Median Income
$56,767
24% lower than US avg
Home Value
$220,300
22% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.4%
66% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,028
12% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.7%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.5%
58% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.1%
10% lower than US avg
How Union Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,401
Median Age40.5 yrs
Density964/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans8.9%
Economy
B+
Median Income$56,767
Per Capita$30,017
Unemployment1.5%
Poverty11.1%
County GDP$1,340M
Commute21 min
Housing
A
Home Value$220,300
Rent$1,028
Ownership66.3%
Zillow$305,458
Housing Units1,060
Rent Burden19.3%
Health
Obesity37.7%
Uninsured17.9%
Smoking16.9%
Depression29.9%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI23 (Good)
Rain14.8 in/yr
Elevation2,785 ft (849 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.4%
High School+88.1%
Graduate+2.6%
School Score5.01
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 28%
Commute21 min
Broadband69.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Union a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Union receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. 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 $56,767, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.5%. 11.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Union is $220,300, 22% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,028 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.9x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
11.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.1% 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 49°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 14.8 inches, including 16.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 23.
Union has a population of 2,401 with a density of 964 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 40.5 years, 4% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.9% female and 49.1% male. The city is predominantly White (88.5%), with 7.1% Hispanic, 2.6% Black, 1.1% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.2% of residents. 8.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 82.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
2,401
Total Population
2023 Census
40.5yrs
Median Age
4% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.2%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.7%
80% below US avg
The median household income in Union is $56,767, which is 24% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,017 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,007, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 1,047 business establishments, including 70 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $56,767 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,017 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,007 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,721 |
| Gini Index | 0.432 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.5% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.1% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,047 |
| County GDP | $1,340M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 70 |
| Healthcare | 79 |
| Retail | 106 |
| Manufacturing | 27 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,701 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 103.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.68% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.6% |
| Work from Home | 4.6% |
The median home value in Union is $220,300, 22% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $305,458, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,028 (12% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $980 for a one-bedroom to $1,222 for a two-bedroom apartment. 66.3% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,060 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $3,701. 19.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.9x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $220,300 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $305,458 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,028 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $843 |
| 1 Bedroom | $980 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,222 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,700 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,050 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 66.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.7% |
| Housing Units | 1,060 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,701 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.68% |
In Union, 37.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 32.2% have high blood pressure. 16.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.0% report binge drinking. 22.6% are physically inactive. 29.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.6% experience frequent mental distress. 17.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,191. The dentist ratio is 1:1,540. 84.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Union vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.7% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.2% |
| Asthma | 13.0% |
| COPD | 8.1% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.9% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.6% |
| Depression | 29.9% |
| Mental Distress | 21.6% |
| Physical Distress | 15.5% |
| Short Sleep | 31.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 82.1% |
| Uninsured | 17.9% |
| 108% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,191 |
| Dentists | 1:1,540 |
| Mental Health | 1:208 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.7% |
| Dental Visits | 64.0% |
| Premature Death | 9,097/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 84.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 79 |
Union experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 14.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 16.2 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 23 / among the cleanest air in the country. 83% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 2,785 feet.
Temperature
33°F Jan (0°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 49.0°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,785 ft (849 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 964/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.2089°N, 117.8679°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Union County County |
| Nearest Airport | Eastern Oregon Regional At Pendleton (PDT)
57 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
14.8"
61% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
2.47"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 23.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 82.8% |
| Unhealthy Days | 2 |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 43.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 51.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 34.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
95 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M2.6 on Feb 10, 2025.
| Nov 28, 1991 |
7 km S of Walla Walla East, Washington |
M4.3 |
94 km |
| Jul 14, 1992 |
6 km S of Walla Walla East, Washington |
M4.1 |
94 km |
| Oct 27, 1994 |
11 km SE of Halfway, Oregon |
M4.0 |
81 km |
| Jan 23, 2015 |
3 km N of Cayuse, Oregon |
M3.5 |
77 km |
| Dec 24, 1999 |
18 km WNW of New Meadows, Idaho |
M3.5 |
110 km |
| Oct 4, 2002 |
20 km WSW of Cascade, Idaho |
M3.4 |
149 km |
| Feb 28, 2004 |
10 km WSW of Wallula, Washington |
M3.3 |
128 km |
| Jul 20, 1998 |
9 km ESE of Halfway, Oregon |
M3.3 |
79 km |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
10 km ESE of Halfway, Oregon |
M3.3 |
80 km |
| Dec 15, 1991 |
6 km SSW of Walla Walla East, Washington |
M3.3 |
94 km |
| Aug 27, 2000 |
16 km W of Richland, Oregon |
M3.3 |
65 km |
| Jul 25, 2009 |
10 km NW of Brogan, Oregon |
M3.2 |
102 km |
| Nov 23, 2001 |
6 km WNW of New Meadows, Idaho |
M3.2 |
121 km |
| Jul 19, 1998 |
10 km ESE of Halfway, Oregon |
M3.2 |
80 km |
| Jan 26, 1992 |
28 km ENE of Halfway, Oregon |
M3.2 |
86 km |
| Apr 10, 2012 |
3 km WNW of Touchet, Washington |
M3.2 |
114 km |
| Aug 14, 2017 |
19 km NNW of Halfway, Oregon |
M3.1 |
55 km |
| Oct 1, 2003 |
25 km W of Richland, Oregon |
M3.1 |
61 km |
| Jul 13, 2000 |
7 km NW of Unity, Oregon |
M3.1 |
87 km |
| Jul 21, 1998 |
6 km N of Halfway, Oregon |
M3.1 |
65 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
20 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 1 injury.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 4, 2006 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1968 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2022 |
EF1 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2009 |
EF1 |
76 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2024 |
EF0 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 2023 |
EF0 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 2016 |
EF0 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 9, 2013 |
EF0 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2009 |
EF0 |
49 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 2006 |
EF0 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF0 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 2002 |
EF0 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1996 |
EF0 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 11, 1995 |
EF0 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jul 22, 1992 |
EF0 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 22, 1992 |
EF0 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1991 |
EF0 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1983 |
EF0 |
23 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1975 |
EF0 |
42 km |
0 |
| May 22, 1964 |
EF0 |
96 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CORNET-WINDY RIDGE (102,553 ac, 2015).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2015 |
CORNET-WINDY RIDGE |
102,553 |
70 km |
| 2015 |
BUTTE CREEK |
79,418 |
91 km |
| 2007 |
BATTLE CREEK COMPLEX (BATTLE CREEK) |
79,114 |
99 km |
| 2006 |
FOSTER GULCH |
52,496 |
81 km |
| 1996 |
TOWER |
50,827 |
68 km |
| 1986 |
JOSEPH/STARVATION |
37,064 |
86 km |
| 1996 |
BULL COMPLEX (SUMMIT) |
36,318 |
84 km |
| 2024 |
THOMPSON |
31,066 |
79 km |
| 2005 |
SNAKE ONE |
24,056 |
94 km |
| 2021 |
ELBOW CREEK |
23,103 |
76 km |
| 2024 |
COYOTE |
21,880 |
81 km |
| 2022 |
STURGILL |
21,641 |
27 km |
| 2015 |
ELDORADO |
20,962 |
99 km |
| 2013 |
RAFT |
20,722 |
89 km |
| 1989 |
DOOLEY MOUNTAIN |
18,747 |
69 km |
| 1989 |
CANAL |
18,596 |
62 km |
| 2015 |
DRY GULCH |
18,369 |
71 km |
| 2024 |
JACK CANYON MUTUAL AID |
18,287 |
90 km |
| 1992 |
WINDY RIDGE |
17,797 |
87 km |
| 2001 |
HORSE CREEK |
16,947 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
33°F (0°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| February |
36°F (2°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
42°F (5°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
2.5 in |
Wettest |
| June |
61°F (16°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
0.5 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
32°F (0°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest |
Union has a seasonal temperature swing of 37°F / from 32°F in December to 69°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 14.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (2.5") and August the driest (0.5").
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) |
$259 ($155-$414) |
| Specialist Visit |
$362 ($207-$569) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$207 ($103-$362) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,275 ($827-$5,170) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$134 ($78-$207) |
| Dental Filling |
$259 ($155-$414) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$47 ($26-$78) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$78 ($52-$124) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$310 ($155-$517) |
| Tire Rotation |
$41 ($21-$78) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$620 ($414-$1,034) |
| Battery Replacement |
$207 ($103-$362) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$103 ($62-$155) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$93 ($52-$145) |
| HVAC Repair |
$414 ($155-$827) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,238 ($4,136-$12,408) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,034 ($414-$2,068) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,306 ($5,687-$15,510) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,551 ($517-$3,619) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,510 ($5,170-$31,020) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,170 ($2,068-$10,340) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,551 ($827-$3,102) |
| Will Preparation |
$517 ($207-$1,034) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,585 ($1,034-$5,170) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($16-$47) |
| Women's Haircut |
$57 ($31-$103) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$155 ($78-$259) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($16-$47) |
| Pedicure |
$41 ($26-$67) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$83 ($52-$134) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.24 ($3.10-$5.69) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.62 ($2.59-$5.17) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.93 ($2.59-$5.69) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.65 ($3.10-$6.72) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.69 ($4.14-$7.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.03 ($0.62-$1.86) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$145 ($83-$259) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$72 ($31-$155) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$72 ($41-$124) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$72 ($41-$103) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$67 ($31-$103) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$88 ($52-$155) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$207 ($78-$517) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,068 ($1,241-$3,619) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$72 ($31-$134) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.27-$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$103 ($31-$259) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$31 ($16-$78) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,241 ($620-$2,585) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,034 ($517-$2,068) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$414 ($207-$724) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$52 ($26-$103) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,034 ($414-$2,585) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,925 ($5,170-$31,020) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$62 ($31-$103) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$103 ($52-$207) |
| Dog Grooming |
$62 ($31-$103) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$41 ($21-$78) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$310 ($155-$517) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$207 ($103-$414) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $854 |
| Toddler | $784 |
| Preschool | $650 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $749 |
| Toddler | $699 |
| Preschool | $650 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Union
What is the population of Union?
Union has a population of 2,401 residents and is located in Oregon. The population density is 964 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.5 years. The population is 50.9% female and 49.1% male.
Is Union expensive to live in?
Union has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 103.4 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $56,767, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $220,300 (22% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,028 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Union?
Union has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 14.8 inches, with 16.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 23.
How is the job market in Union?
The job market in Union is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,007. There are 1,047 business establishments in the area, including 70 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 4.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Union?
The median home value in Union is $220,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $305,458. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,028. Fair market rent is $980 for a 1-bedroom and $1,222 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 66.3%. The average annual property tax is $3,701.
How are the schools in Union?
Schools in Union score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.4% of adults in Union hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.1% have completed high school. 2.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Union?
The obesity rate in Union is 37.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.9% of adults are smokers. 22.6% are physically inactive. 29.9% of residents report depression. 17.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 84.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,191.
What is transportation like in Union?
The average commute in Union is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Union?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Union is 88.5% White, 2.6% Black or African American, 7.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Asian. 97.2% of residents speak only English at home. 8.9% of the population are military veterans. 17.4% of residents have a disability. 82.1% have health insurance coverage.