Cost of Living in Union, SC
Population 8,047 · South Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $34,112, median household incomes in Union land roughly 54% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. Around 26% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Located 55 miles southwest of Charlotte, Union is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 71% lower than Charlotte's $352,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Union
The median home value in Union is $103,400 — 66% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $789/month, 40% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $34,112/year is 54% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 11.2%, above the national average of 4.8%. South Carolina's top state income tax rate is 6.4% and the combined sales tax is 7.5%. The climate averages highs of 72.3°F and lows of 50.4°F, with about 3.9" of annual snowfall. Overall, Union has a cost of living index of 44 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 56% less expensive.
Union has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 53 | 57 | 64 | 73 | 80 | 87 | 90 | 89 | 83 | 73 | 63 | 55 |
| Low °F | 32 | 35 | 41 | 49 | 58 | 66 | 69 | 68 | 62 | 50 | 40 | 35 |
| Precip" | 4.12 | 3.84 | 4.48 | 4.04 | 4.07 | 3.90 | 4.82 | 4.66 | 3.73 | 3.59 | 3.84 | 4.58 |
| Snow" | 1.6 | 1.0 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.6 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Union, SC?
Union has a cost index of 44 (100 = national average). It is 56% below the national average.
What is average rent in Union, SC?
The median gross rent in Union is $789 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Union?
The median home value in Union is $103,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Union?
The median household income in Union is $34,112 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Union, SC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Union is 7.5%. The South Carolina state income tax top rate is 6.4%.
Is Union, SC affordable?
Yes, Union is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 44 — about 56% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Union?
Union has average high temperatures of 72.3°F and average lows of 50.4°F. Annual precipitation is 49.7". Average annual snowfall is 3.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Union at a Glance
- Population
- 8,047
- Median Income
- $34,112
- Home Value
- $103,400
- Median Rent
- $789/mo
- Unemployment
- 11.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 72.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.5%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
South Carolina Rankings
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