Median Income
$60,000
20% lower than US avg
Home Value
$72,600
74% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
270/100K
29% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.8%
53% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$775
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.9%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.4%
61% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.6%
15% lower than US avg
How Union Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population391
Median Age49.9 yrs
Density686/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans12.9%
Economy
B+
Median Income$60,000
Per Capita$35,159
Unemployment1.4%
Poverty10.6%
County GDP$1,142M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$72,600
Rent$775
Ownership85.9%
Zillow$91,855
Housing Units221
Rent Burden31.8%
Crime
F
Violent270/100K
Property540/100K
Health
Obesity37.9%
Uninsured6.5%
Smoking15.7%
Depression21.9%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.9 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation929 ft (283 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.8%
High School+97.5%
Graduate+5.1%
School Score5.16
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 30%
Commute20 min
Broadband73.7%
EV Stations7
Libraries8
Is Union a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Union receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Union offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Union is $60,000, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.4%. 10.6% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Union is $72,600, 74% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $775 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Union is below the national average at 270 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 540 per 100,000, 72% below the national average.
Education
15.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Union experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.9 inches, including 33.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Union has a population of 391 with a density of 686 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 49.9 years, 28% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.2% female and 46.8% male. The city is predominantly White (97.7%), with 1.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 12.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 9.7% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 88.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
49.9yrs
Median Age
28% 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 $60,000, which is 20% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,159. The average weekly wage is $1,040, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 650 business establishments, including 33 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,000 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,159 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,040 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $73,609 |
| Gini Index | 0.408 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.4% |
| 61% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.6% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 650 |
| County GDP | $1,142M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 33 |
| Healthcare | 53 |
| Retail | 64 |
| Manufacturing | 21 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,023 |
| 15% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.54% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.4% |
The median home value in Union is $72,600, 74% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $91,855, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $775 (33% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $700 for a one-bedroom to $919 for a two-bedroom apartment. 85.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 221 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. The average annual property tax is $4,023. 31.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $72,600 |
| 74% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $91,855 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $775 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $634 |
| 1 Bedroom | $700 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $919 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,212 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,217 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 85.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 14.1% |
| Housing Units | 221 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,023 |
| 15% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.54% |
In Union, 37.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 30.7% have high blood pressure. 15.7% are current smokers. 23.8% report binge drinking. 23.0% are physically inactive. 21.9% report depression. 17.7% experience frequent mental distress. 6.5% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,785. The dentist ratio is 1:1,381. 85.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Union vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.9% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.7% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.7% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.0% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 17.7% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 31.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.8% |
| Uninsured | 6.5% |
| 24% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,785 |
| Dentists | 1:1,381 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,058 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.1% |
| Dental Visits | 66.5% |
| Premature Death | 7,029/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 85.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 53 |
Union has a violent crime rate of 270 per 100,000 residents, 29% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 540 per 100,000, 72% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 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 | 270.1/100K |
| 29% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 540.2/100K |
| 72% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Union experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 37.9 inches. The area receives 33.2 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 929 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.9°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 929 ft (283 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 686/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.2435°N, 93.0625°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Hardin County County |
| Nearest Airport | Waterloo Regional (ALO)
40 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.9"
0% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.84"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 58.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 38.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 80.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
719 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 42 fatalities, 1,156 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
37 km |
9 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
59 km |
13 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
78 km |
6 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
10 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
73 km |
2 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
71 km |
1 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
84 km |
1 |
| May 11, 2000 |
EF3 |
59 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 (1,050 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 |
1,050 |
76 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
79 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
82 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
92 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
72 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Union has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 17°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.8") and January the driest (0.9").
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) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $697 |
| Toddler | $601 |
| Preschool | $601 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $458 |
| Toddler | $450 |
| Preschool | $450 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Union
What is the population of Union?
Union has a population of 391 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 686 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 49.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.2% female and 46.8% male.
Is Union expensive to live in?
Union is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $60,000, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $72,600 (74% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $775 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Union safe?
Union is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 270 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 540 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Union receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Union?
Union has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.9 inches, with 33.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Union?
The job market in Union is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,040. There are 650 business establishments in the area, including 33 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 2.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Union?
The median home value in Union is $72,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $91,855. For renters, the median monthly rent is $775. Fair market rent is $700 for a 1-bedroom and $919 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 85.9%. The average annual property tax is $4,023.
How are the schools in Union?
Schools in Union score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.8% of adults in Union hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.5% have completed high school. 5.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Union?
The obesity rate in Union is 37.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.7% of adults are smokers. 23.0% are physically inactive. 21.9% of residents report depression. 6.5% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 85.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,785.
What is transportation like in Union?
The average commute in Union is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Union?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Union is 97.7% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 12.9% of the population are military veterans. 9.7% of residents have a disability. 88.8% have health insurance coverage.
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