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Union County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#40 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
46.1
County Score
Income & Jobs 95.1Property Tax 72.8Health 71.8

County Report Card

About Union County, North Carolina

Close to National Benchmarks

Union County posts a composite score of 46.2, falling just under the national median of 50.0. High costs and environmental factors weigh down otherwise stellar economic performance.

A Stable State Contender

The county sits slightly above the North Carolina state average of 44.7. It serves as a prosperous suburban anchor for the Charlotte metropolitan region.

High Incomes and Low Taxes

Union boasts a powerful income score of 95.1 with a median household income of $99,243. The effective tax rate of 0.614% is among the most attractive in the region.

Pricey Housing and Environmental Risk

Success drives housing costs up, resulting in a low cost score of 9.0 and a median home value of $374,400. The risk score of 10.9 also signals vulnerability to environmental factors.

Best for High-Earning Professionals

Union is ideal for established professionals and families who can afford higher home prices to secure low taxes and high incomes. It is a premier choice for those working in the nearby urban core.

Score breakdown

Tax72.8Cost9Safety33.7Health71.8Schools45Income95.1Risk10.9Water70.1Weather62.4
🏛72.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼95.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡33.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤71.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓45
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡10.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧70.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤62.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨13.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱38.2
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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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 keeps taxes light relative to values

Union County's effective tax rate of 0.614% ranks among the lowest in the nation—nearly 14% below the national median of 0.712%. Despite median home values of $374,400, residents pay only $2,298 annually, which is actually below the national median tax of $2,690.

Union ranks among NC's most tax-friendly

At 0.614%, Union's effective rate runs 12% below North Carolina's state average of 0.701%, making it one of the state's more affordable counties to own property in. The county's median tax of $2,298 approaches the state average of $1,433, driven primarily by higher home values rather than higher rates.

Union outshines Wake and regional rivals

Union's 0.614% rate significantly undercuts Wake County's 0.715% and all other Eastern NC peers, offering suburban Charlotte appeal with notably lighter tax consequences. Only Watauga County (0.415%) beats Union's favorable tax posture in the comparison group.

A $374,400 home costs just $2,298 yearly

The typical Union homeowner with a median-valued home of $374,400 pays approximately $2,298 in annual property taxes at the county's competitive 0.614% rate. Those with mortgages pay an estimated $2,402 per year, while owners without mortgages pay around $1,998.

Review your valuation for accuracy

Even in tax-friendly Union County, homeowners should verify their assessments are accurate and reflect current market conditions. Request a reassessment through the county assessor if you believe your home's valuation exceeds comparable properties nearby.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Union County

via CostByCounty

Union's Affluent Households Ease Housing Burden

Union County's median household income of $99,243 ranks 33% above the national average of $74,755, allowing residents to absorb higher housing costs more easily. At a 16.8% rent-to-income ratio, the county stays comfortably below the national standard despite median rents of $1,390.

Affluent County, Reasonable Affordability

Union County ranks above the state average in income but maintains a 16.8% rent-to-income ratio that beats North Carolina's 18.6% average. This exceptional balance reflects the county's strong wage growth, which has outpaced housing cost increases.

Suburban Prosperity Near Charlotte

Union County's $1,390 median rent exceeds most rural neighbors but reflects its suburban Charlotte character and higher incomes. Compared to Wake County ($1,508) and Watauga County ($1,066), Union occupies the middle ground for housing costs while offering the second-highest median income in this group.

High Income Offsets Housing Costs

Renters pay $1,390 monthly while homeowners face $1,494, representing 16.8% and 15.0% of median income respectively. With a median home value of $374,400, Union's housing market is expensive in absolute terms but manageable for its above-average wage earners.

Union: Affordability Through High Wages

If you're earning a strong income and value suburban proximity to Charlotte, Union delivers balanced affordability at 16.8% rent-to-income—among the best in the state. Job seekers should prioritize whether suburban Charlotte's employment opportunities justify higher absolute housing costs than rural alternatives.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Union County

via IncomeByCounty

Union County outpaces national income

Union County's median household income of $99,243 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 33%, placing it among the nation's more affluent counties. This strong performance reflects the county's proximity to Charlotte and its thriving professional job market.

Second-highest income in North Carolina

Union ranks among North Carolina's elite counties for household income, earning 63% more than the state average of $61,072. Only Wake County surpasses Union in median household income across the state.

Far outpaces peer counties

Union's $99,243 income towers over nearby rural counties; it rivals Wake County's $101,763 and dwarfs counties like Wayne ($58,082) and Watauga ($51,367). The Charlotte metropolitan area's economic pull drives Union's exceptional earning power.

Comfortable housing affordability

Union's rent-to-income ratio of 16.8% is well below the 30% threshold, indicating housing costs consume a modest portion of household earnings. With a median home value of $374,400, homeownership is achievable for households at the county median income.

Maximize wealth at higher income levels

Union County households earning $99,243 have meaningful capacity to invest beyond basic needs. Explore tax-advantaged investment strategies, diversified portfolios, and retirement planning to ensure long-term wealth grows faster than inflation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Union County

via CrimeByCounty

Union County Ranks Among the Nation's Safest

Union County boasts an impressive safety score of 97.6, reflecting its status as a secure community. The total crime rate of 1,541.0 per 100,000 residents is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. These metrics highlight the county's success in maintaining public order and safety.

Exceeding North Carolina Safety Standards

The county's safety score of 97.6 outperforms the North Carolina average of 96.8. With a total crime rate of 1,541.0, Union County is much safer than the state average of 2,050.0. Five different reporting agencies coordinate to maintain these high safety standards for local families.

A Safety Leader in the Region

Union County is notably safer than several larger neighbors in the Charlotte metropolitan area. Its crime rate of 1,541.0 compares favorably to the state average and nearby high-traffic corridors. This makes the county a preferred destination for those seeking a balance of suburban growth and low crime.

Strong Protection Against Violent Crime

Union County sees a remarkably low violent crime rate of 203.7, which is far below the national average of 369.8. Property crime also remains low at 1,337.3 compared to the national figure of 2,015.7. Residents here enjoy levels of security that are much better than national norms in both major categories.

Maintaining Safety Through Awareness

Low crime rates offer a sense of security, but proactive home protection remains a smart investment. Simple steps like installing deadbolts and keeping property well-lit deter potential opportunistic theft. Engaging with local law enforcement through neighborhood programs ensures the community remains one of the state's safest.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Union County

via HealthByCounty

Union County: North Carolina's health leader

Union County residents live to 78.5 years, more than five years longer than the U.S. average of 73.4 years and substantially above North Carolina's 74.4-year benchmark. Just 13.9% report poor or fair health—well below national trends of chronic disease burden. This thriving county combines longevity with strong day-to-day health outcomes.

Among NC's healthiest counties

At 78.5 years, Union ranks among North Carolina's top performers, exceeding the state average by 4.1 years. Its 13.9% poor/fair health rate is the lowest among the eight counties profiled here, reflecting both strong healthcare access and healthy communities. Union has built measurable advantages in population health.

Strongest healthcare access nearby

Union's 69 primary care providers per 100,000 residents outpace most rural NC counties, and its 147 mental health providers per 100,000 provide robust behavioral health support. Compared to nearby Vance (38 primary care providers) and Warren (5 primary care providers), Union's provider network is substantially stronger. This investment in workforce translates to better health outcomes.

Lowest uninsured rate in the profile

Union's 10.4% uninsured rate beats North Carolina's 12.5% average and is the best among these eight counties. With 69 primary care providers and 147 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, residents have clear pathways to preventive and behavioral health care. Strong insurance coverage and provider availability work together to enable consistent health maintenance.

Keep coverage strong for your family

Union leads in health coverage, but 10.4% uninsured means roughly 7,000 residents still lack protection. Even if you have coverage, annual check-ins at healthcare.gov ensure you're in the best plan for your needs. Staying covered protects your health and your wallet.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Union County

via SchoolsByCounty

Expansive Education Options in Union

Union County features a robust network of 57 public schools serving a large population of 45,622 students. The system includes 31 elementary, 9 middle, and 13 high schools, supported by 6 distinct school districts. This extensive infrastructure provides diverse choices for families across the region.

Strong Results Despite Lean Spending

The county maintains a high 93.0% graduation rate, which sits comfortably above the state average of 88.0%. Interestingly, Union achieves these results with a per-pupil expenditure of $5,994, which is lower than both the state average of $6,969 and the national benchmark of $13,000. The composite school score of 52.9 aligns closely with the state average.

District Leaders and Charter Choices

Union County Public Schools is the dominant district, serving 41,497 students across 52 schools. The county also offers 5 charter schools, including Union Academy, which is the largest single school in the county with 2,129 students. These charters represent nearly 9% of the total schools, offering specialized curriculum paths.

Suburban Reach and Large Campuses

Attending school here often means being part of a large, vibrant student body, with an average school size of 800 students. The locale mix is primarily suburban with 37 schools, though 20 schools maintain a rural character. Top-tier high schools like Marvin Ridge and Cuthbertson serve over 1,900 students each.

Put Down Roots Near Leading Schools

High graduation rates and a variety of school sizes make Union County a magnet for growing families. Whether you prefer a suburban neighborhood near Marvin Ridge High or a rural setting, school quality is a key driver for local home values. Start your home search where academic excellence is a community priority.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Union County

via RiskByCounty

Union faces above-average disaster exposure

Union County's composite risk score of 89.06 ranks as Relatively Moderate—well above the national average and placing it among higher-risk U.S. counties. The county confronts multiple serious natural disaster hazards simultaneously.

Among North Carolina's highest-risk counties

Union's score of 89.06 far exceeds North Carolina's state average of 66.72, ranking it among the state's most vulnerable counties. Only a handful of North Carolina counties face comparable overall risk levels.

Riskier than surrounding counties

Union County (89.06) faces substantially higher risk than Warren County (50.76) and Vance County (48.38) to its north. Wake County (95.55) remains the only immediate neighbor with comparable overall exposure.

Tornados, floods, and earthquakes threaten

Union faces extreme tornado risk at 94.69 and significant flood risk at 92.49—typical of the Piedmont region's exposure. Earthquake risk of 84.99 adds an additional layer of concern uncommon to most North Carolina counties.

Invest in comprehensive coverage now

Union residents need flood insurance, a reinforced safe room or storm shelter for tornado protection, and earthquake-resistant improvements. Multiple hazards demand a layered approach—standard homeowners insurance alone is insufficient.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Union County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm Southern Climate Exceeds National Median

Union County's average annual temperature of 61.0°F is notably higher than the median for all U.S. counties. This reflects a typical Southern climate with long summers and relatively short, mild winters.

Warmer and Drier Than State Averages

Union County stays warmer than the state average of 59.3°F, while its 42.9 inches of annual rain is significantly lower than the North Carolina average of 51.5 inches. This makes it one of the drier counties in the state's southern region.

A Regional Leader in Summer Heat

With 53 extreme heat days annually, Union County faces more 90°F days than many of its immediate neighbors in the Piedmont. Its July average of 79.8°F highlights a peak summer intensity that defines the local weather experience.

Intense Summer Heat and Minimal Snow

Summers are hot with an average of 78.2°F and frequent spikes into the 90s. Winters are mild at 43.9°F on average, producing only 2.1 inches of snowfall for the entire season.

Prioritize Heat Safety and Irrigation

With 53 days of extreme heat, residents need high-efficiency cooling and smart hydration habits. The relatively low 42.9 inches of rain means gardeners and farmers should plan for supplemental irrigation during the peak summer months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Union County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Soils of the Piedmont

Union County presents an average pH of 5.13, which almost perfectly mirrors the North Carolina state average of 5.14. This is notably more acidic than the national median of 6.5, requiring lime amendments for most traditional vegetable gardens. While specific taxonomic orders are not listed, these values are characteristic of weathered Piedmont soils.

Balanced Texture with High Silt

The soil mix contains 40.1% silt and 37.6% sand, providing a relatively fine texture compared to coastal neighbors. With a clay content of 19.8%, these soils offer better nutrient retention but may become heavy when wet. This composition creates a dense medium that requires careful management to avoid surface crusting.

Challenging Organic Matter Content

The county's organic matter stands at just 1.24%, falling well below the national 2.0% average and the state 5.12% benchmark. This results in a modest Available Water Capacity of 0.135 in/in. With a soil score of 13.3, Union County lands below the state average, signaling a need for consistent composting and mulching.

Understanding Local Water Flow

Data for specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups is limited for this area. However, the 19.8% clay content suggests moderate drainage that may slow during heavy Piedmont rains. Homeowners and farmers should prioritize soil structure improvements to help manage water infiltration.

Gardening in Zone 8a

In Hardiness Zone 8a, Union County gardeners can enjoy a robust season for heat-tolerant vegetables like peppers and tomatoes. Adding organic amendments will help overcome the low natural fertility and improve your harvest. The climate is perfect for establishing a productive home orchard or a resilient perennial garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Union County

via LawnByCounty

Managing Turf in a Demanding Climate

Union County scores a 38.2 on the lawn difficulty scale, sitting just below the North Carolina average of 40.8. Its position in Hardiness Zone 8a indicates a warm environment where standard lawn care requires more effort than the national average.

Intense Heat Drives Mowing Needs

With 53 extreme heat days per year, Union is significantly hotter than the state average of 38 days. The 42.9 inches of annual precipitation is slightly lower than the state mean, meaning supplemental irrigation is often necessary to combat the high evaporation rates.

Balancing Clay and Acidity

The soil features nearly 20% clay, which helps retain nutrients but can impede drainage compared to sandier regions. A pH of 5.13 is quite acidic, so most lawns will benefit from regular soil testing and lime treatments to reach the 6.0 target.

Confronting Severe Drought Conditions

Currently, 100% of the county is in severe drought (D2+), and the region has faced 32 weeks of drought over the past year. In these conditions, allowing grass to grow slightly taller provides shade for the soil and helps retain precious moisture.

Plan for an April Planting

Bermuda and Zoysia thrive in Union's Zone 8a heat, while tall fescue can survive with enough shade. Wait until the risk of frost passes around April 3rd to begin your spring seeding or sodding projects.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Union County's county score?
Union County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 46.1 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 North Carolina?
Union County ranks #40 among all counties in North Carolina 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, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Union County is $2,298, with an effective tax rate of 0.61%. This earns Union County a tax score of 72.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Union County?
The median household income in Union County, North Carolina is $99,243 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Union County earns an income score of 95.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Union County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Union County scores 46.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #40 in North Carolina. 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.