countyscore
60.1
County Score
Safety 73.2Cost of Living 72Schools 69.9

County Report Card

About Union County, Kentucky

Beating the National Median

Union County earns a composite score of 60.1, placing it significantly above the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a quality of life that exceeds the typical American county across several key metrics.

Outperforming the Kentucky Average

With a 60.1 composite score, Union County outperforms the Kentucky state average of 58.6. It maintains a competitive edge over many neighboring counties by balancing affordability with community services.

A Secure and Affordable Haven

The county shines in safety and schools, posting impressive scores of 73.2 and 69.9 respectively. Residents also enjoy high affordability with a cost score of 72.0 and a median home value of just $109,000.

Opportunities for Health and Infrastructure

Water quality is a notable concern with a score of 7.3, while the health score lags at 40.3. Improving local healthcare access and environmental infrastructure remains a priority for long-term growth.

Ideal for Budget-Conscious Families

Union County is a perfect fit for young families who prioritize low housing costs and strong local schools. Its high safety rating and $787 median rent make it one of the most accessible areas in the region.

2040608010054.47273.240.369.941.957.27.357.8Tax54.4Cost72Safety73.2Health40.3Schools69.9Income41.9Risk57.2Water7.3Weather57.860.1/100
This county
National avg
4 above average1 below average

Union County DNA

Doverall

How Union County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Union County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (72/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (7.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
54.4
Cost
72+24
Safety
73.2+18.200000000000003
Health
40.3-9.700000000000003
Schools
69.9+15.900000000000006
Income
41.9-9.100000000000001
Risk
57.2+10.200000000000003
Water
7.3-50.7
Weather
57.8
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Union County?

Many homeowners in Union County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$109,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$787/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$109,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,480/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $60,989/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

29.9

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Union County with Fannin County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Gallatin County
Illinois
67.6
Hardin County
Illinois
70.7
Posey County
Indiana
60.5
Webster County
Kentucky
51.6
Crittenden County
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63.7
Henderson County
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46.2
Vanderburgh County
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33.2
White County
Illinois
62.5

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: Lower than most Americans

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Union County

via CostByCounty

Union County rents: below the curve

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Union County

via IncomeByCounty

Union County earnings lag national average

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Union County

via CrimeByCounty

Union County outperforms national safety benchmarks

Union County maintains a high safety score of 99.0, reflecting a secure environment for residents. Its total crime rate of 637.3 per 100,000 residents sits nearly 75% lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

A leader in Kentucky community safety

The county's total crime rate of 637.3 is notably lower than the Kentucky state average of 786.2 per 100,000 residents. Its 99.0 safety score exceeds the statewide average of 98.8, marking it as a top performer among Kentucky counties.

Competitive safety against regional neighbors

While Union County is very safe at 637.3 crimes per 100,000, it faces slightly more reported activity than neighboring Webster County, which sits at 486.4. However, it remains a regional anchor for low crime rates across western Kentucky.

Property crimes dominate the local data

Violent crime remains rare in Union County with just 59.3 incidents per 100,000 residents, far below the national 369.8 average. Property crimes account for the vast majority of local reports at 578.0 per 100,000.

Stay vigilant to keep Union County safe

Even with high safety scores, residents should prioritize basic home security like exterior lighting and smart locks. Proactive measures help maintain the low property crime rates that define the county.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Union County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Town Infrastructure for Two Thousand Students

Union County maintains a streamlined education infrastructure consisting of 8 public schools managed by a single district. The system supports 2,055 students across three elementary, one middle, and three high school campuses. One alternative school also serves the local population.

High Graduation Rates and Local Investment

The county boasts an exceptional 97.0% graduation rate, far exceeding the national average of 87.0%. While per-pupil spending of $7,172 is lower than the national average, it remains higher than the Kentucky state average of $6,894. The composite school score of 57.6 also beats the state median.

A Unified District Serving the Region

The Union County school district serves as the sole provider for the area, managing all 2,055 enrolled students. There are currently no charter schools in the county, meaning 100% of the public school population attends traditional district schools. This centralized structure ensures consistent resources across the 8-school network.

Rural Schools with an Intimate Feel

With seven out of eight schools located in rural settings, the educational environment feels personal and community-focused. The average school size is just 294 students, though sizes vary from Union County High with 630 students to Uniontown Elementary with 208. Only one school in the county is classified as being in a town locale.

Discover Homes Near High-Performing Schools

Families prioritizing high graduation rates and small class sizes will find Union County's market appealing. We encourage you to explore available properties near these top-rated rural campuses. School performance continues to be a primary driver for local real estate value.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Union County

via RiskByCounty

Union County's risk sits below average

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Union County

via WaterByCounty

Significant Violations Impact Union County Water

Union County earns an F grade due to 78 health violations over the last five years. The violation rate of 479.3 per 100,000 residents is more than thirteen times the Kentucky state average of 35.7.

Federal Watershed Assessments Pending

Local water bodies in Union County are not yet covered under the federal §303(d) assessment program. Because these streams lack formal classification, there is no official data on impairment percentages or top contaminants for this reporting cycle.

Extensive Monitoring Tracks Local Chemicals

Technicians manage 8 monitoring sites across the county, recording 4,586 measurements in the last five years. These efforts focus heavily on inorganics, metals, and pesticides to track chemical presence in the water supply.

Ohio River Monitoring at Old Shawneetown

The primary USGS gauge for the county is the Ohio River at Old Shawneetown, monitoring a massive 141,000 square mile drainage area. Current discharge data is not available for this station, limiting real-time flow analysis.

Prioritize Filtration and Health Awareness

Given the high rate of 78 health violations, residents should utilize certified home filtration systems to mitigate risks. Staying informed about local utility notices is essential while federal watershed assessments remain pending.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Soil Quality in Union County

via SoilByCounty

Uncovering the Soil Identity of Union County

While specific taxonomic data and pH levels are not currently recorded for Union County, local soils typically follow regional patterns of acidity. Residents should test their land to see how it compares to the national 6.5 pH median and the Kentucky average of 5.8.

Managing Unclassified Soil Textures

Exact percentages for sand, silt, and clay are unavailable in current datasets for this area. Without these metrics, growers must rely on manual texture tests to determine if their soil is prone to compaction or rapid drainage.

Building Fertility Without Baseline Data

Union County lacks specific organic matter and Available Water Capacity (AWC) data, making state averages the best starting benchmarks. Aiming for the Kentucky average of 3.55% organic matter provides a solid target for improving local garden productivity.

Observing Local Water Movement

The county lacks a dominant drainage class or hydrologic group in the official record. Property owners should monitor how water sits after heavy rains to assess suitability for gardening and building projects.

Gardening in Hardiness Zone 7a

Union County sits in Hardiness Zone 7a, which supports a long and productive growing season. Despite the lack of specific soil scores, the temperate climate is perfect for starting a home vegetable garden or a vibrant flower bed.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Union County

via LawnByCounty

Moderately Easy Lawn Care in Union County

Union County earns a lawn difficulty score of 61.1, placing it well above the national median of 50.0 but slightly behind the Kentucky state average of 66.3. Growing in Hardiness Zone 7a, homeowners benefit from a climate that supports a wide range of turfgrasses with moderate effort.

High Humidity and Consistent Rainfall

The county receives 50.9 inches of annual precipitation, which is just above the state average and fits perfectly within the ideal range for lawn health. With 31 extreme heat days reaching 90°F or higher, residents must prepare for summer stress that can brown out cool-season grasses.

Understanding Local Earth Conditions

While specific soil data for Union County is currently unavailable, the regional profile typically features heavy soils that benefit from aeration. We recommend a professional soil test to determine your specific pH and nutrient needs before the primary growing season begins.

Managing Dry Spells and Heat Stress

Over the past year, the county experienced seven weeks of drought conditions, and currently, 87.1% of the area is classified as abnormally dry. Focus on deep, infrequent watering during the morning hours to maintain root health without encouraging fungal growth.

Starting Your Union County Lawn

Tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass are excellent choices for Zone 7a, providing the best balance of heat tolerance and winter color. Plan to overseed or install sod in early autumn to allow roots to establish before the winter frost sets in.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Union County's county score?
Union County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 60.1 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 Kentucky?
Union County ranks #57 among all counties in Kentucky 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, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Union County is $858, with an effective tax rate of 0.79%. This earns Union County a tax score of 54.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Union County?
The median household income in Union County, Kentucky is $60,989 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Union County earns an income score of 41.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Union County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Union County scores 60.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #57 in Kentucky. 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.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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