picture of livability.
Best for budget-conscious families
Union County suits families and retirees prioritizing low costs and minimal tax burden over higher wages. The strong housing affordability and low tax rate make it an attractive option for those seeking stability in a modestly-resourced rural setting.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛80.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Union County's effective tax rate of 0.787% sits well below the national median of 0.84%, placing the county in the bottom third nationally. At $858 in median annual property taxes, Union County homeowners pay roughly one-third of the $2,690 national median.
Slightly above Kentucky average
Union County ranks in the middle of Kentucky's 120 counties with an effective rate of 0.787%, just above the state average of 0.719%. The median tax bill of $858 falls below Kentucky's state median of $1,093.
Among the lowest in Western Kentucky
Union County's 0.787% rate exceeds Wayne County's 0.578% but trails Webster County's 0.985% and Whitley County's 0.657%. Compared to neighboring Warren County at 0.642%, Union County residents pay modestly higher rates on lower-valued homes.
Expect roughly $858 annually
On the median home valued at $109,000, Union County homeowners pay an estimated $858 per year in property taxes. With mortgage escrow, annual costs rise to approximately $1,155.
Consider a property tax appeal
Many Kentucky homeowners discover their properties are overassessed, making them eligible for tax reductions. Reviewing your assessment and filing an appeal costs nothing and could lower your annual bill substantially.
Union County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.5% sits comfortably below the national average, meaning renters here spend less of their paycheck on housing than typical Americans. With a median rent of $787 and household income of $60,989, this county offers more breathing room than most—especially compared to the national median income of $74,755.
Better than average for Kentucky
Union County's 15.5% rent-to-income ratio outperforms Kentucky's state average of 17.0%, placing it among the more affordable counties in the commonwealth. This advantage stems from moderate rents paired with steady household income that slightly exceeds the statewide median.
A stable choice in the region
Union County's $787 monthly rent and 15.5% rent burden sit squarely between comparable nearby counties, offering neither the lowest rents nor the highest costs. Its affordability aligns with the regional middle ground, making it a predictable option for those weighing moves across western Kentucky.
Housing takes 15.5% of income
Renters in Union County spend about $787 monthly on housing from a median household income of $60,989, leaving 84.5% for other expenses. Homeowners fare slightly better, with an average monthly cost of $644 on properties valued near $109,000.
Consider Union for balanced living
If you're relocating to Kentucky and want affordability without sacrificing income stability, Union County deserves your attention. Its below-average housing burden and moderate home values make it worth comparing against higher-cost counties like Warren and Woodford.
Union County's median household income of $60,989 falls about $13,766 short of the U.S. median of $74,755. This 18% gap reflects economic headwinds many mid-sized Kentucky counties face compared to national prosperity trends.
Above-average earners in Kentucky
Union County ranks in the upper half of Kentucky counties with a median income $5,080 above the state average of $55,909. Residents here earn notably more than their state peers, positioning the county as a relative economic anchor.
Competitive with surrounding counties
Union County's $60,989 median sits firmly in the middle of its peer group, exceeding Wayne County ($41,933) and Whitley County ($41,719) but trailing Woodford County's $80,006. This balance reflects Union's role as a stable, working-class community.
Housing costs well within reach
At 15.5%, Union County's rent-to-income ratio falls well below the 30% affordability threshold, meaning housing consumes a manageable share of household budgets. A median home value of $109,000 remains accessible for most working families earning near the county median.
Build on Union's earning stability
With housing secured as an affordable foundation, Union County households have room to invest in skills training, retirement accounts, and wealth-building vehicles. Consider directing savings toward diversified investments and emergency funds to strengthen long-term financial security.
At 73.3 years, Union County's life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 71.4 years—a meaningful edge in healthspan. The county's 24.5% poor or fair health rate slightly exceeds the national average of 21%, suggesting that while residents live longer, some face daily health challenges.
Outperforming Kentucky on longevity
Union County ranks above Kentucky's state average of 72.2 years for life expectancy, placing it in the healthier half of the state's counties. This 1.1-year advantage reflects better-than-average health outcomes across the region.
Mid-range health among peers
Union County sits squarely in the middle of its regional neighbors—healthier than Wayne County (72.7 years) and Webster County (70.1 years), but trailing the strongest performers like Woodford County (76.7 years) and Warren County (75.3 years). The county's 22 primary care providers per 100,000 residents are below regional averages, suggesting potential access gaps despite solid life expectancy.
Low uninsured rate, limited providers
Union County's 6.9% uninsured rate is virtually identical to Kentucky's state average of 7.0%, meaning most residents have coverage. However, with only 22 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—below the state's typical availability—residents may face wait times or travel for routine care.
Stay insured, stay healthy
If you're among the 6.9% of Union County residents without health coverage, visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore Marketplace plans, Medicaid, or local community health center options. Maintaining consistent coverage ensures you can access the primary care that keeps this county's health outcomes strong.
With a composite risk score of 42.78, Union County ranks as Very Low risk and sits well below the national average for natural disasters. This rating reflects below-average exposure to most major hazards, though some risks warrant attention.
Safer than most Kentucky counties
Union County's score of 42.78 places it below Kentucky's average of 44.21, making it one of the lower-risk counties in the state. This modest safety margin provides some protection, though conditions can vary by location within the county.
Middle ground among nearby counties
Union County's risk profile sits between very-low-risk Webster County (29.23) and higher-risk Wayne County (54.68). While safer than Warren County (88.49), Union shares similar tornado exposure with its neighbors at 38.68.
Earthquakes and tornadoes pose dual threat
Earthquake risk scores surprisingly high at 88.36, though damaging quakes remain rare in Kentucky. Tornado risk of 38.68 is more typical for the region and demands tornado preparedness, especially during spring and early summer.
Don't skip earthquake coverage in Union
Standard homeowners policies exclude earthquake damage; consider a separate rider given Union's elevated earthquake score of 88.36. Ensure your policy covers tornado damage and maintain a household emergency kit with supplies for at least 72 hours.