countyscore
49.6
County Score
Income & Jobs 97.4Health 92.5Lawn Care 87.5

County Report Card

About Union County, Ohio

Matching the National Median Score

Union County earns a composite score of 49.6, effectively matching the national median of 50.0. This makes it a highly representative choice for those seeking a standard American quality of life.

A High-Performing Ohio County

Union County outperforms the Ohio state average of 48.6, signaling it is one of the more desirable places to live in the region. It thrives on a combination of high wealth and exceptional public health.

Elite Incomes and Excellent Health

The county boasts a near-perfect income score of 97.4, with a median household income of $109,506. Health outcomes are equally impressive, scoring 92.5 due to robust local well-being.

High Entry Costs and Tax Burden

Living here is expensive, as shown by a low cost score of 11.4 and median home values of $306,600. Residents also navigate a high tax burden, with a tax score of 23.0.

Top Choice for High-Earning Families

Union County is the premier destination for affluent families seeking top-tier health and high incomes. While the cost of entry is steep, the life expectancy and economic rewards are among the state's best.

Score breakdown

Tax23Cost11.4Safety54.3Health92.5Schools52.6Income97.4Risk67.3Water65Weather58.1
🏛23
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠11.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼97.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡54.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤92.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓52.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡67.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧65
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤58.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨80.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱87.5
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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Explore this county

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Counties with similar scores

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Steele County
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Wayne County
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Orange County
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Utah County
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Nearby counties

Delaware County
Ohio
38.6
Marion County
Ohio
36.5
Champaign County
Ohio
49.2
Logan County
Ohio
56
Hardin County
Ohio
50.9
Franklin County
Ohio
41.9
Madison County
Ohio
47.8
Morrow County
Ohio
51.7

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's taxes above national average

Union County's 1.255% effective tax rate ranks above the national median, placing it in the upper 30% of U.S. counties. The median annual property tax of $3,847 exceeds the national median by 43%, reflecting Union's significantly higher home values and tax burden.

Among Ohio's higher-tax counties

At 1.255%, Union's rate runs notably above the Ohio state average of 1.148%, placing it in the upper quarter of Ohio counties. This puts Union residents at a tax disadvantage compared to most other Ohioans.

Higher taxes, premium home values

Union's 1.255% rate exceeds Shelby County (1.008%) and Seneca County (1.093%), though it trails Stark County (1.318%) and Trumbull County (1.410%). However, Union's median home value of $306,600—the highest in this regional group—drives the largest absolute tax bills.

What $306,600 home costs annually

The median Union County home valued at $306,600 generates an annual property tax of approximately $3,847, the highest in this regional comparison. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay about $3,905 annually.

High-value homes warrant careful review

Union County homeowners should particularly scrutinize assessments, as overvaluations on higher-priced properties compound into large annual tax surpluses. Assessment appeals can yield substantial savings on expensive properties.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Union County

via CostByCounty

Union County's wealth shields renters

Union County renters spend just 13.0% of household income on housing—the lowest ratio among these eight counties and well below both Ohio's 15.6% state average and the national benchmark. With median household income of $109,506, residents earn 46% above the national median, creating exceptional affordability despite premium rents.

Ohio's most affordable county for renters

Union's 13.0% rent-to-income ratio ranks it among Ohio's best housing markets, despite commanding the state's highest rents at $1,188/month. High household income, not cheap housing, drives this advantage—a hallmark of wealthy suburban communities north of Columbus.

Union dominates its wealth class

Union's $1,188 median rent and $109,506 median income dwarf every surrounding county—it's a different housing market entirely from neighboring Shelby ($904 rent, $72,822 income). This gap reflects Union's identity as a wealthy exurban community attracting affluent families escaping Columbus's intensity.

Premium housing, premium paychecks

Renters earn $9,126/month and spend $1,188 on housing—13.0% of gross income—leaving substantial resources for savings and lifestyle. Homeowners invest $1,598/month in properties worth $306,600, commanding Ohio's highest home values but affordable only to those earning $100,000+ annually.

Union County for affluent relocators

If your household earns $100,000+ and you value top-rated schools, newer suburban development, and minimal financial stress, Union's premium pricing reflects genuine quality and market demand. Those earning under $80,000 should look south to Shelby or Scioto, where housing dollars stretch far further.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Union County

via IncomeByCounty

Union substantially exceeds national income

Union County's median household income of $109,506 dominates the U.S. median of $74,755 by 46%—nearly $35,000 ahead. This exceptional performance places Union among the highest-earning counties nationally, in the top 5% for household income across America.

Union is Ohio's income leader by far

At $109,506, Union's median household income towers $41,405 above Ohio's state average of $68,101. Union ranks first among Ohio's 88 counties for household earnings, reflecting its proximity to Columbus and thriving suburban economy.

Vastly outpaces all neighboring counties

Union ($109,506) earns nearly double neighboring Shelby ($72,822), Summit ($71,016), and Stark ($65,740). This dramatic advantage reflects Union's status as a Columbus exurb with high-income commuter households and booming residential development.

Exceptional wealth-building opportunity

Union's rent-to-income ratio of 13.0% is the lowest among the surveyed counties, ensuring housing remains highly affordable despite a median home value of $306,600. High incomes relative to housing costs create the ideal environment for robust wealth accumulation.

Maximize tax-advantaged wealth strategies

Union households earning $109,506 should maximize 401(k)s ($23,500), HSAs, and backdoor Roth IRA contributions immediately. With this income level, families can fund education plans, investment accounts, and real estate while maintaining substantial emergency reserves and lifestyle flexibility.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Union County

via CrimeByCounty

Union County Sets High Safety Bar

Union County boasts a total crime rate of 1032.9 per 100K, well below the national average of 2385.5. This high level of safety is reflected in its strong safety score of 98.4.

Union Ranks High for Safety in Ohio

Union's safety score of 98.4 exceeds the Ohio state average of 97.8. The county's total crime rate of 1032.9 is also considerably lower than the state's average of 1412.3.

Regional Comparison with Central Ohio Peers

Union remains a safe haven compared to the more urbanized Franklin County to the southeast. Local safety is managed by three key reporting agencies that maintain these low incident rates.

Low Violent Crime Rates in Union

Violent crime is exceptionally low at 93.0 per 100K, which is less than a third of the national average. Property crime makes up 939.9 incidents per 100K, representing the main focus of local law enforcement.

Keeping Your Union County Home Secure

Investing in a smart doorbell or motion sensors helps protect against the property crimes that do occur. Staying vigilant helps preserve the high quality of life and safety Union County residents enjoy.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Union County

via HealthByCounty

Union County leads Ohio in longevity

At 78.5 years, Union County's life expectancy soars 3.7 years above Ohio's state average and nearly matches the national average of roughly 78.9 years. Only 12.7% of residents report poor or fair health—the lowest rate among all profiled counties—reflecting exceptional population wellness.

Ohio's healthiest county profiled

Union County ranks among Ohio's top counties for life expectancy at 78.5 years and has the lowest poor/fair health rate statewide at 12.7%. The county's performance places it in the elite tier of Ohio's healthiest communities.

Far exceeding central Ohio peers

Union's 78.5-year life expectancy towers 4 years above Shelby County (74.9 years) and 3.4 years above Seneca County (74.8 years) in the same region. The county's 12.7% poor/fair health rate is dramatically lower than any nearby county, establishing it as a regional health outlier.

Strong access, excellent coverage rates

Union County provides 57 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, above-average access for rural Ohio. The county's 4.2% uninsured rate is the lowest profiled and significantly better than Ohio's 7.5% average, indicating robust health security.

Maintain Union's strong coverage success

With the state's lowest uninsured rate at 4.2%, Union County residents should continue annual coverage verification at Healthcare.gov to maintain this exceptional protection.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Union County

via SchoolsByCounty

Focused Excellence in Union County

Union County operates a streamlined system of 19 schools across just three districts, serving 12,055 students. This includes nine elementary and five high schools, resulting in larger, more centralized campuses.

High Graduation and Solid Scores

The county boasts a 91.6% graduation rate, well above the state and national averages. Despite spending only $7,179 per pupil, the county’s school score of 54.8 perfectly matches the Ohio state average.

Marysville and Dublin Jerome Impact

Marysville Exempted Village is the largest district with 5,551 students, though parts of the county attend high-performing Dublin City schools. There are currently no charter schools in the county, with all students attending traditional public districts.

Large Schools in Growing Areas

The average school size is 634 students, significantly larger than the state median. Dublin Jerome High School is the county's largest campus with 1,944 students, reflecting the suburban growth in the region.

Move Near Union County’s Top Schools

Union County is a premier destination for families seeking high graduation rates and large, modern facilities. The strong performance of the Marysville and Dublin areas continues to drive demand in the local housing market.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Union County

via RiskByCounty

Union ranks among nation's safest

Union County's composite risk score of 32.73 places it in the very low category and well below the national average, making it one of America's safest counties for natural disasters. This exceptional low score reflects minimal wildfire and hurricane exposure.

Ohio's lowest-risk county

Union County's 32.73 score is the lowest among Ohio's 88 counties and less than 60% of the state average of 55.03. Residents enjoy substantially greater natural disaster safety than nearly all other Ohioans.

Union significantly safer than peers

Union's 32.73 score is dramatically lower than all neighboring counties—Seneca (46.85), Shelby (56.20), and others—making it the region's clear safest choice. This advantageous position reflects its geographic isolation from major hazard corridors.

Tornado risk leads modest concerns

Union County's primary natural disaster risk comes from tornadoes (49.49), though this remains below many Ohio counties' averages. Flood risk of 52.67 is moderate, while wildfire (4.10) and hurricane (23.03) risks are minimal.

Standard coverage typically sufficient

Union County residents can rely on standard homeowner's insurance for most hazards, though tornado and wind protection should be verified in your policy. Your county's low-risk profile means fewer specialized policies are necessary compared to neighbors.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Union County

via WeatherByCounty

Typical Midwestern temperature patterns

Union County’s 52.3°F average temperature is just slightly below the national median. It enjoys a balanced climate with significant seasonal shifts in both temperature and precipitation.

Warmer than the Ohio average

Union County stays warmer than the state average of 51.5°F, recording an average of 52.3°F. It is slightly drier than the rest of the state, receiving 40.5 inches of precipitation.

Warmer than western neighbor Van Wert

Union County is more than a degree warmer than Van Wert County, which averages 51.0°F. It also receives more annual snowfall, recording 24.0 inches compared to Van Wert's 17.1 inches.

Hot summers and moderate winters

The county experiences 18 days of heat over 90°F, contributing to a warm 73.0°F summer average. Winters are cold but manageable, with 24.0 inches of snow and a 30.5°F winter average.

Prepare for variable winter precipitation

Homeowners should prepare for 24.0 inches of snow while ensuring HVAC systems can handle 18 days of extreme heat. Rain gear is also helpful for the 40.5 inches of annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Union County

via SoilByCounty

Union's Prime Soil Identity

Union County features highly productive Alfisols with a pH of 6.41, nearly matching the 6.5 national median. This makes Union's soil some of the most chemically balanced in Ohio, far exceeding the state average of 5.97.

Strong Silt Loam Mix

The soil is a silt loam consisting of 53.0% silt and 23.9% clay. This higher clay content gives the soil more body and excellent nutrient-holding capacity compared to sandier neighboring counties.

Exceptional Water Retention

Union boasts a massive available water capacity of 0.207 in/in, one of the highest in the state. Even with a moderate 3.49% organic matter, the soil's structure ensures plants remain resilient during periods of low rainfall.

Reliable Well-Drained Soils

Classified as well-drained, these soils manage water effectively despite being in Hydrologic Group C. The combination suggests that while the surface drains well, the soil stores significant moisture deep in the profile for later use.

Top-Tier Growing in 6a

Union's soil score of 80.8 is impressively high, making it a dream for any gardener in Hardiness Zone 6a. Whether you are growing prize-winning tomatoes or a simple flower bed, these soils provide the perfect start.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Union County

via LawnByCounty

Union County's Elite Lawn Score

Union County boasts an impressive lawn difficulty score of 87.5, far exceeding both the national average of 50.0 and the Ohio state average of 76.0. This makes it one of the most favorable locations for lawn care in the state.

Productive and Long Seasons

The county receives 40.5 inches of precipitation annually, perfectly matching the needs of standard turfgrass. With 3,424 growing degree days, the climate provides a long, productive window for consistent mowing and growth.

Ideal Well-Drained Silt Loam

The soil is a well-drained silt loam with a pH of 6.41, sitting right in the sweet spot for grass health. Because it has a balanced 23.9% clay content, it requires fewer amendments than most neighboring counties.

Monitoring Minor Dry Spells

Despite 8 weeks of drought in the past year, current data shows 45.0% of the county is abnormally dry. Residents should prioritize deep, infrequent watering to maintain the lawn's high-quality foundation during these periods.

The 6a Growing Window

Hardiness Zone 6a is ideal for Kentucky Bluegrass or Perennial Ryegrass blends in this soil. For best results, seed your lawn between the last frost on April 19 and the first fall frost on October 26.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Union County's county score?
Union County, Ohio has a composite county score of 49.6 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 Ohio?
Union County ranks #44 among all counties in Ohio 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, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Union County is $3,847, with an effective tax rate of 1.25%. This earns Union County a tax score of 23/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Union County?
The median household income in Union County, Ohio is $109,506 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Union County earns an income score of 97.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Union County, Ohio a good place to live?
Union County scores 49.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #44 in Ohio. 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.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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