Median Income
$57,500
23% lower than US avg
Home Value
$109,400
61% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
69/100K
82% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.7%
83% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$775
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.9%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.0%
72% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
20.0%
61% higher than US avg
How Union Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population239
Median Age42.1 yrs
Density1,258/mi²
Male / Female59% / 41%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans12.4%
Economy
B
Median Income$57,500
Per Capita$31,833
Unemployment1.0%
Poverty20.0%
County GDP$394M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$109,400
Rent$775
Ownership86.1%
Zillow$342,758
Housing Units119
Rent Burden27.5%
Crime
F
Violent69/100K
Property3,811/100K
Health
Obesity38.9%
Uninsured7.3%
Smoking12.7%
Depression18.9%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain34.1 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,008 ft (307 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.7%
High School+90.5%
Graduate+1.8%
School Score5.81
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 27%
Commute27 min
Broadband82.4%
EV Stations6
Libraries5
Is Union a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Union receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, 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 $57,500, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.0%. The poverty rate of 20.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Union is $109,400, 61% 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 1.9x 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 69 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,811 per 100,000, 94% above the national average.
Education
5.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Union experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.1 inches, including 24.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Union has a population of 239 with a density of 1,258 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 42.1 years, 8% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 40.6% female and 59.4% male. The city is predominantly White (87%), with 10% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.6% of residents. 12.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.3% of residents have a disability. 91.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.1yrs
Median Age
8% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.6%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.4%
97% below US avg
The median household income in Union is $57,500, which is 23% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,833 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $927, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 20.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 285 business establishments, including 14 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 1.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,500 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,833 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $927 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,410 |
| Gini Index | 0.432 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.0% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 20.0% |
| 61% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 285 |
| County GDP | $394M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 14 |
| Healthcare | 13 |
| Retail | 30 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,425 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.13% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.7% |
The median home value in Union is $109,400, 61% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $342,758, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $775 (33% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $1,001 for a two-bedroom apartment. 86.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 119 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,425. 27.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $109,400 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $342,758 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $775 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 86.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 86.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 13.9% |
| Housing Units | 119 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,425 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.13% |
In Union, 38.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.3% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 28.8% have high blood pressure. 12.7% are current smokers. 23.9% report binge drinking. 22.2% are physically inactive. 18.9% report depression. 14.4% experience frequent mental distress. 7.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,567. The dentist ratio is 1:6,464. 28.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Union vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.9% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.3% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.8% |
| Asthma | 9.2% |
| COPD | 4.9% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.7% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.2% |
| Depression | 18.9% |
| Mental Distress | 14.4% |
| Physical Distress | 10.5% |
| Short Sleep | 31.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.3% |
| Uninsured | 7.3% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:6,567 |
| Dentists | 1:6,464 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,229 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.6% |
| Dental Visits | 64.7% |
| Premature Death | 9,007/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 28.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 13 |
Union has a violent crime rate of 69 per 100,000 residents, 82% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,811 per 100,000, 94% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 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 | 69.0/100K |
| 82% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,810.6/100K |
| 94% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 13 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Union experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 275 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 34.1 inches. The area receives 24.0 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 1,008 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-5°C)
76°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 51.4°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,008 ft (307 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,258/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.8144°N, 95.9219°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Fremont County County |
| Nearest Airport | Eppley Airfield (OMA)
34 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.1"
10% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 15.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 24.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 47.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.9 on Jan 6, 2014.
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
46 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
37 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
89 km |
| Jan 6, 2014 |
5 km NW of Liberty, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
94 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
59 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
651 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 17 fatalities, 507 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF4 |
84 km |
5 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1976 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
42 km |
3 |
| Jun 22, 1964 |
EF4 |
42 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
61 km |
1 |
| Apr 5, 1954 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| Aug 13, 1952 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
62 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2019 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2014 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1999 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1999 |
EF3 |
88 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,195 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,195 |
73 km |
| 2020 |
MOSQR-FY20-RX-WUI |
964 |
96 km |
| 2016 |
SQR BM SL DESOTO 2016 WUI RX |
866 |
97 km |
| 1988 |
NORTH POOL |
698 |
96 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
645 |
98 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
629 |
66 km |
| 2009 |
UNIT 6 |
625 |
99 km |
| 2002 |
SCRDGRS 6 |
536 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-5°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
40°F (4°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
76°F (25°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (24°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Union has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 24°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.7 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (0.8").
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) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $687 |
| Toddler | $592 |
| Preschool | $592 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $451 |
| Toddler | $444 |
| Preschool | $444 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Union
What is the population of Union?
Union has a population of 239 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 1,258 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 40.6% female and 59.4% male.
Is Union expensive to live in?
Union is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $57,500, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $109,400 (61% 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 1.9x, 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 69 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,811 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 has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.1 inches, with 24.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Union?
The job market in Union is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $927. There are 285 business establishments in the area, including 14 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 1.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Union?
The median home value in Union is $109,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $342,758. For renters, the median monthly rent is $775. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 86.1%. The average annual property tax is $3,425.
How are the schools in Union?
Schools in Union score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 5.7% of adults in Union hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.5% have completed high school. 1.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Union?
The obesity rate in Union is 38.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.7% of adults are smokers. 22.2% are physically inactive. 18.9% of residents report depression. 7.3% lack health insurance. 28.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,567.
What is transportation like in Union?
The average commute in Union is 27 minutes. 82.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Union?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Union is 87% White, 10% Hispanic or Latino. 99.6% of residents speak only English at home. 12.4% of the population are military veterans. 15.3% of residents have a disability. 91.3% have health insurance coverage.
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