Home Value
$1,265,600
349% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
429/100K
13% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
100.0%
197% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
26.8%
17% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Free Union Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population185
Median Age62.6 yrs
Density93/mi²
Male / Female57% / 43%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans19.2%
Economy
Median IncomeN/A
Per Capita$47,161
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
Housing
Home Value$1,265,600
RentN/A
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$570,160
Housing Units98
Rent Burden28.8%
Crime
F
Violent429/100K
Property3,042/100K
Health
Obesity26.8%
Uninsured6.0%
Smoking9.5%
Depression21.4%
Heart Disease3.8%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain46.8 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation563 ft (172 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+100.0%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+65.4%
School Score6.38
Community
2024 VoteR 32% / D 66%
CommuteN/A
Broadband98.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries4
Is Free Union a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Free Union receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. Free Union offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Free Union is $1,265,600, making it a premium housing market at 349% above the U.S. median of $281,900.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 429 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,042 per 100,000, 55% above the national average.
Education
Free Union is a highly educated community / 100.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Free Union experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 46.8 inches, including 10.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Free Union has a population of 185 with a density of 93 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age is 62.6 years, 61% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.2% female and 56.8% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 74.1% of residents, while 25.9% speak Spanish. 19.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 25.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
62.6yrs
Median Age
61% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Free Union vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
74.1%
6% below US avg
Spanish
25.9%
93% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Free Union vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Free Union is N/A. Per capita income is $47,161 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,401. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 4,185 business establishments, including 219 restaurants. The cost of living index is 101.1, roughly in line with the national average. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Free Union vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $47,161 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,401 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $146,253 |
| Gini Index | 0.479 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 4,185 |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 219 |
| Healthcare | 408 |
| Retail | 320 |
| Manufacturing | 84 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,595 |
| 117% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 101.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.60% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Free Union is $1,265,600, 349% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $570,160, lower than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,181 for a one-bedroom to $1,369 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 98 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1989. The average annual property tax is $7,595 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $1,265,600 |
| 349% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $570,160 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,137 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,181 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,369 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,787 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,126 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 98 |
| Median Year Built | 1989 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,595 |
| 117% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.60% |
In Free Union, 26.8% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 3.8% of residents, below the national average. 25.2% have high blood pressure. 9.5% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 18.4% report binge drinking. 16.7% are physically inactive, below the national average. 21.4% report depression. 14.5% experience frequent mental distress. 6.0% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:719. The dentist ratio is 1:962. 79.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Free Union vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 26.8% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.5% |
| Heart Disease | 3.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 25.2% |
| Asthma | 9.3% |
| COPD | 4.1% |
| Cancer | 6.6% |
| Stroke | 2.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 9.5% |
| 32% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 16.7% |
| Depression | 21.4% |
| Mental Distress | 14.5% |
| Physical Distress | 9.8% |
| Short Sleep | 30.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 6.0% |
| 30% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:719 |
| Dentists | 1:962 |
| Mental Health | 1:430 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.4% |
| Dental Visits | 68.3% |
| Premature Death | 5,378/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 408 |
Free Union has a violent crime rate of 429 per 100,000 residents, 13% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,042 per 100,000, 55% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 17 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Free Union receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Free Union vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 428.5/100K |
| 13% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,042.1/100K |
| 55% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 17 |
| Traffic Accidents | 12 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Free Union experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 293 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 46.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 10.9 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 563 feet.
Temperature
35°F Jan (1°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 54.8°F |
| 1% above US avg |
| January Average | 35°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 563 ft (172 m) |
| Area | 2.0 sq mi (5.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 93/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.1533°N, 78.5589°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Albemarle County County |
| Nearest Airport | Shenandoah Valley Regional (SHD) 20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
46.8"
23% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.61"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0441 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.9 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 78.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 34.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 73.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
42 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.8. Most recent: M3.0 on May 6, 2025.
| Aug 23, 2011 |
11 km SSW of Mineral, Virginia |
M5.8 |
61 km |
| Aug 25, 2011 |
8 km SW of Mineral, Virginia |
M4.5 |
57 km |
| Aug 24, 2011 |
11 km SSW of Mineral, Virginia |
M4.2 |
59 km |
| Mar 15, 1991 |
7 km NNW of Goochland, Virginia |
M3.8 |
73 km |
| Oct 21, 1998 |
13 km S of Dillwyn, Virginia |
M3.8 |
82 km |
| May 5, 2003 |
Virginia |
M3.6 |
79 km |
| Apr 22, 1991 |
14 km ESE of Falling Spring, West Virginia |
M3.5 |
146 km |
| Sep 1, 2011 |
7 km SSW of Mineral, Virginia |
M3.4 |
59 km |
| Aug 24, 2011 |
16 km NNW of Goochland, Virginia |
M3.4 |
65 km |
| Sep 22, 2001 |
5 km E of Pantops, Virginia |
M3.2 |
20 km |
| May 22, 2014 |
15 km ENE of Cumberland, Virginia |
M3.1 |
82 km |
| Jan 30, 2012 |
9 km SSE of Louisa, Virginia |
M3.1 |
56 km |
| Jan 17, 2016 |
3 km NE of Ranson, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
144 km |
| Mar 26, 2012 |
13 km S of Louisa, Virginia |
M3.0 |
57 km |
| Oct 2, 2010 |
10 km NNW of Ashland, Virginia |
M3.0 |
97 km |
| Oct 12, 2011 |
9 km S of Louisa, Virginia |
M3.0 |
56 km |
| May 6, 2025 |
8 km S of Dillwyn, Virginia |
M3.0 |
77 km |
| Aug 23, 2011 |
9 km SSW of Mineral, Virginia |
M2.8 |
60 km |
| Mar 15, 2015 |
6 km SW of Mineral, Virginia |
M2.8 |
57 km |
| Apr 21, 1998 |
1 km NNW of Free Union, Virginia |
M2.8 |
2 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
4 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Irene (2011, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
294 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 1 |
179 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 1 |
264 km |
| 1986 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
291 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
183 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 17 fatalities, 54 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Sep 24, 2001 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 1, 1998 |
EF3 |
88 km |
2 |
| Oct 18, 1990 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jul 25, 1985 |
EF3 |
13 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1977 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Mar 21, 1976 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1966 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Sep 30, 1959 |
EF3 |
13 km |
11 |
| Sep 30, 1959 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Sep 30, 1959 |
EF3 |
20 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2008 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
26 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
18 km |
0 |
| Sep 8, 2004 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: PINNACLES (24,792 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
PINNACLES |
24,792 |
54 km |
| 2023 |
MATTS CREEK |
11,028 |
100 km |
| 2016 |
MOUNT PLEASANT |
11,001 |
71 km |
| 2016 |
ROCKY MTN FIRE 2016 |
9,299 |
20 km |
| 2024 |
WATERFALL MOUNTAIN |
9,251 |
58 km |
| 2014 |
ARCHER KNOB RX |
6,093 |
71 km |
| 2022 |
UNNAMED |
5,893 |
71 km |
| 2024 |
WAITES RUN |
5,496 |
98 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
5,345 |
71 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
5,149 |
71 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
4,687 |
64 km |
| 2002 |
FULTZ RUN |
4,638 |
40 km |
| 2008 |
ST MARYS |
4,373 |
58 km |
| 1999 |
SHOP RUN |
4,261 |
20 km |
| 1986 |
BIG RUN |
4,161 |
19 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
4,022 |
64 km |
| 2012 |
SHIPWRECK |
3,779 |
40 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
3,667 |
42 km |
| 2006 |
PEAVINE COMPLEX |
2,950 |
92 km |
| 2014 |
CUB RUN RX |
2,868 |
43 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
35°F (1°C) |
3.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
38°F (3°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| March |
46°F (8°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.6 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
74°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| November |
47°F (8°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| December |
38°F (4°C) |
3.0 in |
|
Free Union has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 35°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.4 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.6") and February the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Free Union. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$253 ($152–$404) |
| Specialist Visit |
$354 ($202–$556) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$202 ($101–$354) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,224 ($809–$5,055) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$131 ($76–$202) |
| Dental Filling |
$253 ($152–$404) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$46 ($25–$76) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$76 ($51–$121) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$303 ($152–$506) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$76) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$607 ($404–$1,011) |
| Battery Replacement |
$202 ($101–$354) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$101 ($61–$152) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$91 ($51–$142) |
| HVAC Repair |
$404 ($152–$809) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,077 ($4,044–$12,132) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,011 ($404–$2,022) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,099 ($5,561–$15,165) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,517 ($506–$3,539) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,165 ($5,055–$30,330) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,055 ($2,022–$10,110) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,517 ($809–$3,033) |
| Will Preparation |
$506 ($202–$1,011) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,528 ($1,011–$5,055) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$46) |
| Women's Haircut |
$56 ($30–$101) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$152 ($76–$253) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$46) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$66) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$81 ($51–$131) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.15 ($3.03–$5.56) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.54 ($2.53–$5.06) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.84 ($2.53–$5.56) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.55 ($3.03–$6.57) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.56 ($4.04–$7.58) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.01 ($0.61–$1.82) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$142 ($81–$253) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$71 ($30–$152) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$71 ($40–$121) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$71 ($40–$101) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$66 ($30–$101) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$86 ($51–$152) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$202 ($76–$506) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,022 ($1,213–$3,539) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$71 ($30–$131) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.09–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$101 ($30–$253) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$76) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,213 ($607–$2,528) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,011 ($506–$2,022) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$404 ($202–$708) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$51 ($25–$101) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,011 ($404–$2,528) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,638 ($5,055–$30,330) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$61 ($30–$101) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$101 ($51–$202) |
| Dog Grooming |
$61 ($30–$101) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$76) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$303 ($152–$506) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$202 ($101–$404) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,164 |
| Toddler | $988 |
| Preschool | $967 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $659 |
| Toddler | $581 |
| Preschool | $578 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Free Union
What is the population of Free Union?
Free Union has a population of 185 residents and is located in Virginia. The population density is 93 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 62.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.2% female and 56.8% male.
Is Free Union expensive to live in?
Free Union has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 101.1 (baseline: 100). The median home value is $1,265,600 (349% above the U.S. median).
Is Free Union safe?
The violent crime rate in Free Union is 429 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,042 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Free Union receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Free Union?
Free Union has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 35°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 46.8 inches, with 10.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Free Union?
The job market in Free Union is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,401. There are 4,185 business establishments in the area, including 219 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Free Union?
The median home value in Free Union is $1,265,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $570,160. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $7,595.
How are the schools in Free Union?
Schools in Free Union score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 100.0% of adults in Free Union hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 65.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Free Union?
The obesity rate in Free Union is 26.8% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 9.5% of adults are smokers. 16.7% are physically inactive. 21.4% of residents report depression. 6.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 79.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:719.
What are the demographics of Free Union?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Free Union is 100% White. 74.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 25.9% speak Spanish. 19.2% of the population are military veterans. 25.9% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.