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Union County, South Carolina — County Report Card

SC

#39 in South Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
38.6
County Score
Cost of Living 82.9Property Tax 79.5Weather & Climate 60.5

County Report Card

About Union County, South Carolina

Struggling to Meet National Medians

Union's composite score of 38.6 lags behind the national median of 50.0. This ranking places it in the lower third of counties across the United States.

Below the South Carolina Average

The county sits below the state average of 42.8, indicating a tougher economic landscape than many other parts of South Carolina. It struggles to compete with the high-growth corridors nearby.

Exceptional Housing and Tax Value

Affordability is the main draw, as the county earns an 82.9 for Cost and 79.5 for Tax. With a median home value of $100,000 and rent at $770, it is one of the state's most accessible markets.

Economic and Safety Improvements Needed

Income and Safety scores are notably low at 3.5 and 3.9, reflecting a median household income of only $41,200. These figures highlight a need for job growth and community investment to lift the overall score.

Best for Extreme Cost-of-Living Savings

Union is best suited for individuals seeking the absolute lowest cost of living in the region. It provides a sanctuary for those on fixed incomes who can benefit from extremely low housing costs.

2040608010079.582.93.918.316.63.541.812.360.5Tax79.5Cost82.9Safety3.9Health18.3Schools16.6Income3.5Risk41.8Water12.3Weather60.538.6/100
This county
National avg
2 above average5 below average

Union County DNA

Foverall

How Union County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Union County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (82.9/100) but notably weak in Safety (3.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
79.5+27.5
Cost
82.9+34.900000000000006
Safety
3.9-51.1
Health
18.3-31.7
Schools
16.6-37.4
Income
3.5-47.5
Risk
41.8
Water
12.3-45.7
Weather
60.5
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$100,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$770/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$100,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,800/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $41,200/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

29.6

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Chester County
South Carolina
40.3
Cherokee County
South Carolina
44.8
Spartanburg County
South Carolina
40.3
Laurens County
South Carolina
43.8
Newberry County
South Carolina
43.4
Fairfield County
South Carolina
45.3
York County
South Carolina
44.5
Lancaster County
South Carolina
44.8

Deep Dives

Union County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in Union County

via CrimeByCounty

High total crime impacts safety score

Union County reports a total crime rate of 3,788.9 per 100K, nearly 60% higher than the national average. This results in a safety score of 94.0, which is lower than many peer counties.

Union trails the state safety average

At 94.0, Union’s safety score is lower than the South Carolina average of 95.4. The total crime rate of 3,788.9 is also higher than the state-wide average of 2,920.8.

Crime trends higher than nearby Saluda

Union’s crime rate is triple that of neighboring Saluda County, which reports only 1,039.4 per 100K. This contrast highlights a concentrated area of activity within the region.

Property crime drives local statistics

Property crime is exceptionally high at 3,236.6 per 100K, well above the national rate of 2,015.7. Conversely, the violent crime rate of 552.3 is lower than the South Carolina average.

Deterring theft in Union County

Since property crime is the primary concern, residents should focus on securing valuables and locking doors. Local agencies are working to address these high rates through increased community patrols.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Union County

via SchoolsByCounty

Community Schools in Union County

Union County operates a streamlined system of 7 public schools serving 3,788 students under one central district. The infrastructure is built around four elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools.

Comparing Union's Academic Metrics

The graduation rate currently stands at 77.0%, falling below the state average of 84.2% and the national target of 87.0%. The county invests $6,513 per pupil, supporting a composite school score of 45.6.

Union 01 District Overview

Union 01 is the sole district provider for the county, managing all 3,788 students with no charter schools currently in operation. This centralized approach ensures that all local resources are funneled into the traditional public school system.

Town and Country Education

Schools are split between town (4) and rural (3) locales, reflecting the county’s geography. The average school size is 631 students, though Union County High serves as the largest community anchor with 1,069 students.

Home Buying in Union County

Proximity to central hubs like Union County High or Sims Middle often influences local housing demand. As you explore homes in the area, keep these established school locations in mind to ensure a short commute for your family.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Union County

via WaterByCounty

Union County Faces Severe Compliance Challenges

Union County receives a Water Quality Grade of F with 80 health violations over the last five years. Its violation rate of 261.2 per 100,000 residents is more than ten times higher than the state average.

Assessed Waters Currently Meet Quality Standards

The three water bodies assessed in the 2022 cycle show 0% impairment, suggesting healthy surface waters despite drinking water concerns. This is significantly better than the state average impairment rate of 42.6%.

Focused Monitoring from Nine Local Sites

A smaller network of 9 monitoring sites has provided 1,218 measurements over the last five years. Most data collection efforts target physical properties and nutrient levels in the county's waterways.

Broad River Flowing at One-Quarter Capacity

Current discharge for the Broad River near Carlisle is 949 cfs, representing only 25% of its long-term mean. This suggests the river is experiencing much lower volume than typical for this time of year.

Urgent Need for Water Safety Awareness

The exceptionally high rate of health violations makes home water testing and filtration essential for Union County residents. Staying informed about local utility notices is critical for managing drinking water risks.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Union County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer than the national median

Union County’s 61.0°F average temperature sits well above the national median, placing it in a classic humid subtropical climate. Residents experience a significantly warmer profile than much of the continental U.S.

A cooler pocket of the Palmetto State

Compared to the South Carolina average of 62.8°F, Union is slightly cooler than many of its state peers. It ranks toward the cooler end of the state spectrum, reflecting its position in the Upstate region.

Drier than the coastal plains

Union shares a similar climate with York to the northeast but stays drier with 44.3 inches of annual rainfall. This is notably lower than the 48.9 inches averaged statewide, marking a more temperate interior environment.

Sixty days of intense summer heat

Summers are demanding with 60 days topping 90°F and a July average of 79.7°F. Winters provide a sharp contrast at a 44.0°F average, though the county only sees a light 1.6 inches of annual snow.

Prepare for a long cooling season

HVAC systems must be ready for two solid months of extreme heat days every year. While winter averages 42.0°F in January, residents can skip the heavy snow gear and focus on insulation for damp, chilly nights.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Union County

via SoilByCounty

Alfisols provide a balanced foundation

Union County features Alfisols and sandy loam with a pH of 5.71. This is the most alkaline soil in this group, sitting well above the state average of 5.27 though still more acidic than the national median of 6.5.

Classic sandy loam profile

The soil is composed of 66.4% sand, 18.2% silt, and 15.5% clay. This sandy loam texture offers a great balance of aeration and enough clay to help retain essential nutrients for plant growth.

Moderate moisture and organic levels

Organic matter stands at 1.12%, while the available water capacity is a solid 0.123 in/in. These figures indicate reliable soil that outperforms the state average for water retention, despite having lower organic content than the 2.05% state benchmark.

Rapid drainage with high runoff potential

While the soil is well-drained, its classification in hydrologic group D suggests a high potential for runoff during heavy storms. This requires careful management to prevent erosion on sloped farmland and gardens.

Cultivating success in hardiness zone 8a

Union’s soil and climate are particularly well-suited for timber production and grains like corn or wheat. The relatively high pH makes it a great place to start a vegetable garden with less need for intensive liming.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Union County

via LawnByCounty

Union County Offers Top Regional Growing Scores

Union County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 47.0, the highest in this regional group and very close to the national average of 50.0. This makes it one of the more forgiving places in South Carolina to maintain a lawn. Its Zone 8a classification provides a stable environment for common Southern grasses.

Moderate Rainfall and Typical Heat

Union receives 44.3 inches of rain annually, which is slightly less than the state average of 48.9 but still within the ideal range. The county experiences 60 extreme heat days each year, hovering just below the state average. This balance of climate factors prevents the extreme stress seen in the state's hotter coastal counties.

Productive Sandy Loam Soil Base

The soil here is a well-drained sandy loam with a pH of 5.71, which is closer to the ideal 6.0 range than many nearby counties. With 66.4% sand and 15.5% clay, the soil offers a good balance of drainage and moisture retention. Minor lime additions are usually sufficient to bring the pH into the perfect growing zone.

Universal Severe Drought Conditions Present

Despite its high growth score, 100% of Union County is currently in severe drought. The county has spent 26 weeks in drought over the past year, making water conservation a top priority for lawn owners. Focus on watering in the late evening or early morning to minimize loss to evaporation.

Best Seeding Begins in Early April

The final spring frost usually departs by April 6, marking the start of the primary growing window. Hardiness Zone 8a is perfect for Bermuda, which is resilient against the 100% severe drought conditions currently affecting the area. Start your soil prep now to take advantage of Union's superior 47.0 growth score.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Union County's county score?
Union County, South Carolina has a composite county score of 38.6 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 South Carolina?
Union County ranks #39 among all counties in South Carolina 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, South Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Union County is $558, with an effective tax rate of 0.56%. This earns Union County a tax score of 79.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Union County?
The median household income in Union County, South Carolina is $41,200 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Union County earns an income score of 3.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Union County, South Carolina a good place to live?
Union County scores 38.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #39 in South Carolina. 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.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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