Median Income
$20,000
73% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
1,195/100K
214% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
33.6%
0% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
56.4%
76% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
30.8%
148% higher than US avg
How Union Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population172
Median Age55.0 yrs
Density210/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 0%
Veterans2.6%
Economy
C
Median Income$20,000
Per Capita$31,724
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty30.8%
County GDP$283M
Commute51 min
Housing
Ownership97.1%
Zillow$126,353
Housing Units125
Rent Burden32.2%
Crime
F
Violent1,195/100K
Property4,007/100K
Health
Obesity56.4%
Uninsured17.3%
Smoking25.6%
Depression20.4%
Heart Disease8.5%
Climate
Avg Temp64°F (18°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain54.9 in/yr
Sunny Days304/yr
Elevation282 ft (86 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+33.6%
High School+84.6%
Graduate+1.2%
School Score2.74
Community
2024 VoteR 22% / D 78%
Commute51 min
Broadband68.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Union a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Union receives an overall livability score of 2.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Union has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Union is $20,000, 73% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 30.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 51 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Safety & Crime
With 1,195 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,007 per 100,000, 104% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 33.6% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 84.6% have completed high school. School test scores average 2.7/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Union enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F. Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. With 304 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 54.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Union has a population of 172 with a density of 210 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 55.0 years, 41% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.7% female and 52.3% male. The city is predominantly Black (98.8%), with 1.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 2.6% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 33.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
55.0yrs
Median Age
41% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Union is $20,000, which is 73% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,724 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $828, 42% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 30.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 174 business establishments, including 5 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 51 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 13.7% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $20,000 |
| 73% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,724 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $828 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $37,385 |
| Gini Index | 0.470 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 30.8% |
| 148% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 174 |
| County GDP | $283M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 5 |
| Healthcare | 10 |
| Retail | 20 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,789 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 50.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 13.7% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $126,353. Fair market rent ranges from $772 for a one-bedroom to $936 for a two-bedroom apartment. 97.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 125 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1968. The average annual property tax is $1,789 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 32.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
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 | 97.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 97.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 2.9% |
| Housing Units | 125 |
| Median Year Built | 1968 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,789 |
| 49% below US avg |
In Union, 56.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 23.7% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.5% of residents, above the national average. 56.0% have high blood pressure. 25.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 9.8% report binge drinking. 45.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 20.4% report depression. 21.8% experience frequent mental distress. 17.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,543. 4.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 4.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Union vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 56.4% |
| 76% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 23.7% |
| Heart Disease | 8.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 56.0% |
| Asthma | 12.5% |
| COPD | 11.2% |
| Cancer | 4.3% |
| Stroke | 6.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 25.6% |
| 83% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 9.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 45.5% |
| Depression | 20.4% |
| Mental Distress | 21.8% |
| Physical Distress | 18.7% |
| Short Sleep | 52.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.3% |
| Uninsured | 17.3% |
| 101% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,543 |
| Mental Health | 1:7,341 |
| Checkup Rate | 82.8% |
| Dental Visits | 43.1% |
| Premature Death | 16,287/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 4.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 10 |
Union has a violent crime rate of 1,195 per 100,000 residents, 214% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,007 per 100,000, 104% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Union receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Union vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 1,195.1/100K |
| 214% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,007.0/100K |
| 104% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Union enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. The area gets 304 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 54.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 282 feet.
Temperature
46°F Jan (8°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 64.1°F |
| 19% above US avg |
| January Average | 46°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 304 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 282 ft (86 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 210/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.9938°N, 87.9072°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Greene County County |
| Nearest Airport | Golden Triangle Regional (GTR) 51 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
54.9"
44% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
6.38"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 29.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 98.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 21.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
57 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M2.9 on Jun 25, 2020.
| Jul 16, 1993 |
2 km SSW of Silas, Alabama |
M3.7 |
145 km |
| Aug 19, 2004 |
8 km W of Brantleyville, Alabama |
M3.6 |
91 km |
| Mar 25, 1996 |
11 km NNE of Quitman, Mississippi |
M3.5 |
120 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
12 km W of Union, Alabama |
M3.5 |
13 km |
| May 28, 1995 |
14 km WSW of Coker, Alabama |
M3.4 |
23 km |
| Jun 24, 1998 |
11 km W of Demopolis, Alabama |
M3.4 |
55 km |
| Apr 21, 2009 |
12 km S of Centreville, Alabama |
M3.4 |
78 km |
| May 9, 2004 |
8 km WNW of Brantleyville, Alabama |
M3.3 |
92 km |
| Jul 15, 1995 |
21 km SSW of Berry, Alabama |
M3.3 |
58 km |
| Mar 22, 2005 |
9 km NNE of Coffeeville, Alabama |
M3.3 |
130 km |
| Jun 23, 1990 |
12 km E of Vernon, Alabama |
M3.2 |
86 km |
| Sep 2, 1990 |
12 km NW of Fayette, Alabama |
M3.2 |
85 km |
| Mar 12, 2015 |
14 km W of Union, Alabama |
M3.1 |
15 km |
| Jun 28, 2008 |
7 km WNW of Brookwood, Alabama |
M3.1 |
57 km |
| Jun 23, 1990 |
8 km N of Belk, Alabama |
M3.1 |
81 km |
| May 16, 2008 |
10 km W of Coffeeville, Alabama |
M3.1 |
139 km |
| Feb 27, 2015 |
11 km WSW of Union, Alabama |
M3.1 |
13 km |
| May 28, 2000 |
13 km S of Winfield, Alabama |
M3.0 |
91 km |
| May 4, 2007 |
4 km SSW of Jasper, Alabama |
M3.0 |
106 km |
| Sep 11, 1992 |
5 km SSE of Riverview, Alabama |
M3.0 |
43 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
9 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 3. Most recent: Sally (2020, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2020 |
Sally |
Category 2 |
249 km |
| 2020 |
Zeta |
Category 1 |
200 km |
| 2005 |
Dennis |
Category 3 |
251 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 3 |
186 km |
| 2004 |
Ivan |
Category 2 |
178 km |
| 1998 |
Georges |
Category 2 |
282 km |
| 1997 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
288 km |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 3 |
165 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 1 |
269 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
573 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 206 fatalities, 3,401 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 8, 1998 |
EF5 |
70 km |
32 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
95 km |
28 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
38 km |
13 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
5 km |
64 |
| Dec 16, 2000 |
EF4 |
20 km |
11 |
| Feb 23, 1975 |
EF4 |
30 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
41 km |
3 |
| May 27, 1973 |
EF4 |
53 km |
7 |
| Mar 5, 1963 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1953 |
EF4 |
94 km |
2 |
| Mar 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Mar 25, 2021 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Mar 25, 2021 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Mar 25, 2021 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Feb 23, 2019 |
EF3 |
74 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 2013 |
EF3 |
98 km |
1 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
44 km |
7 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: OAK COMPARTMENT 50/51 RX (5,018 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
OAK COMPARTMENT 50/51 RX |
5,018 |
48 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,870 |
99 km |
| 2019 |
OK C-49 |
4,745 |
51 km |
| 2022 |
OK TORNADO UNIT |
4,504 |
42 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
4,279 |
88 km |
| 2022 |
OK COMP 40/53 |
4,093 |
43 km |
| 2020 |
OK PAYNE LAKE |
4,078 |
43 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
4,021 |
98 km |
| 2022 |
OK C-1/2/3/4 COMBINED |
3,841 |
44 km |
| 2022 |
OK COMP 50/51/52 |
3,786 |
48 km |
| 2016 |
MSNXR FY16 RX 1703B |
3,633 |
90 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
3,616 |
98 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
3,605 |
91 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
3,593 |
100 km |
| 2024 |
OAK COMP 16/17/18 RX |
3,579 |
41 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
3,556 |
36 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
3,507 |
89 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
3,482 |
94 km |
| 2021 |
OK 234 |
3,482 |
51 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
3,414 |
50 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
46°F (8°C) |
5.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
47°F (9°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| March |
55°F (13°C) |
6.4 in |
Wettest |
| April |
62°F (17°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| May |
70°F (21°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| June |
77°F (25°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
4.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
80°F (26°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
74°F (24°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
63°F (17°C) |
3.3 in |
Driest |
| November |
54°F (12°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| December |
46°F (8°C) |
5.0 in |
|
Union has a seasonal temperature swing of 35°F / from 46°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 55.8 inches, with March being the wettest month (6.4") and October the driest (3.3").
Average costs for common services in 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 | $587 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $554 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $448 |
| Toddler | $448 |
| Preschool | $448 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Union
What is the population of Union?
Union has a population of 172 residents and is located in Alabama. The population density is 210 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 55.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.7% female and 52.3% male.
Is Union expensive to live in?
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 $20,000, 73% below the national average of $75,149.
Is Union safe?
Public safety is a concern in Union, with a violent crime rate of 1,195 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,007 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Union receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Union?
Union enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winter temperatures average 46°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. The area receives 304 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 54.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Union?
The job market in Union is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $828. There are 174 business establishments in the area, including 5 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 51 minutes, and 13.7% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Union?
Schools in Union have an average test score of 2.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 33.6% of adults in Union hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.6% have completed high school. 1.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Union?
The obesity rate in Union is 56.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 25.6% of adults are smokers. 45.5% are physically inactive. 20.4% of residents report depression. 17.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 4.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,543.
What is transportation like in Union?
The average commute in Union is 51 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 13.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Union?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Union is 98.8% Black or African American, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 2.6% of the population are military veterans. 33.3% of residents have a disability. 90.3% have health insurance coverage.