Median Income
$57,907
23% lower than US avg
Home Value
$84,500
70% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.5%
48% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$925
20% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.6%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.4%
33% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.0%
44% lower than US avg
How Union Star Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population510
Median Age26.6 yrs
Density1,962/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans6.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$57,907
Per Capita$26,205
Unemployment2.4%
Poverty7.0%
Commute84 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$84,500
Rent$925
Ownership65.8%
Zillow$181,347
Housing Units218
Rent Burden18.2%
Health
Obesity37.6%
Uninsured7.8%
Smoking16.0%
Depression25.6%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
Rain40.2 in/yr
Elevation981 ft (299 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.5%
High School+94.8%
Graduate+3.4%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute84 min
Broadband74.0%
EV Stations1
Is Union Star a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Union Star receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, long commute times. Union Star offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Union Star is $57,907, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.4%. Only 7.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 84 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Union Star is $84,500, 70% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $925 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
17.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Union Star experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 40.2 inches, including 17.9 inches of snow.
Union Star has a population of 510 with a density of 1,962 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 26.6 years, 32% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.7% female and 46.3% male. The city is predominantly White (98.6%), with 1.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99% of residents. 6.1% of the population are veterans. 12.7% of residents have a disability. 92.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
510
Total Population
2023 Census
26.6yrs
Median Age
32% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Union Star vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.0%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.9%
93% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Union Star vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Union Star is $57,907, which is 23% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,205 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 2.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 84 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 5.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Union Star vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,907 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,205 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.4% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.0% |
| 44% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 83.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.9% |
The median home value in Union Star is $84,500, 70% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $181,347, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $925 (20% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 65.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 218 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. 18.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $84,500 |
| 70% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $181,347 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $925 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 65.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.2% |
| Housing Units | 218 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
In Union Star, 37.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 31.3% have high blood pressure. 16.0% are current smokers. 19.1% report binge drinking. 25.5% are physically inactive. 25.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.6% experience frequent mental distress. 7.8% of residents lack health insurance.
Health Metrics: Union Star vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.6% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.3% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.0% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.5% |
| Depression | 25.6% |
| Mental Distress | 18.6% |
| Physical Distress | 13.0% |
| Short Sleep | 35.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.2% |
| Uninsured | 7.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 76.0% |
| Dental Visits | 63.0% |
Food & Exercise
Union Star experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 40.2 inches. The area receives 17.9 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 981 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-4°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 52.4°F |
| 3% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 981 ft (299 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,962/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.9798°N, 94.5989°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Kansas City International (MCI)
48 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.2"
6% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.88"
Earthquake History
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Jul 15, 2025.
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
117 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
109 km |
| Mar 23, 2007 |
5 km N of Nortonville, Kansas |
M3.1 |
86 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
66 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
6 km WSW of Kansas City, Kansas |
M3.0 |
98 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
97 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
3 km W of Hale, Missouri |
M2.5 |
112 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
518 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 13 fatalities, 341 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 29, 2004 |
EF4 |
32 km |
3 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF4 |
69 km |
3 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1975 |
EF4 |
62 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1973 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
94 km |
1 |
| May 7, 1961 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 1954 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2008 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2004 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 2001 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
7 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: MOSQR-FY20-RX-WUI (964 ac, 2020).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2020 |
MOSQR-FY20-RX-WUI |
964 |
58 km |
| 2012 |
HIGHWAY E |
897 |
80 km |
| 2016 |
SQR BM SL DESOTO 2016 WUI RX |
866 |
58 km |
| 1988 |
NORTH POOL |
698 |
58 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
645 |
57 km |
| 2009 |
UNIT 6 |
625 |
57 km |
| 2002 |
SCRDGRS 6 |
536 |
57 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-4°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
5.6 in |
|
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
5.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
5.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
67°F (19°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Union Star has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 26°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 40.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.9") and January the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Union Star. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$227 ($136-$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182-$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91-$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726-$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68-$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136-$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23-$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45-$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136-$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363-$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91-$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54-$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45-$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136-$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632-$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363-$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994-$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454-$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540-$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816-$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726-$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182-$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908-$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27-$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68-$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23-$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45-$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72-$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27-$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27-$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72-$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63-$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54-$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73-$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27-$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36-$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36-$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27-$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45-$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68-$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090-$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27-$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27-$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14-$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545-$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454-$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182-$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23-$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363-$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540-$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27-$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45-$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27-$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136-$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91-$363) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Union Star
What is the population of Union Star?
Union Star has a population of 510 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,962 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 26.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.7% female and 46.3% male.
Is Union Star expensive to live in?
Union Star is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $57,907, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $84,500 (70% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $925 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Union Star?
Union Star has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 40.2 inches, with 17.9 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Union Star?
The job market in Union Star is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 84 minutes, and 5.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Union Star?
The median home value in Union Star is $84,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $181,347. For renters, the median monthly rent is $925. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 65.8%.
How are the schools in Union Star?
Schools in Union Star score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.5% of adults in Union Star hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.8% have completed high school. 3.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Union Star?
The obesity rate in Union Star is 37.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.0% of adults are smokers. 25.5% are physically inactive. 25.6% of residents report depression. 7.8% lack health insurance.
What is transportation like in Union Star?
The average commute in Union Star is 84 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 88.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Union Star?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Union Star is 98.6% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Asian. 99% of residents speak only English at home. 6.1% of the population are military veterans. 12.7% of residents have a disability. 92.2% have health insurance coverage.