Union County's composite score of 68.0 still towers 36 points above the national median of 50.0, securing its place among America's best counties for livability. This significant advantage stems from strong income levels and favorable tax treatment.
2 / 5
Slightly below state average
Union scores 68.0 against North Carolina's 72.7 average, ranking it fourth among the eight counties studied. Despite falling short of the state benchmark, Union remains well-positioned for livability statewide.
3 / 5
Incomes and tax rates excel
Union boasts a median household income of $99,243 with an outstanding income score of 48.2—the highest earner profile among these counties. Its effective tax rate of 0.614% ranks as the most favorable, giving residents real financial advantage.
4 / 5
Housing costs demand consideration
The cost score of 60.2 reflects higher housing prices, with a median home value of $374,400 and rent averaging $1,390/month. Safety, health, school, and water data remain unavailable, limiting full livability assessment.
5 / 5
Ideal for growing families seeking prosperity
Union County appeals to professionals and families with solid incomes who value tax efficiency and don't mind higher housing costs. If you're earning six figures and seeking a county that rewards work while keeping taxes low, Union delivers.
Union County's composite score of 68.0 still towers 36 points above the national median of 50.0, securing its place among America's best counties for livability. This significant advantage stems from strong income levels and favorable tax treatment.
Slightly below state average
Union scores 68.0 against North Carolina's 72.7 average, ranking it fourth among the eight counties studied. Despite falling short of the state benchmark, Union remains well-positioned for livability statewide.
Incomes and tax rates excel
Union boasts a median household income of $99,243 with an outstanding income score of 48.2—the highest earner profile among these counties. Its effective tax rate of 0.614% ranks as the most favorable, giving residents real financial advantage.
Housing costs demand consideration
The cost score of 60.2 reflects higher housing prices, with a median home value of $374,400 and rent averaging $1,390/month. Safety, health, school, and water data remain unavailable, limiting full livability assessment.
Ideal for growing families seeking prosperity
Union County appeals to professionals and families with solid incomes who value tax efficiency and don't mind higher housing costs. If you're earning six figures and seeking a county that rewards work while keeping taxes low, Union delivers.
Score breakdown
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Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.