Union
Iowa

What stands out

If you had to describe Union County in numbers, start here: the home price against local income is in the bottom 9% of American counties (1.4 years of income), the school test score is in the bottom 9% of American counties (2.57 where 3.0 is grade level), and the property tax rate is in the top 10% of American counties (1.64%). Within Iowa it ranks 23rd of 99 counties for the home price against local income, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Union County, Iowa. 12,107 people live here with you. The population held steady at 0.0% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +13).

Iowa cut its income tax to a flat 3.8% in 2025 and stopped taxing retirement income for residents 55 and over in 2023, including pensions, 401(k) and IRA withdrawals. It still has an inheritance tax, but that is being phased out and ends for deaths after 2024. Winters are long and the state's economy still moves with corn, soybean and hog prices.

Money

The typical household here brings in $56,495 a year, lower than 63% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $50,030. Unemployment runs 2.7%, lower than 75% of American counties. 4% of workers work from home.

Iowa takes 3.8% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,147 a year.

Home

The median home costs $161K, cheaper than 80% of American counties, about 1.4 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $766 a month. Property tax is 1.64% of home value, roughly $1,863 a year on that median home, higher than 90% of American counties. 75% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.2 per 1,000 residents, lower than 85% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 11 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 76.2 years, longer than 55% of American counties. There are 14 active physicians in the county, about 11.6 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.0 of 5 stars. 6.4% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.73 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 91% of American counties. 93% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 32 points. 65% of eligible voters turned out. Under Iowa law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is medical only.

Weather and risk

The year averages 51°F, highs near 62 and lows near 40, colder than 71% of American counties. About 33 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 36 out of 100, safer than 64% of American counties; the county has had 21 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 167 Mbps down, slower than 64% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.0 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.