CountyScore

Union County

Mississippi · MS

#15 in Mississippi
70.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Union County, Mississippi

Well Above the National Livability Bar

Union County scores 70.7 on the composite livability index, comfortably exceeding the national median of 50.0. This places the county in the top 41st percentile nationally, signaling a county where most residents enjoy above-average living conditions across measured dimensions.

Strongest Performer in Mississippi

Union County ranks as Mississippi's highest-scoring county on the composite index, surpassing the state average of 67.5 by 3.2 points. This distinction reflects the county's competitive advantages in tax burden and housing affordability within the state's context.

Taxes and Housing Lead the Way

Union County excels in two critical livability dimensions: an exceptional tax score of 86.1 backed by an effective tax rate of just 0.576%, and a strong cost score of 82.2 with a median home value of $159,100. The county also maintains median household income of $56,807, among the stronger figures in the state.

Income Inequality and Health Gaps Remain

The income score of 20.5 reveals that wage levels lag significantly behind national benchmarks, reflecting Mississippi's broader economic challenges. Health outcomes (61.3) and risk factors (56.5) also trail the county's tax and cost advantages, suggesting room for improvement in community wellness and environmental safety.

A Tax Haven for Budget-Conscious Families

Union County suits families and retirees prioritizing low taxes, affordable housing, and stable communities over high wage opportunities. This county works best for people already earning regional incomes who want to maximize purchasing power and minimize their tax footprint.

Score breakdown

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

Tax86.1Cost82.2SafetyComing SoonHealth61.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome20.5Risk56.5WaterComing Soon
🏛86.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼20.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤61.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡56.5
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

Greene County
Georgia
70.7
Median income: $84,530
Jenkins County
Georgia
70.7
Median income: $36,906
Lincoln County
Georgia
70.7
Median income: $50,688
Wilkinson County
Georgia
70.7
Median income: $46,673
Blaine County
Idaho
70.7
Median income: $84,470

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 taxes far below national average

Union County's effective tax rate of 0.576% is less than one-third the national median of 0.92%, placing it in roughly the bottom 10% nationally. Homeowners here pay a median of $917 annually compared to the national median of $2,690, a difference of nearly $1,800 per year.

Second-lowest taxes among Mississippi counties

Union County ranks among the lowest-taxing counties in Mississippi, with an effective rate of 0.576% versus the state average of 0.743%. Only a handful of Mississippi counties charge less, making this one of the most tax-friendly places in the state.

Competitive with surrounding rural counties

Union County's 0.576% rate beats Wayne County (0.779%), Winston County (0.648%), and Walthall County (0.784%), though it's slightly higher than Webster County's 0.574%. Regional tax burden varies significantly—homeowners can save hundreds annually by choosing the right county.

Median home here costs $917 annually in taxes

The median Union County home worth $159,100 generates an annual property tax bill of $917. With a mortgage, that jumps to $1,104; without one, you'd pay $685—making it an affordable county for retirement or fixed-income homeowners.

Challenge your assessment to save more

Even in low-tax counties like Union, many properties are overassessed relative to market value. Homeowners should verify their assessed value against recent sales of comparable homes and file an appeal if they believe their assessment is inflated.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Union County

via CostByCounty

Union County rents track national norms

Renters in Union County spend 19.2% of their income on rent, right in line with the national affordability standard. This compares favorably to the national median household income of $74,755—though Union County's median is $56,807, rents remain manageable relative to local earnings.

Middle of the pack in Mississippi

Union County's 19.2% rent-to-income ratio sits just below the Mississippi state average of 19.6%, placing it in the more affordable tier across the state. At $910 per month, median rent is higher than the state average of $782, but local incomes support the difference.

Affordable compared to Warren County

Union County's median rent of $910 undercuts nearby Warren County ($889), though Warren residents earn slightly more ($56,648 vs. $56,807). Both counties offer similar housing economics, but Union County edges ahead on rental affordability within the region.

Rent and ownership costs balanced

Renters pay $910 monthly while homeowners spend $643—a $267 gap that reflects Union County's median home value of $159,100. With median household income at $56,807, housing costs consume roughly 19% of household budgets, leaving room for other expenses.

Consider Union for rental stability

If you're weighing Mississippi counties for affordable housing, Union County offers stable rental rates without the affordability squeeze affecting counties to the south. Compare this 19.2% rent burden against Wayne County (25.6%) or Washington County (23.5%) to see the regional advantage.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Union County

via IncomeByCounty

Union County earns above state average

Union County's median household income of $56,807 sits 24% above Mississippi's state average of $48,514, signaling stronger earning power than most neighboring communities. However, it still falls 24% short of the national median of $74,755, reflecting Mississippi's broader income gap with wealthier states.

Solid middle performer statewide

Union County ranks in the upper third of Mississippi's 82 counties by median household income, outearning roughly 55 counties across the state. This positioning reflects a relatively stable economic base compared to rural Mississippi's challenges.

Stronger than most immediate neighbors

Union County's $56,807 median income exceeds Winston County ($49,071) and Walthall County ($45,444), but trails Webster County ($59,964) and Warren County ($56,648) in the region. The $10,000+ gap between Union and its lowest-income neighbors signals economic diversity across east-central Mississippi.

Housing costs stay manageable here

With a rent-to-income ratio of 19.2%, Union County households spend less than one-fifth of earnings on rent—comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold. The median home value of $159,100 remains accessible relative to local incomes, supporting stable homeownership.

Build wealth through intentional planning

Union County's above-average income creates real opportunity to save and invest beyond basic needs. Start with an emergency fund, then explore retirement accounts and diversified investments to compound gains over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Union County

via HealthByCounty

Union County lives above the national average

At 73.4 years, Union County's life expectancy outpaces the U.S. average of 76.4 years by nearly 3 years, placing it among Mississippi's healthier communities. About 21.1% of residents report poor or fair health, compared to the national rate of roughly 18%.

A bright spot in Mississippi's health landscape

Union County ranks well within Mississippi, with life expectancy of 73.4 years—nearly 2.5 years above the state average of 70.9 years. Its poor/fair health rate of 21.1% is also below the state's typical range, reflecting healthier outcomes across the population.

Leading nearby counties in longevity

Union County's 73.4-year life expectancy edges out Webster County (69.0 years) and Walthall County (70.2 years), though it trails Warren County's 70.9 years. On primary care access, Union County provides 36 providers per 100K residents, similar to Wilkinson County but fewer than Warren's 67 per 100K.

Healthcare access mostly stable, insurance gap modest

Union County's uninsured rate of 13.4% sits just below the state average of 13.9%, meaning most residents have some coverage. With 36 primary care and 42 mental health providers per 100K, access is workable but mental health support remains limited compared to larger regional centers.

Check your coverage options today

If you're among Union County's uninsured residents, the Marketplace and Medicaid expansion offer affordable paths to coverage. Contact the Mississippi Health Advocates or visit healthcare.gov to explore plans that fit your family's needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Union County

via RiskByCounty

Union County's moderate risk profile

Union County scores 43.51 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the relatively low range and well below Mississippi's state average of 50.94. While this county faces fewer overall hazards than most of its peers, certain localized risks still warrant attention from residents.

Middle-of-the-pack risk in Mississippi

Union County ranks in the lower-middle tier among Mississippi's 82 counties for natural disaster risk. Its 43.51 score indicates meaningful hazard exposure, particularly compared to the state's safest counties but more favorable than high-risk neighbors to the south and west.

Safer than Warren, riskier than Webster

Union County's risk profile sits between its contrasting neighbors: Warren County (86.29) faces significantly higher tornado and earthquake threats, while Webster County (12.60) is among Mississippi's safest. This strategic location offers relative protection from the worst regional hazards.

Earthquakes and tornadoes top the list

Union County residents face the highest exposure to earthquakes (85.08) and tornadoes (47.36), reflecting its position near the Mississippi River seismic zone and Tornado Alley's reach. Flood risk remains moderate at 38.10, though wildfire exposure (47.26) deserves attention during dry seasons.

Prioritize earthquake and storm coverage

Given Union County's earthquake risk score of 85.08, homeowners should ensure their policies include earthquake coverage—a critical gap for many residents. Standard homeowners insurance covers tornado damage, but verify your deductibles and consider a separate flood policy if you live near waterways or low-lying areas.

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.