Median Income
$100,104
33% higher than US avg
Home Value
$224,600
20% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.7%
53% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
29.9%
7% lower than US avg
Unemployment
2.6%
28% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.9%
69% lower than US avg
How Union Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population753
Median Age38.1 yrs
Density896/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans7.4%
Economy
A+
Median Income$100,104
Per Capita$44,115
Unemployment2.6%
Poverty3.9%
County GDP$15,983M
Commute31 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$224,600
Ownership89.6%
Zillow$413,839
Housing Units245
Rent Burden30.3%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity29.9%
Uninsured6.4%
Smoking10.2%
Depression22.6%
Heart Disease4.4%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.6 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation857 ft (261 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.7%
High School+95.0%
Graduate+5.5%
School Score5.00
Community
2024 VoteR 52% / D 47%
Commute31 min
Broadband92.3%
EV Stations5
Libraries13
Is Union a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Union receives an overall livability score of 4.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Union stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Union is $100,104, which is significantly higher than the national average / 33% above $75,149. This places Union among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.6%. Only 3.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Union is $224,600, 20% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Union is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
15.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Union experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 21°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 37.6 inches, including 30.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Union has a population of 753 with a density of 896 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 38.1 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.9% female and 54.1% male. The city is predominantly White (91.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.6% of residents, while 7.4% speak Spanish. 7.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 7.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 97.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.1yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.6%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.4%
45% below US avg
The median household income in Union is $100,104, which is 33% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $44,115 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,060, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 7,928 business establishments, including 645 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes. 8.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $100,104 |
| 33% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $44,115 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,060 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $93,804 |
| Gini Index | 0.411 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.6% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.9% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 7,928 |
| County GDP | $15,983M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 645 |
| Healthcare | 846 |
| Retail | 816 |
| Manufacturing | 432 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,712 |
| 149% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.88% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.9% |
| Public Transit | 1.3% |
| Work from Home | 8.8% |
The median home value in Union is $224,600, 20% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $413,839, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98.8% of their list price. Fair market rent ranges from $698 for a one-bedroom to $916 for a two-bedroom apartment. 89.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 245 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1960. The average annual property tax is $8,712 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $224,600 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $413,839 |
| Median List Price | $290,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $290,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $243 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.8% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 2 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $640 |
| 1 Bedroom | $698 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $916 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,129 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,261 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 89.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.4% |
| Housing Units | 245 |
| Median Year Built | 1960 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,712 |
| 149% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.88% |
In Union, 29.9% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.4% of residents, below the national average. 28.2% have high blood pressure. 10.2% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 21.8% report binge drinking. 17.1% are physically inactive, below the national average. 22.6% report depression. 15.7% experience frequent mental distress. 6.4% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,222. The dentist ratio is 1:1,450. 93.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Union vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 29.9% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.7% |
| Heart Disease | 4.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.2% |
| Asthma | 9.5% |
| COPD | 4.5% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 10.2% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 17.1% |
| Depression | 22.6% |
| Mental Distress | 15.7% |
| Physical Distress | 9.9% |
| Short Sleep | 30.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.0% |
| Uninsured | 6.4% |
| 26% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,222 |
| Dentists | 1:1,450 |
| Mental Health | 1:360 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.2% |
| Dental Visits | 69.0% |
| Premature Death | 5,730/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 93.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 846 |
Union has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 0, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 18 fatal traffic crashes.
Crime Rates: Union vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 18 |
| Traffic Accidents | 14 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Union experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 21°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 37.6 inches. The area receives 30.8 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 857 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.2°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 857 ft (261 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 896/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.2316°N, 88.5448°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | McHenry County County |
| Nearest Airport | Chicago/Rockford International (RFD)
28 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.6"
1% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.25"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0484 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.1 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 90.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 84.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
8 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Mar 15, 2025.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
91 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
30 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
93 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
76 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
67 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
16 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
27 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
127 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
612 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 113 fatalities, 2,320 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 28, 1990 |
EF5 |
63 km |
29 |
| Apr 9, 2015 |
EF4 |
75 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF4 |
84 km |
1 |
| Jun 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF4 |
77 km |
2 |
| Sep 28, 1972 |
EF4 |
56 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
86 km |
33 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
24 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
31 km |
24 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
14 km |
6 |
| Jun 20, 2021 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
78 km |
1 |
| Aug 5, 1979 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1963 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.0 m (10 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1954 |
MICHIGAN CITY, IN (LAKE MICHIGAN) |
Avalanche |
3.0 m |
7 |
150 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,741 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,741 |
100 km |
| 2024 |
IBSP SOUTH F1 RX |
690 |
63 km |
| 2024 |
RX-HWY Y - SOUTH |
553 |
83 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.0 in |
|
Union has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 21°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (1.2").
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) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,366 |
| Toddler | $1,108 |
| Preschool | $1,217 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $900 |
| Toddler | $917 |
| Preschool | $910 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Union
What is the population of Union?
Union has a population of 753 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 896 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.1 years. The population is 45.9% female and 54.1% male.
Is Union expensive to live in?
Union has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $100,104, 33% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $224,600 (20% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Union safe?
Union is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in Union?
Union has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 21°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 37.6 inches, with 30.8 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 2.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,060. There are 7,928 business establishments in the area, including 645 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 31 minutes, and 8.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Union?
The median home value in Union is $224,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $413,839. The homeownership rate is 89.6%. The average annual property tax is $8,712.
How are the schools in Union?
Schools in Union score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.7% of adults in Union hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.0% have completed high school. 5.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Union?
The obesity rate in Union is 29.9% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 10.2% of adults are smokers. 17.1% are physically inactive. 22.6% of residents report depression. 6.4% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 93.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,222.
What is transportation like in Union?
The average commute in Union is 31 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.9% of workers drive alone to work, 1.3% use public transit, and 8.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Union?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Union is 91.8% White. 92.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.4% speak Spanish. 7.4% of the population are military veterans. 7.1% of residents have a disability. 97.0% have health insurance coverage.
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