Union
North Carolina

What stands out

If you had to describe Union County in numbers, start here: population growth is in the top 3% of American counties (+2.9% a year), the median household income is in the top 5% of American counties ($95,533), and the share working from home is in the top 6% of American counties (16%). Within North Carolina it ranks 5th of 100 counties for population growth.

Where you are

You live in Union County, North Carolina. 240,109 people live here with you. The population grew 2.9% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +6,010).

North Carolina has a flat income tax that is being cut each year, 3.99% for 2026 after 4.25% in 2025, with 3.49% scheduled for 2027 if revenue triggers are met, and it does not tax Social Security. Property taxes are moderate and reassessments happen every four to eight years by county. The Research Triangle and Charlotte have driven a decade of in-migration; the mountains and the Outer Banks are second-home markets with hurricane and flood exposure on the coast.

Money

The typical household here brings in $95,533 a year, higher than 95% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $61,500. Unemployment runs 3.1%, lower than 60% of American counties. 16% of workers work from home.

North Carolina takes 4.0% of that median income in state income tax, about $3,812 a year.

Home

The median home costs $453K, pricier than 91% of American counties, about 3.0 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,025 a month. Property tax is 0.65% of home value, roughly $2,195 a year on that median home, lower than 71% of American counties. 83% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.0 per 1,000 residents, lower than 93% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 11 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 78.9 years, longer than 84% of American counties. There are 464 active physicians in the county, about 19.3 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 4.0 of 5 stars. 9.0% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.40 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 92% of American counties. 90% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 24 points. 81% of eligible voters turned out. Under North Carolina law you can get a concealed-carry permit on request, abortion is legal with limits, and marijuana is illegal.

Weather and risk

The year averages 62°F, highs near 73 and lows near 50, warmer than 73% of American counties. About 33 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 86 out of 100, riskier than 86% of American counties; the county has had 21 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 276 Mbps down, faster than 87% of American counties. There are 11 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.5 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 2 breweries.