CountyScore

Union County

Ohio · OH

#45 in Ohio
68.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Union County, Ohio

Union achieves respectable scores amid high wealth

Union County's composite score of 63.2 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 26%, placing it solidly in the upper half of American counties. However, this score masks the county's unique economic profile.

Below state average despite affluence

Union's 63.2 score falls below Ohio's state average of 68.8, making it the second-lowest performer in this group despite significant wealth. Higher costs and taxes substantially constrain its overall livability score.

Highest incomes fuel quality community

Union County's income score of 54.9—far exceeding all peers—reflects median household income of $109,506, nearly double the group average. This exceptional wealth enables access to premium schools, services, and amenities.

High housing costs and taxes create friction

Union's cost score of 62.4—lowest in the group—reflects median home values of $306,600 and rents of $1,188 monthly, consuming significant household portions. An effective tax rate of 1.255% compounds affordability pressures despite high incomes.

Perfect for affluent professionals and executives

Union County serves high-earning professionals, executives, and established wealthy families who easily absorb premium housing and tax costs. It's best suited for those seeking upscale communities with superior schools and prestigious neighborhoods.

Score breakdown

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

Tax67Cost62.4SafetyComing SoonHealth81.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome54.9Risk67.3WaterComing Soon
🏛67
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠62.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼54.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤81.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡67.3
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

Calhoun County
Alabama
68.1
Median income: $55,826
Dallas County
Alabama
68.1
Median income: $36,810
Houston County
Alabama
68.1
Median income: $57,531
Pope County
Arkansas
68.1
Median income: $54,606
Summit County
Colorado
68.1
Median income: $106,255

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'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

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

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

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.