countyscore
45.1
County Score
Property Tax 77.1Weather & Climate 61.1Cost of Living 59.1

County Report Card

About Union County, Mississippi

Union County sits slightly below the national mark

Union County earns a composite score of 45.1, placing it just under the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a mix of strong financial factors tempered by social and educational performance. It remains a competitive choice within the Deep South context.

Trailing the Mississippi average

With a score of 45.1, Union County performs below the Mississippi state average of 48.4. While it offers financial advantages, it lags behind several peers in the state's ranking hierarchy. Local leaders face a gap in closing the performance distance to the state's top-tier counties.

A leader in tax efficiency

The county boasts an impressive Tax Score of 77.1, driven by a low effective tax rate of 0.576%. Living here is affordable, with a Cost Score of 59.1 and median monthly rents of just $910. Residents also enjoy a solid Risk Score of 56.5, suggesting better-than-average environmental resilience.

Social and educational hurdles

Improving the School Score of 15.3 remains a primary challenge for the county's long-term growth. Health outcomes also lag with a score of 29.6, indicating a need for better medical access or lifestyle infrastructure. The Income Score of 29.8 shows that despite low costs, median household earnings of $56,807 remain modest.

The choice for tax-conscious households

Union County suits families and retirees who prioritize low taxes and affordable housing above all else. Those who can work remotely or are self-employed will benefit most from the 0.576% effective tax rate. It is a value-driven destination for residents who are less reliant on the local public school system.

Score breakdown

Tax77.1Cost59.1Safety38.7Health29.6Schools15.3Income29.8Risk56.5Water54.1Weather61.1
🏛77.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠59.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼29.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡38.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤29.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓15.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡56.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧54.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤61.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨34.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱39.8
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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Nearby counties

Pontotoc County
Mississippi
43.1
Lee County
Mississippi
33.6
Tippah County
Mississippi
56.7
Prentiss County
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43.6
Benton County
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Lafayette County
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Marshall County
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Alcorn 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 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

Safety in Union County

via CrimeByCounty

Union County Remains Safer Than the National Average

Union County reports 1,398.8 total crimes per 100,000 residents, significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This strong performance earns the county a safety score of 97.8 out of 100.

Comparing Safety Trends Across Mississippi

While Union County is safer than many U.S. counties, its safety score of 97.8 falls slightly behind the Mississippi state average of 98.4. Local crime rates sit above the state average of 978.4, indicating areas for improvement relative to regional peers.

Local Comparisons With Surrounding Areas

Union County maintains a total crime rate of 1,398.8, which is higher than neighbor Webster County at 673.9. However, it stays more favorable than more populated neighboring districts that exceed state averages.

A Close Look at Property and Violent Crime

Property crime makes up the bulk of local incidents at 1,212.3 per 100,000 residents, though this is still below the national mark of 2,015.7. The violent crime rate of 186.5 is also notably lower than the national average of 369.8.

Securing Your Union County Residence

With property crime as the primary concern, residents should focus on basic home security measures like smart lighting and deadbolts. Staying informed about local trends helps keep Union County safe and resilient.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Union County

via SchoolsByCounty

Large Attendance Centers Define the Landscape

Union County serves a large student population of 5,094 across nine public schools managed by two districts. The county is notable for its five 'attendance centers,' which typically house students across all grade levels on a single campus.

Navigating Graduation and Spending Benchmarks

The county maintains an 84.1% graduation rate and a school score of 47.7, both slightly trailing state averages. Per-pupil expenditure is $5,759, which is just below the Mississippi state average of $5,954.

Two Thriving Public School Districts

Union County is served by the Union County School District (2,980 students) and the New Albany Public Schools (2,114 students). No charter schools operate in the county, as these two traditional districts manage all public enrollment.

Robust Enrollment in Town and Rural Areas

Schools here are large, with an average enrollment of 728 students. New Albany Elementary is the county's largest school with 1,048 students, while East Union Attendance Center follows closely with 963 students.

Join a Community of Large, Active Schools

If you are looking for schools with significant resources and large student bodies, Union County offers several strong options. View local listings to find a home within the New Albany or Union County school districts today.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Union County

via WeatherByCounty

A Moist Subtropical Climate Profile

While specific annual temperature averages are limited, Union County follows the humid subtropical pattern common to the American South. The area receives 57.6 inches of annual precipitation, exceeding the national average for rainfall.

Measuring Rain and Snow in Union

Union County’s 57.6 inches of rainfall is slightly below the Mississippi state average of 59.6 inches. Despite being in a warm state, the county records 1.2 inches of annual snowfall, which is relatively high for the region.

Snowier than Surrounding Counties

Union County’s 1.2 inches of snow outpaces neighbors like Washington or Wayne, which see less than half an inch. Its 57.6 inches of rain makes it drier than the saturated soils found in Tishomingo to the east.

Winter Peaks in Northern Mississippi

Temperature data for the summer and winter seasons is currently unavailable for this specific location. However, the recorded 1.2 inches of annual snowfall suggests a more active winter weather pattern than southern Mississippi counties.

Focus on Winter Weather Preparedness

Residents should prepare for occasional winter road hazards given the county's 1.2-inch average snowfall. Sturdy roofing is also a priority to handle the consistent 57.6 inches of rain that falls throughout the year.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Union County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Silty Soils in Union County

Union County features an average soil pH of 5.26, which is nearly identical to the state average but significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. While detailed taxonomic data is unavailable, the low pH level defines the chemical landscape for local growers.

A Balanced Silt-Heavy Mix

The soil contains a substantial 54.5% silt and 28.7% sand, creating a texture that holds moisture effectively. With only 16.8% clay, this composition provides decent workability but requires careful management to avoid surface crusting after rains.

Strong Water Storage, Low Organic Matter

At 1.62%, organic matter levels sit below the Mississippi average of 1.81% and the national 2.0% benchmark. However, the available water capacity of 0.183 in/in exceeds the state average, meaning these soils are excellent at keeping moisture accessible to roots during dry spells.

Managing Water Movement

Specific drainage classifications are not currently mapped for this county, but the high silt content generally suggests moderate permeability. Farmers should monitor fields for slow runoff, as the silt-dominant profile can become saturated quickly during heavy Mississippi thunderstorms.

Thriving in Zone 8a

The local hardiness zone 8a paired with acidic soil makes Union County ideal for blueberries, camellias, and azaleas. Adding lime can help neutralize the soil for vegetable staples like tomatoes and peppers, so grab a soil test and start planting today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Union County

via LawnByCounty

Union County's Moderate Lawn Challenge

Union County earns a lawn difficulty score of 39.8, which is more manageable than the Mississippi state average of 30.9. While it beats the state benchmark, it still trails the national median score of 50.0. The Zone 8a climate allows for a variety of warm-season grasses.

Managing High Rainfall in Zone 8a

This county receives 57.6 inches of annual precipitation, exceeding the national ideal of 30-50 inches. This high moisture requires homeowners to monitor for fungal issues and prioritize proper drainage. Specific heat and frost data are limited, but the precipitation levels suggest a wet growing environment.

Counteracting Acidic Soil for Healthy Turf

The soil pH here is 5.26, significantly more acidic than the ideal range of 6.0 to 7.0. With a composition of 16.8% clay and 28.7% sand, the soil requires regular lime applications to balance acidity. Proper amendments are necessary to help grass roots access essential nutrients.

Staying Green Through Periodic Dry Spells

Union County saw 14 weeks in drought over the past year, making supplemental irrigation vital. Currently, 58.2% of the area is abnormally dry, though no severe drought is reported. Residents should focus on deep watering during these dry periods to encourage deep root growth.

The Right Grass for Union County

Warm-season varieties like Bermuda and Zoysia are the best fit for this Zone 8a region. You should wait until the soil warms in late spring to seed or sod for the best results. A well-timed fertilization schedule in the spring will help the lawn recover from winter dormancy.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Union County's county score?
Union County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 45.1 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 Mississippi?
Union County ranks #53 among all counties in Mississippi 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, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Union County is $917, with an effective tax rate of 0.58%. This earns Union County a tax score of 77.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Union County?
The median household income in Union County, Mississippi is $56,807 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Union County earns an income score of 29.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Union County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Union County scores 45.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #53 in Mississippi. 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.

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