Median Income
$43,493
42% lower than US avg
Home Value
$144,600
49% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.2%
82% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.0%
34% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
16.7%
35% higher than US avg
How New Union Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population927
Median Age32.3 yrs
Density75/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans2.4%
Economy
B
Median Income$43,493
Per Capita$18,749
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty16.7%
County GDP$4,026M
Commute37 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$144,600
Ownership86.6%
Zillow$207,625
Housing Units355
Rent Burden28.6%
Health
Obesity43.0%
Uninsured2.2%
Smoking20.4%
Depression27.5%
Heart Disease7.6%
Climate
Avg Temp59°F (15°C)
AQI47 (Good)
Rain56.8 in/yr
Elevation1,281 ft (390 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+6.2%
High School+83.5%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.73
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute37 min
Broadband67.8%
EV Stations3
Libraries11
Is New Union a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, New Union receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, long commute times. New Union offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in New Union is $43,493, 42% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 16.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 37 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in New Union is $144,600, 49% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. A price-to-income ratio of 3.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
6.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Climate & Weather
New Union enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F. Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 56.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 47.
New Union has a population of 927 with a density of 75 people per square mile, spread across 12.2 square miles. The median age is 32.3 years, 17% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.9% female and 51.1% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 2.4% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 10.8% of residents have a disability. 97.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
927
Total Population
2023 Census
32.3yrs
Median Age
17% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
New Union vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
New Union vs U.S. Average
The median household income in New Union is $43,493, which is 42% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $18,749 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $895, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 16.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,439 business establishments, including 204 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 37 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: New Union vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $43,493 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $18,749 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $895 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,134 |
| Gini Index | 0.456 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 16.7% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,439 |
| County GDP | $4,026M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 204 |
| Healthcare | 294 |
| Retail | 368 |
| Manufacturing | 91 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,980 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.37% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 37.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 93.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in New Union is $144,600, 49% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $207,625, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $265,000 with homes selling in an average of 69 days. Homes sell for 94.6% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Fair market rent ranges from $772 for a one-bedroom to $936 for a two-bedroom apartment. 86.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 355 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $1,980 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 28.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $144,600 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $207,625 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $265,000 |
| Median List Price | $159,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $265,000 |
| Median List Price | $159,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $106 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Days on Market | 69 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 94.6% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 3 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $716 |
| 1 Bedroom | $772 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $936 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,206 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,381 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 86.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 86.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 13.4% |
| Housing Units | 355 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,980 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.37% |
In New Union, 43.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.4% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.6% of residents, above the national average. 40.5% have high blood pressure. 20.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.4% report binge drinking. 32.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.4% experience frequent mental distress. 2.2% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,357. The dentist ratio is 1:1,982. 54.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: New Union vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.0% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.4% |
| Heart Disease | 7.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 40.5% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 9.3% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.4% |
| 46% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.6% |
| Depression | 27.5% |
| Mental Distress | 20.4% |
| Physical Distress | 16.3% |
| Short Sleep | 44.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.8% |
| Uninsured | 2.2% |
| 74% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,357 |
| Dentists | 1:1,982 |
| Mental Health | 1:649 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.1% |
| Dental Visits | 53.0% |
| Premature Death | 14,706/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 54.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 294 |
New Union enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 56.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 47. 59% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 1,281 feet.
Temperature
40°F Jan (5°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 59.0°F |
| 9% above US avg |
| January Average | 40°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,281 ft (390 m) |
| Area | 12.2 sq mi (31.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 75/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.1337°N, 86.2280°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Etowah County County |
| Nearest Airport | Northeast Alabama Regional (GAD)
14 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
56.8"
49% above US avg
Wettest Month (Dec)
5.60"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 47.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 58.6% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0448 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 87.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 78.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 57.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
93 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.6 on Feb 25, 2025.
| Apr 29, 2003 |
8 km S of Valley Head, Alabama |
M4.6 |
68 km |
| Dec 8, 2001 |
5 km SW of Pleasant Groves, Alabama |
M3.9 |
64 km |
| Aug 19, 2004 |
8 km W of Brantleyville, Alabama |
M3.6 |
124 km |
| May 9, 2004 |
8 km WNW of Brantleyville, Alabama |
M3.3 |
121 km |
| Apr 5, 1994 |
10 km N of Trenton, Georgia |
M3.2 |
115 km |
| Mar 21, 2001 |
7 km ESE of Trenton, Georgia |
M3.2 |
107 km |
| May 6, 2010 |
11 km ENE of Whitesboro, Alabama |
M3.2 |
26 km |
| May 10, 2020 |
7 km SSE of Sewanee, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
116 km |
| Jun 28, 2008 |
7 km WNW of Brookwood, Alabama |
M3.1 |
144 km |
| Apr 29, 2003 |
7 km E of Fort Payne, Alabama |
M3.1 |
64 km |
| Jan 15, 1993 |
1 km N of Apison, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
149 km |
| May 2, 2003 |
8 km S of Valley Head, Alabama |
M3.1 |
70 km |
| Sep 13, 2011 |
1 km NNW of Leeds, Alabama |
M3.0 |
71 km |
| May 4, 2007 |
4 km SSW of Jasper, Alabama |
M3.0 |
106 km |
| Mar 20, 2004 |
11 km NW of Wilton, Alabama |
M3.0 |
130 km |
| May 4, 1994 |
12 km NNW of Addison, Alabama |
M3.0 |
95 km |
| May 4, 1994 |
2 km NNW of Addison, Alabama |
M3.0 |
90 km |
| Jan 5, 2012 |
11 km NW of Oakman, Alabama |
M2.9 |
122 km |
| Mar 28, 1991 |
5 km NNW of Westover, Alabama |
M2.9 |
88 km |
| Jan 2, 2000 |
4 km SW of Lester, Alabama |
M2.9 |
127 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
1 hurricane (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Opal (1995, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 1 |
228 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
721 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 276 fatalities, 3,142 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF5 |
37 km |
25 |
| Apr 4, 1977 |
EF5 |
94 km |
22 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
98 km |
16 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
72 km |
6 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
60 km |
22 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
79 km |
1 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
59 km |
14 |
| Apr 24, 2010 |
EF4 |
53 km |
0 |
| Feb 6, 2008 |
EF4 |
70 km |
1 |
| Nov 24, 2001 |
EF4 |
30 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1994 |
EF4 |
47 km |
22 |
| Nov 15, 1989 |
EF4 |
69 km |
21 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
100 km |
11 |
| May 19, 1973 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| Mar 6, 1967 |
EF4 |
99 km |
2 |
| Jan 24, 1964 |
EF4 |
92 km |
10 |
| Mar 11, 1963 |
EF4 |
67 km |
2 |
| Nov 18, 1957 |
EF4 |
32 km |
3 |
| Nov 17, 1957 |
EF4 |
92 km |
4 |
| Apr 15, 1956 |
EF4 |
98 km |
25 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (7,740 ac, 2014).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
7,740 |
70 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
6,320 |
77 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
5,844 |
74 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
4,199 |
86 km |
| 2014 |
HOUCK CREEK |
3,857 |
75 km |
| 2022 |
SC 540C/CHOCCOLOCCO |
3,750 |
71 km |
| 2020 |
SC WEST END C AND D |
3,538 |
68 km |
| 2010 |
UPPER SHOAL |
3,512 |
75 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
3,410 |
72 km |
| 1998 |
CHEAHA WILDERNESS |
3,299 |
87 km |
| 2018 |
HOUCK CREEK |
3,188 |
74 km |
| 2021 |
TL TYLER WEST |
3,148 |
89 km |
| 2007 |
PENTECOST |
3,095 |
52 km |
| 2010 |
BANKHEAD I |
3,027 |
75 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,871 |
88 km |
| 2020 |
BK OWL CREEK |
2,838 |
98 km |
| 2024 |
AL-MLR UNITS 2/3 RX |
2,836 |
63 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,822 |
97 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,777 |
75 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,710 |
92 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
40°F (5°C) |
4.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
44°F (7°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| March |
51°F (11°C) |
5.6 in |
|
| April |
59°F (15°C) |
5.5 in |
|
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
4.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| October |
60°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
Driest |
| November |
49°F (10°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| December |
43°F (6°C) |
5.6 in |
Wettest |
New Union has a seasonal temperature swing of 36°F / from 40°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 56.8 inches, with December being the wettest month (5.6") and October the driest (3.5").
Average costs for common services in New Union. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$222 ($133-$355) |
| Specialist Visit |
$311 ($178-$488) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$178 ($89-$311) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,954 ($710-$4,440) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($67-$178) |
| Dental Filling |
$222 ($133-$355) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22-$67) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$67 ($44-$107) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$266 ($133-$444) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$67) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$533 ($355-$888) |
| Battery Replacement |
$178 ($89-$311) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53-$133) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($44-$124) |
| HVAC Repair |
$355 ($133-$710) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,216 ($3,552-$10,656) |
| Roof Repair |
$888 ($355-$1,776) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,992 ($4,884-$13,320) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,332 ($444-$3,108) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,320 ($4,440-$26,640) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,440 ($1,776-$8,880) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,332 ($710-$2,664) |
| Will Preparation |
$444 ($178-$888) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,220 ($888-$4,440) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27-$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$133 ($67-$222) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($22-$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44-$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.64 ($2.66-$4.88) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.11 ($2.22-$4.44) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.37 ($2.22-$4.88) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.00 ($2.66-$5.77) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.88 ($3.55-$6.66) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53-$1.60) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$124 ($71-$222) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27-$133) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($36-$107) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($36-$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27-$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44-$133) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$178 ($67-$444) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,776 ($1,066-$3,108) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27-$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.10-$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27-$222) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13-$67) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,066 ($533-$2,220) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$888 ($444-$1,776) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$355 ($178-$622) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22-$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$888 ($355-$2,220) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,100 ($4,440-$26,640) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27-$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($44-$178) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27-$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$67) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$266 ($133-$444) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$178 ($89-$355) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $512 |
| Toddler | $470 |
| Preschool | $448 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $359 |
| Toddler | $363 |
| Preschool | $363 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About New Union
What is the population of New Union?
New Union has a population of 927 residents and is located in Alabama. The population density is 75 people per square mile, spread across 12.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.9% female and 51.1% male.
Is New Union expensive to live in?
New Union is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $43,493, 42% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $144,600 (49% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in New Union?
New Union enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 40°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 56.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 47.
How is the job market in New Union?
The job market in New Union is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $895. There are 2,439 business establishments in the area, including 204 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 37 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in New Union?
The median home value in New Union is $144,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $207,625. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $265,000, with homes typically selling within 69 days. The homeownership rate is 86.6%. The average annual property tax is $1,980.
How are the schools in New Union?
Schools in New Union have an average test score of 4.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 6.2% of adults in New Union hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.5% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is New Union?
The obesity rate in New Union is 43.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.4% of adults are smokers. 32.6% are physically inactive. 27.5% of residents report depression. 2.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 54.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,357.
What is transportation like in New Union?
The average commute in New Union is 37 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 93.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of New Union?
The racial and ethnic makeup of New Union is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 2.4% of the population are military veterans. 10.8% of residents have a disability. 97.8% have health insurance coverage.