Union County

Pennsylvania · PA

#24 in Pennsylvania
66.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Union County, Pennsylvania

Union County above national baseline

Union County's composite score of 67.3 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 35%, signaling a county with above-average livability by U.S. measures. This solid performance is anchored by moderate incomes and reasonable housing costs.

Marginally ahead in Pennsylvania

At 67.3, Union edges above the state average of 66.0 by just 1.3 points, placing it near the middle of Pennsylvania's county rankings. It represents a baseline of stability rather than exceptional advantage.

Income shows county strength

Union stands out with an income score of 31.0 and median household income of $72,894—the highest among these eight counties, reflecting stronger earning potential. The tax score of 68.6 and effective rate of 1.196% remain reasonable for a higher-income area.

Cost of living higher here

The cost score of 75.3 with median home values at $222,900 and rents at $944/month signals higher real estate costs compared to peers. Critical data on health, safety, schools, and environment is not yet available.

Suits professionals seeking better pay

Union County appeals to educated professionals and dual-income families whose earnings can support higher housing costs. The county's income advantage justifies its real estate premium for career-focused residents.

Score breakdown

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

Tax68.6Cost75.3SafetyComing SoonHealth73.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome31Risk44.8WaterComing Soon
🏛68.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠75.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼31
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
73.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
44.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

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 Slightly Below U.S. Average Rate

Union County's effective tax rate of 1.196% falls just below the national median of 1.281%, though homeowners here face a tax bill nearly matching the national average. At $2,667 in median annual property taxes, the county hovers just below the U.S. median of $2,690, reflecting typical national tax burden.

Near Pennsylvania's State Average

Union County's effective rate of 1.196% edges below Pennsylvania's average of 1.317%, while its median property tax of $2,667 sits just above the state average of $2,657. The county represents a middle-of-the-road tax environment within the Commonwealth.

Higher Than Most Regional Peers

Union's 1.196% rate exceeds Sullivan (1.051%), Susquehanna (1.148%), and Tioga (1.189%), making it the highest among its immediate northeastern neighbors. Homeowners pay roughly $400–$600 more annually than comparable properties in adjacent counties.

Higher Home Values, Heftier Tax Bills

A median Union County home valued at $222,900 results in $2,667 in annual property taxes, the highest in its regional peer group. With mortgage considerations, the bill rises to $2,942; without them, it sits at $2,407, reflecting the county's larger home values.

Assessment Review Could Save Hundreds

Union County homeowners, especially those with properties at the higher end of the market, often carry inflated assessments. A property tax appeal costs nothing and can recoup thousands in overdue refunds or reduce future payments substantially.

Cost of Living in Union County

via CostByCounty

Union County: Above-Average Income, Affordability

Union County's median income of $72,894 runs close to the national average of $74,755, and its 15.5% rent-to-income ratio beats both state and national norms. Renters here spend $944/month—closer to Pennsylvania's state average—but earn enough to absorb the cost comfortably.

Union Leads Pennsylvania in Income-to-Housing

Union County ranks among Pennsylvania's most affordable counties relative to local incomes, with a 15.5% rent-to-income ratio that outpaces the state's 16.5% average. Its $72,894 median income is the highest among this county cluster, providing residents stronger purchasing power.

Premium Rents, Premium Incomes in Union

Union's $944 rent and $1,057 mortgage are among the region's highest, but they pair with the cluster's highest median income ($72,894). This makes Union attractive to professionals and established households seeking stronger local economic fundamentals.

Union: High Income Cushions High Costs

Union County residents earning $72,894 allocate 15.5% to rent ($944/month) or similar percentages to mortgages ($1,057/month), leaving 84%+ for other expenses. The county's stronger income base allows households to absorb housing costs while maintaining financial flexibility.

Union County for Affluent Relocators

If your income is near or above $72,000, Union County's stronger economy and moderate affordability ratios make it worth considering despite higher rents and home values ($222,900). Compare Union's economic stability against cheaper options to determine whether you're paying for genuine opportunity.

Income & Jobs in Union County

via IncomeByCounty

Union exceeds national income baseline

Union County's median household income of $72,894 approaches the national median of $74,755, falling short by just $1,861 or 2.5%. This near-parity positions Union among stronger-earning rural Pennsylvania counties, closer to national averages than most of its regional peers.

Above-average earnings in Pennsylvania

Union's $72,894 exceeds Pennsylvania's state average of $69,614 by $3,280, placing the county in the upper half statewide. Per capita income of $36,765 sits below the state average of $37,407, suggesting household-level income strength rather than individual earning power.

Regional income leader among eight counties

Union's $72,894 ranks highest among the eight surveyed Pennsylvania counties, outpacing Washington ($77,487 in another measure) and leading Susquehanna, Sullivan, and all others. This leadership reflects Union's proximity to stronger regional economies and more diversified local employment.

Lowest housing burden in the group

Union's rent-to-income ratio of 15.5% is among the region's best, signaling excellent housing affordability for residents. With a median home value of $222,900 paired with solid household income, families here enjoy robust financial security.

Capitalize on above-average income position

Union households benefit from near-national-average incomes and low housing cost burdens, creating ideal conditions for aggressive retirement savings and investment. Leverage this advantage through diversified portfolios, home equity strategies, and continuous skill development to outpace regional and national wealth trends.

Health in Union County

via HealthByCounty

Union County Leads Region in Life Expectancy

Union County residents live to an average of 80.3 years, substantially outpacing the U.S. life expectancy of 78.9 years and representing some of the longest lifespans in Pennsylvania. With 19.0% reporting poor or fair health, the county shows that longer life doesn't automatically mean better perceived health quality. This longevity advantage reflects strong underlying health systems and possibly older resident populations.

Pennsylvania's Longevity Leader by a Wide Margin

Union County's 80.3-year life expectancy towers 3.9 years above Pennsylvania's 76.4-year state average, a remarkable health advantage within the state. Despite this lifespan lead, Union County's 19.0% poor/fair health rate sits slightly above the state average, suggesting older residents or more complex chronic conditions drive the higher health concern reports. The county represents both Pennsylvania's health success story and a case study in aging populations.

Robust Healthcare Infrastructure Supports Residents

Union County leads the region with 108 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 193 mental health providers per 100,000—the highest capacity for behavioral health in this county group. This exceptional provider network far exceeds Sullivan County (17 mental health providers) and Susquehanna County (81) per capita. Union County's healthcare infrastructure directly supports its residents' extended lifespans.

Higher Uninsured Rate Despite Strong Infrastructure

Paradoxically, Union County's 8.9% uninsured rate—the highest in this group—exceeds Pennsylvania's 7.0% average despite its world-class provider availability. This suggests that even with 108 primary care and 193 mental health providers per 100,000, uninsured residents still face cost barriers to accessing these services. Insurance gaps affect roughly one in eleven Union County residents.

Unlock Union County's Healthcare Excellence

Union County's exceptional healthcare providers—108 primary care and 193 mental health per 100,000—are most accessible with insurance coverage you can afford. The Pennsylvania Health Insurance Marketplace and community programs offer enrollment assistance that can connect uninsured residents to plans within days. Visit healthcare.gov or contact Union County health services to explore options that maximize access to the region's best providers.

Disaster Risk in Union County

via RiskByCounty

Union County faces moderate national risk

Union County scores 55.25 nationally, placing it in the moderate range of U.S. disaster vulnerability. While not among the highest-risk American communities, this score indicates residents face meaningful natural hazard exposure requiring awareness and preparation.

Below Pennsylvania average for safety

Union County's composite score of 55.25 falls below Pennsylvania's state average of 67.45, ranking it as relatively low-risk statewide. The county outperforms most of its peers across the Commonwealth on disaster resilience metrics.

Middle of the risk spectrum regionally

Union County (55.25) sits between the very-low-risk Sullivan County (10.72) and higher-exposure Warren County (65.55) in the central Pennsylvania region. The county's flood risk (71.82) and earthquake risk (43.58) distinguish it from Sullivan but make it comparable to other county neighbors.

Flood and hurricane create main hazards

Union County's top threats are flood risk (71.82) and hurricane risk (74.34), both well above state averages and creating compound water-related exposure. Tornado risk (33.75) and earthquake risk (43.58) present additional but less severe concerns for households.

Flood coverage essential for Union County

Union County residents should secure flood insurance as a separate policy, given flood risk of 71.82 and hurricane risk of 74.34. Comprehensive homeowners insurance combined with dedicated flood coverage provides the most complete financial protection for this county's specific hazard profile.

ByCounty Network

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