Median Income
$82,750
10% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
499/100K
31% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.2%
52% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
46.0%
43% higher than US avg
Unemployment
12.9%
258% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Union Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population472
Median Age51.4 yrs
Density49/mi²
Male / Female30% / 70%
Largest GroupWhite 17%
Veterans5.1%
Economy
B+
Median Income$82,750
Per Capita$46,802
Unemployment12.9%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$3,330M
Commute22 min
Housing
Ownership96.6%
Zillow$112,969
Housing Units288
Rent Burden34.2%
Crime
F
Violent499/100K
Property6,829/100K
Health
Obesity46.0%
Uninsured8.0%
Smoking16.1%
Depression23.5%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp69°F (21°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain67.2 in/yr
Sunny Days313/yr
Elevation14 ft (4 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.2%
High School+91.2%
Graduate+3.5%
School Score3.96
Community
2024 VoteR 50% / D 49%
Commute22 min
Broadband69.8%
EV Stations5
Libraries2
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 abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, high obesity rates. Union has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Union is $82,750, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. At 12.9%, unemployment is notably high. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 499 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,829 per 100,000, 248% above the national average.
Education
16.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.2% have completed high school. School test scores average 4/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Union enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F. Winters average 53°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. With 313 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 67.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Union has a population of 472 with a density of 49 people per square mile, spread across 10.6 square miles. The median age is 51.4 years, 32% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 69.9% female and 30.1% male. The city is predominantly Black (81.4%), with 17.4% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 5.1% of the population are veterans. 8.4% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 95.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
51.4yrs
Median Age
32% 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 $82,750, which is 10% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $46,802 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,519. The unemployment rate is 12.9% (above 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 462 business establishments, including 29 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $82,750 |
| 10% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $46,802 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,519 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,786 |
| Gini Index | 0.435 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 12.9% |
| 258% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 462 |
| County GDP | $3,330M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 29 |
| Healthcare | 36 |
| Retail | 48 |
| Manufacturing | 28 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,726 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.20 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 91.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.9% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $112,969. Fair market rent ranges from $793 for a one-bedroom to $1,026 for a two-bedroom apartment. 96.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 288 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1978. The average annual property tax is $2,726 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 34.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $765 |
| 1 Bedroom | $793 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,026 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,319 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,358 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 96.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 96.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 3.4% |
| Housing Units | 288 |
| Median Year Built | 1978 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,726 |
| 22% below US avg |
In Union, 46.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 14.5% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 42.9% have high blood pressure. 16.1% are current smokers. 16.7% report binge drinking. 31.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 23.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.0% experience frequent mental distress. 8.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,948. The dentist ratio is 1:2,428. 33.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Union vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 46.0% |
| 43% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 42.9% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 5.3% |
| Stroke | 4.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.1% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.5% |
| Depression | 23.5% |
| Mental Distress | 20.0% |
| Physical Distress | 13.6% |
| Short Sleep | 47.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.9% |
| Uninsured | 8.0% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,948 |
| Dentists | 1:2,428 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,199 |
| Checkup Rate | 83.4% |
| Dental Visits | 57.6% |
| Premature Death | 11,082/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 33.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 36 |
Union has a violent crime rate of 499 per 100,000 residents, 31% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 6,829 per 100,000, 248% above 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 | 498.8/100K |
| 31% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 6,829.1/100K |
| 248% above 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 enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F (21°C). Winters average 53°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. The area gets 313 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 67.2 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 14 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
53°F Jan (11°C)
83°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 69.1°F |
| 28% above US avg |
| January Average | 53°F (11°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 313 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 14 ft (4 m) |
| Area | 10.6 sq mi (27.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 49/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 30.0861°N, 90.8890°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | St. James Parish County |
| Nearest Airport | Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) 38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
67.2"
77% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
6.69"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 71.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 79.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 97.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.0. Most recent: M3.0 on Aug 2, 2010.
| Aug 2, 2010 |
16 km ESE of Clinton, Louisiana |
M3.0 |
81 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
27 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Francine (2024, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Francine |
Category 2 |
54 km |
| 2021 |
Ida |
Category 4 |
22 km |
| 2020 |
Laura |
Category 4 |
235 km |
| 2020 |
Zeta |
Category 3 |
96 km |
| 2020 |
Delta |
Category 3 |
194 km |
| 2020 |
Sally |
Category 2 |
277 km |
| 2019 |
Barry |
Category 1 |
131 km |
| 2017 |
Nate |
Category 1 |
164 km |
| 2012 |
Isaac |
Category 1 |
85 km |
| 2009 |
Ida |
Category 1 |
276 km |
| 2008 |
Gustav |
Category 2 |
59 km |
| 2007 |
Humberto |
Category 1 |
262 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 4 |
125 km |
| 2005 |
Rita |
Category 4 |
263 km |
| 2005 |
Cindy |
Category 1 |
125 km |
| 2004 |
Ivan |
Category 4 |
288 km |
| 2002 |
Lili |
Category 4 |
136 km |
| 1998 |
Georges |
Category 2 |
194 km |
| 1998 |
Earl |
Category 2 |
279 km |
| 1997 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
137 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
545 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 44 fatalities, 850 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 6, 1983 |
EF4 |
36 km |
0 |
| Oct 3, 1964 |
EF4 |
74 km |
22 |
| Mar 22, 2022 |
EF3 |
84 km |
1 |
| Feb 7, 2017 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Feb 7, 2017 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Feb 23, 2016 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2011 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 1992 |
EF3 |
42 km |
2 |
| Oct 14, 1984 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1973 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Feb 29, 1972 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1971 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Mar 17, 1970 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1969 |
EF3 |
13 km |
0 |
| Jan 28, 1966 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Mar 21, 1957 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Feb 6, 1953 |
EF3 |
47 km |
2 |
| May 13, 2024 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Feb 8, 2023 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
17 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 1 B (2,030 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
UNIT 1 B |
2,030 |
95 km |
| 1998 |
UNIT 4 CD |
1,729 |
91 km |
| 1998 |
UNIT 7 |
1,623 |
92 km |
| 2011 |
BAD ROMANCE |
1,305 |
95 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,206 |
80 km |
| 2004 |
UNITS 1A-1B |
1,108 |
95 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
950 |
90 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
904 |
53 km |
| 2009 |
GOOSEPOINT C |
864 |
92 km |
| 1996 |
1 B |
846 |
94 km |
| 2006 |
BOY SCOUT EAST |
826 |
96 km |
| 1998 |
UNIT 2 A |
821 |
96 km |
| 1997 |
1 A |
797 |
96 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
750 |
93 km |
| 2005 |
UNT 4A SAMMY SLOUGH |
717 |
91 km |
| 2009 |
BAPTISTE CEMETERY |
684 |
91 km |
| 2004 |
12 SOUTH EAST |
542 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
53°F (11°C) |
5.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
54°F (12°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| March |
61°F (16°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| April |
67°F (20°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| May |
75°F (24°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| June |
80°F (27°C) |
5.7 in |
|
| July |
83°F (28°C) |
6.7 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
81°F (27°C) |
6.1 in |
|
| September |
78°F (26°C) |
5.7 in |
|
| October |
69°F (20°C) |
3.8 in |
Driest |
| November |
60°F (16°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| December |
54°F (12°C) |
5.3 in |
|
Union has a seasonal temperature swing of 31°F / from 53°F in January to 83°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 63.6 inches, with July being the wettest month (6.7") and October the driest (3.8").
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) |
$221 ($132-$353) |
| Specialist Visit |
$309 ($176-$485) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88-$309) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,940 ($706-$4,410) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($66-$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$221 ($132-$353) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22-$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44-$106) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$265 ($132-$441) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18-$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$529 ($353-$882) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88-$309) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53-$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44-$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$353 ($132-$706) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,174 ($3,528-$10,584) |
| Roof Repair |
$882 ($353-$1,764) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,938 ($4,851-$13,230) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,323 ($441-$3,087) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,230 ($4,410-$26,460) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,410 ($1,764-$8,820) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,323 ($706-$2,646) |
| Will Preparation |
$441 ($176-$882) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,205 ($882-$4,410) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($26-$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66-$221) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22-$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44-$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.62 ($2.65-$4.85) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.09 ($2.21-$4.41) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.35 ($2.21-$4.85) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.97 ($2.65-$5.73) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.85 ($3.53-$6.62) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53-$1.59) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($71-$221) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($26-$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($35-$106) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($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-$441) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,764 ($1,058-$3,087) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($26-$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.06-$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26-$221) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13-$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,058 ($529-$2,205) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$882 ($441-$1,764) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$353 ($176-$617) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22-$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$882 ($353-$2,205) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,025 ($4,410-$26,460) |
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 |
$265 ($132-$441) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88-$353) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $650 |
| Toddler | $628 |
| Preschool | $606 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $616 |
| Toddler | $585 |
| Preschool | $598 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Union
What is the population of Union?
Union has a population of 472 residents and is located in Louisiana. The population density is 49 people per square mile, spread across 10.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 51.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 69.9% female and 30.1% male.
Is Union expensive to live in?
Union is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $82,750, 10% above the national average of $75,149.
Is Union safe?
The violent crime rate in Union is 499 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 6,829 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 69°F (21°C). Winter temperatures average 53°F in January, while summers reach an average of 83°F in July. The area receives 313 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 67.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Union?
The job market in Union faces challenges, with unemployment at 12.9% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,519. There are 462 business establishments in the area, including 29 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 1.9% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Union?
Schools in Union have an average test score of 4 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 16.2% of adults in Union hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.2% have completed high school. 3.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Union?
The obesity rate in Union is 46.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.1% of adults are smokers. 31.5% are physically inactive. 23.5% of residents report depression. 8.0% lack health insurance. 33.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,948.
What is transportation like in Union?
The average commute in Union is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 91% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Union?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Union is 17.4% White, 81.4% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 5.1% of the population are military veterans. 8.4% of residents have a disability. 95.9% have health insurance coverage.