countyscore
43.2
County Score
Water Quality 86Health 62Disaster Risk 56.5

County Report Card

About Union County, Oregon

Holding steady against national trends

Union County's composite score of 43.2 places it somewhat below the national median of 50.0. It offers a mix of high-quality resources and significant local challenges.

Matching the Oregon state average

With a score of 43.2, Union County performs almost exactly in line with the Oregon state average of 42.5. It serves as a reliable representative of the Eastern Oregon lifestyle.

Excellent water quality and health services

The county shines with a water score of 86.0 and a health score of 62.0. These factors suggest a healthy physical environment and good access to medical infrastructure.

Addressing safety and housing affordability

A safety score of 18.6 is the county's most significant hurdle. While median rents are a manageable $982, the cost score of 32.6 indicates that overall affordability remains a challenge for many residents.

Ideal for health-conscious rural residents

Union County is a great fit for people who value clean water and reliable healthcare in a rural setting. It appeals most to those who can look past safety scores to enjoy the high environmental quality of the region.

Score breakdown

Tax46.1Cost32.6Safety18.6Health62Schools54.1Income51.2Risk56.5Water86Weather41
🏛46.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠32.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼51.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡18.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤62
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓54.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡56.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤41
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱29.9
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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Nearby counties

Umatilla County
Oregon
33.2
Wallowa County
Oregon
63.9
Baker County
Oregon
36.3
Grant County
Oregon
64.1
Walla Walla County
Washington
37
Columbia County
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44.8
Asotin County
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45
Garfield County
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54.4

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 rate exceeds national median

Union County's 0.886% effective tax rate runs above the national median of 0.99%, placing it in the higher-tax tier nationally. The median property tax of $2,307 falls below the national median of $2,690, reflecting moderate home values despite the steep effective rate.

Above-average rate among Oregon counties

At 0.886%, Union's effective rate significantly exceeds Oregon's 0.775% state average, ranking it among the state's higher-taxing counties. The $2,307 median property tax is slightly below Oregon's $2,745 average, though Union's rate structure is notably aggressive for the rural northeast.

Middle ground in northeast Oregon

Union's 0.886% rate sits between Umatilla County's 0.990% (highest in the region) and Wallowa County's 0.584% (lowest), reflecting Union's moderate position among northeast peers. Its $260,500 median home value aligns with similarly sized rural counties nearby.

Annual tax on median home: $2,307

A typical Union County home worth $260,500 generates a median annual property tax of $2,307 at the county's 0.886% rate. Homeowners with mortgages pay approximately $2,287; those without mortgages pay around $2,336.

Assessment challenges can provide relief

Union County's above-average effective rate makes formal assessment appeals worthwhile, especially if recent market sales suggest lower valuations. Requesting a reassessment aligned with current comparable properties can reduce your annual tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Union County

via CostByCounty

Union offers rural affordability benefits

Union County's 18.4% rent-to-income ratio falls just below Oregon's 19.4% state average, delivering solid affordability compared to national standards. The median household income of $64,212 trails the national median of $74,755, but housing costs scale appropriately to lower earnings.

Union ranks mid-tier on Oregon affordability

At 18.4%, Union County sits slightly above Oregon's median affordability, making it one of the state's more reasonably priced housing markets. The $982 median rent falls significantly below Oregon's $1,137 average, offering rural value.

Union competes in eastern market

Union's 18.4% rent-to-income ratio trails the most affordable eastern counties—Morrow (15.6%), Wallowa (15.7%), and Umatilla (16.7%)—but beats the coastal and Portland comparisons. The $982 rent sits between Morrow ($910) and Wallowa ($858) while matching regional income patterns.

Modest costs reflect modest incomes

Union renters spend $982 monthly while homeowners pay $956, with the median home value of $260,500 reflecting rural accessibility. Housing consumes 18.4% of household income—a reasonable burden given the county's lower earning levels.

Union County suits stability seekers

Union's 18.4% rent-to-income ratio and $982 rent appeal to those seeking rural living without extreme isolation, though income opportunities remain limited. The county works best for retirees, remote workers, or those with established income sources who value small-town character and genuine housing affordability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Union County

via IncomeByCounty

Union faces significant income gap

Union County's median household income of $64,212 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by about 14%, placing it well below the national midpoint. This gap reflects the economic realities of small, rural counties dependent on timber, ranching, and limited service employment.

Below Oregon average, rural tier

At $64,212, Union County's median income falls nearly $6,000 below Oregon's state average of $69,965, ranking it among the state's lower-income counties. Per-capita income of $34,745 trails the state average of $37,652, indicating limited income diversity and growth.

Lower end of regional spectrum

Union's $64,212 trails Morrow County ($70,217), Wallowa County ($65,559), and Umatilla County ($68,958), but slightly exceeds Sherman County ($59,500). The county's reliance on extractive industries and small-scale agriculture limits wage growth compared to more diversified neighbors.

Tight budgets with rising home values

Union County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.4% is manageable, but the median home value of $260,500 now exceeds what typical household earnings support comfortably. Prospective homebuyers should carefully assess affordability, as property values have climbed faster than wage growth.

Prioritize debt reduction and savings

Union residents should focus on minimizing high-interest debt and building emergency reserves, given the income vulnerability of resource-dependent economies. Explore employer retirement plans, even modest contributions, and consider secondary income sources to accelerate wealth-building.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Union County

via CrimeByCounty

Union County's Solid Safety Record

Union County maintains a safety score of 96.6, keeping its total crime rate of 2,153.3 below the national average of 2,385.5. This reflects a stable and secure rural community.

Matching the Oregon State Average

The county's safety score of 96.6 is slightly higher than the Oregon state average of 96.3. This performance is consistent with other Eastern Oregon counties of similar size.

A Safer Alternative to Umatilla

Union County is considerably safer than neighboring Umatilla County, which has a much higher crime rate of 2,858.4. Residents benefit from a quieter regional environment.

Property and Violent Crime Breakdown

The property crime rate of 1,928.8 stays below the national level of 2,015.7. Violent crime is also low at 224.5, which is roughly 40% lower than the national violent crime average.

Proactive Security for Union Residents

Maintaining visibility around your home can deter property crime, which is the most common local issue. Trimming tall shrubs and using outdoor lighting are easy, effective security measures.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Union County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy below national average

Union County residents live an average of 76.5 years, 1.8 years shorter than the U.S. average of 78.3 years. The 18.6% poor/fair health rate closely matches the national average, though the overall life expectancy shortfall points to underlying health vulnerabilities.

Trails Oregon health benchmarks

Union County's 76.5-year life expectancy falls 0.5 years below Oregon's state average of 77.0 years, placing it among the lower performers statewide. The 18.6% poor/fair health rate ranks near the state median, indicating moderate health challenges for this small eastern Oregon county.

Eastern Oregon's health peer

Union County's 76.5-year life expectancy matches Morrow County (76.5 years) and falls just short of Wallowa County (77.7 years) to the east. The county's 18.6% poor/fair health rate ranks better than Umatilla County (21.9%), suggesting relatively stable health outcomes for rural eastern Oregon.

Strong primary care for rural county

Union County stands out with 84 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, among the highest in this dataset and well above rural averages. The 7.3% uninsured rate—below Oregon's 8.1%—means most residents can access affordable primary care without major barriers.

Protect your health coverage

Union County's robust primary care access is only valuable if you have insurance to afford it; maintain your coverage for preventive care. Visit Oregon Health Plan or Healthcare.gov to confirm your current plan meets your needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Union County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Regional Hub with Six School Districts

Union County provides education for 3,745 students across a network of 13 public schools. The system includes five elementary schools and four high schools, supported by a mix of traditional and charter options.

Leading the State in Graduation Success

Union County achieves an 88% graduation rate, beating both the state and national averages. The county invests $8,326 per pupil, which is more than $400 above the Oregon state average spending level.

La Grande District and Charter Choices

La Grande SD 1 is the largest district with 2,088 students, but charter schools play a major role here. Three charter schools, including Imbler and Cove, represent a high 23.1% of all schools in the county.

Rural Settings and Intimate Classrooms

Eight of the 13 schools are located in rural areas, with the remaining five in town. The average school size is 288 students, with La Grande High School being the largest at 647 students.

Academic Excellence in the Blue Mountains

Families value the high graduation rates and the significant presence of charter schools in Union County. Real estate in La Grande and surrounding rural towns offers access to some of the region's best academic performers.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Union County

via RiskByCounty

Union County's risk moderately above average

Union County's composite risk score of 43.54 and Relatively Low rating exceed the U.S. average, reflecting above-average wildfire and earthquake exposure. The county faces moderate multi-hazard risk concentrated in specific threat types.

Union County below Oregon's average risk

At 43.54, Union County's composite score falls below Oregon's 63.43 state average, placing it in the state's lower-middle tier. The county's mountainous terrain and lower population density contribute to below-average overall exposure.

Safer than most adjacent counties

Union County's score of 43.54 remains below nearby Wallowa (33.97), Umatilla (82.28), and Baker counties. The county benefits from lower density and distance from major river floodplains relative to regional counterparts.

Wildfires and earthquakes concern Union

Wildfire risk scores 91.89, reflecting Union's location in fire-prone eastern Oregon; earthquake risk reaches 76.72 due to regional seismic activity. Flood (37.47) and tornado (6.14) threats remain minimal.

Prioritize wildfire and quake coverage

Union County homeowners should secure wildfire insurance riders—standard policies typically exclude it—at 10–15% of home value. Adding an earthquake rider provides comprehensive protection for this county's two primary hazards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Union County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler Temperatures in the Blue Mountains

Union County averages 48.8°F annually, making it cooler than the national median. The region receives a modest 20.6 inches of precipitation, balancing mountain moisture with inland aridity.

Colder and Drier Than State Norms

The county's 48.8°F average falls below the Oregon state average of 50.5°F. It receives roughly 17 inches less precipitation than the state average of 37.4 inches.

Milder Than Wallowa's High Peaks

Union County is about 3 degrees warmer on average than neighboring Wallowa County. While it receives 12.8 inches of snow, it is significantly less than Wallowa's 51-inch average.

Hot July Days and Freezing Winters

The county sees 30 days of extreme heat each year, with July temperatures averaging 68.5°F. Winter is cold, with a January average of 32.1°F and frequent frost.

Prepare for Wide Seasonal Swings

A versatile wardrobe is necessary to handle a 30-day heat season and 12.8 inches of winter snow. Homeowners should ensure pipes are well-insulated against the 32.1°F January average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Union County

via SoilByCounty

The Soils of the Grande Ronde

Union County's specific pH and taxonomic classifications are not currently listed in this dataset. The county's geography is defined by the Grande Ronde Valley, which contains diverse soils quite different from the state's 5.26 pH average. These mountain-valley soils are the lifeblood of local ranching and farming.

Complex Mountain Valley Composition

Data regarding the sand, silt, and clay percentages for Union County remains uncollected. The mixture likely varies significantly from the valley floor to the surrounding Blue Mountains. This complexity generally provides various niches for both timber and forage production.

Natural Potential in the Blue Mountains

Specific organic matter and available water capacity figures are unavailable for this county. Despite the lack of data, the region's lush valleys indicate a high capacity for supporting life. Local agriculture thrives on the natural fertility found throughout the district.

Hydrology of an Intermontane Basin

The drainage and hydrologic groups for Union County are not currently documented in our records. In such a mountainous region, water movement is heavily influenced by slope and snowmelt patterns. Understanding local drainage is essential for any land development or gardening project.

High-Country Gardening in Zone 6b

With a 6b hardiness zone, Union County has a shorter but vibrant growing season suited for root vegetables and berries. The cooler nights and distinct seasons are perfect for producing sweet fruits and hardy perennials. Start your high-country garden and enjoy the unique rewards of mountain soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Union County

via LawnByCounty

Union's Demanding High-Desert Turf

Union County is a challenging place for lawns, scoring just 29.9 on the difficulty scale. This Zone 6b region is much tougher than the Oregon state average of 38.9.

Cold Winters and Dry Summers

The county receives 20.6 inches of rain, which is below the 30-50 inch ideal for lawns. Grass must survive 30 extreme heat days while navigating a relatively short growing season.

Soil Data Gaps

Current data for soil texture and pH is not available for this county. A local soil test is essential to determine if your ground is too acidic or alkaline for your chosen grass type.

Battling Severe Drought

Union County has spent 42 weeks in drought, with 58.9% of the area currently in severe conditions. Prioritize efficient watering and avoid mowing during the hottest part of the day to reduce grass stress.

Timing the Short Season

Choose cold-hardy grasses like Fine Fescue or Kentucky Bluegrass for this Zone 6b environment. You have a narrow window to seed between the last frost on May 11 and the first fall frost on September 26.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Union County's county score?
Union County, Oregon has a composite county score of 43.2 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 Oregon?
Union County ranks #16 among all counties in Oregon 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, Oregon?
The median annual property tax in Union County is $2,307, with an effective tax rate of 0.89%. This earns Union County a tax score of 46.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Union County?
The median household income in Union County, Oregon is $64,212 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Union County earns an income score of 51.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Union County, Oregon a good place to live?
Union County scores 43.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #16 in Oregon. 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.