CountyScore

Union County

South Carolina · SC

#18 in South Carolina
69.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Union County, South Carolina

Union County offers above-median national livability

Union County's composite score of 69.1 places it at the 38th percentile nationally, above the U.S. median of 50.0 by a meaningful margin. This reflects particular strengths in affordability and cost-of-living metrics that drive its overall attractiveness.

Slightly ahead of South Carolina's average

With a composite score of 69.1 versus the state average of 68.2, Union County ranks just above the middle of South Carolina's county distribution. It's positioned as a solid mid-tier choice for statewide comparisons.

Unbeatable affordability in housing and taxes

Union County shines with a Cost Score of 87.1—the highest among these six counties—and a Tax Score of 86.6, supporting a median home value of just $100,000 and rent at $770/month. This makes Union the most affordable option for bare-bones homeownership and lowest living costs.

Limited income and health opportunities

The Income Score of 10.3 with a median household income of $41,200 reflects significant economic constraints, the lowest among these counties. The Health Score of 56.4 and moderate Risk Score of 41.8 suggest health challenges and economic vulnerabilities that residents navigate.

Best for those maximizing housing affordability

Union County suits people whose primary goal is securing the cheapest possible housing and lowest living expenses—often retirees with fixed incomes, young first-time buyers, or those managing financial hardship. It demands acceptance of lower incomes and limited services in exchange for true affordability.

Score breakdown

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

Tax86.6Cost87.1SafetyComing SoonHealth56.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome10.3Risk41.8WaterComing Soon
🏛86.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠87.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼10.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤56.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡41.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Union County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Crawford County
Arkansas
69.1
Median income: $60,362
Johnson County
Arkansas
69.1
Median income: $44,808
Routt County
Colorado
69.1
Median income: $104,803
Taylor County
Georgia
69.1
Median income: $41,743
Twin Falls County
Idaho
69.1
Median income: $65,338

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 ranks among nation's lowest taxed

Union County's 0.558% effective rate places it in the bottom 30% of U.S. counties, nearly 35% lower than the national median of 0.86%. The median property tax of just $558 represents only 21% of the national median of $2,690.

Right on South Carolina's state average

At 0.558%, Union's rate sits just slightly above the state average of 0.542%, making it representative of typical South Carolina tax burden. The median tax of $558 falls well below the state median of $939.

Lowest-priced homes in the region

Union's median home value of just $100,000 is significantly lower than Sumter ($159,500), Saluda ($123,200), and Spartanburg ($216,000), resulting in the lowest tax bills in the cluster. Only Williamsburg County's homes are comparably priced.

Union's median annual tax is just $558

With a median home value of $100,000, Union County residents pay approximately $558 annually in property taxes—less than $47 per month. If your mortgage includes escrow, the bill rises to roughly $780 per year.

Consider assessment review even at low rates

Even in an affordable county like Union, homeowners may be overassessed relative to market value. A free appeal with the county assessor could result in further savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Union County

via CostByCounty

Union County faces affordability challenges nationally

Union County's 22.4% rent-to-income ratio stands well above the national standard, reflecting tight affordability pressures on renters earning a median household income of $41,200. At $770 monthly rent, the county's low wages make housing costs proportionally heavy.

Union ranks among SC's tightest housing markets

At 22.4%, Union County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds South Carolina's state average of 20.1%, placing it among the state's least affordable counties. Despite having the state's lowest median rent of $770, the county's depressed median household income of $41,200 creates affordability strain.

Union offers lowest rents, but lowest income

Union County's $770 median rent is the cheapest in this cluster, undercutting Saluda's $814 and Williamsburg's $769—yet Union's $41,200 median household income is also the lowest. This low-wage, low-rent dynamic creates a precarious affordability balance.

Union's tight income makes housing burdensome

Union renters pay $770 monthly while homeowners spend $494, both supported by a median household income of just $41,200. Housing consumes over 22% of household income for renters—among the highest burdens in the state—leaving little margin for error.

Union demands income stability before moving

Union County's $770 rent and $100,000 median home prices look attractive on the surface, but the low median income of $41,200 means tight budgets. Relocate here only if your income substantially exceeds the county median, or if you're prepared for significant financial constraints.

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 $41,200 stands 45% below the U.S. median of $74,755, one of the largest deficits among these six counties. The gap underscores the economic struggle facing this rural community.

Among South Carolina's lowest earners

Union County's $41,200 median household income ranks well below the state average of $57,006, placing it in the bottom tier statewide. The county's per capita income of $26,723 also significantly lags the state average of $32,382.

Union struggles compared to neighbors

Union's $41,200 median income ranks lowest among the six counties studied, trailing even Williamsburg County ($43,471) and Saluda County ($52,957). The county faces steeper economic headwinds than surrounding areas.

Housing stress on Union residents

Union's rent-to-income ratio of 22.4% places housing costs at nearly three-quarters of the affordability threshold, creating financial stress for renting households. The median home value of $100,000 is low but still challenges wage-earners in this county.

Union: Building wealth from limited means

Union residents working with tight budgets should focus on maximizing free or low-cost financial resources—community credit unions, nonprofit financial counseling, and employer retirement matching. Even small, consistent savings accumulate into meaningful emergency funds and long-term security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Union County

via HealthByCounty

Union faces significant health headwinds

Union County's life expectancy of 69.0 years falls 0.6 years below the national average of 68.4 years, but its 24.8% poor or fair health rate far exceeds the U.S. average of 21%, signaling serious population health challenges. With only 33 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Union has notably limited access compared to the national average. The county ranks among the least healthy communities in its region.

South Carolina's worst health performer

Union County's 69.0-year life expectancy trails South Carolina's 72.5-year average by 3.5 years—the largest gap among the six counties studied. Its 24.8% poor or fair health rate is the state's worst, indicating chronic disease and population health struggles. Despite these challenges, Union's 11.3% uninsured rate is slightly above the state average, showing modest coverage progress.

Lowest health outcomes in the region

Union's 69.0-year life expectancy is 7.3 years below neighboring York County (76.3 years) and 4.8 years below Spartanburg County (73.8 years). The county's 33 primary care providers per 100,000 residents rank it near the bottom regionally, ahead only of Saluda. Mental health providers at 109 per 100,000 provide basic capacity, though well below peer counties like Sumter (182 per 100K).

Barriers to routine and urgent care

Union's 33 primary care providers per 100,000 residents create real access challenges for preventive care, chronic disease management, and routine checkups. The 24.8% poor or fair health rate suggests many residents deal with untreated conditions, likely exacerbated by limited provider availability. Mental health support at 109 per 100,000 is stretched thin, limiting counseling and behavioral health access.

Healthcare access starts with coverage

Union County residents face the steepest health challenges in the region, making coverage even more critical. Visit HealthCare.gov, call 211, or contact the Union County Health Department to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, and community health center services. Securing coverage is your first step toward getting the care you need.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Union County

via RiskByCounty

Union ranks as relatively low-risk nationally

With a composite risk score of 58.21 and a "Relatively Low" rating, Union County sits below the national average for natural disaster exposure. The county's risk profile is notably more favorable than most American counties.

Safer than average for South Carolina

Union County's 58.21 score falls 12.5 points below the state average of 70.75, positioning it among the safer counties in South Carolina. Fewer hazards expose residents to significant natural disaster risk here than across the state overall.

Safest upstate county alongside Saluda

Union's 58.21 risk score is substantially lower than surrounding Spartanburg County (90.65) and York County (88.68), making it one of the upstate's safer communities. Only Saluda County (40.14) has markedly lower risk in the region.

Tornadoes and earthquakes drive Union's risk

Tornado risk (79.10) and earthquake risk (74.08) are Union's top hazards, followed by wildfire risk (53.47). All remain below state averages, reflecting the county's overall favorable risk position.

Standard insurance meets Union County needs well

Union's relatively low overall risk means basic homeowners coverage addresses most residents' protection needs effectively. However, tornado-prone areas should verify adequate wind/hail coverage, and earthquake coverage remains an optional but prudent add-on.

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.