IncomeBy County

Union County, Illinois

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS
-18% vs. Illinois average
$56,420
Median Household Income
$31,962
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$56,420
-18% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$31,962
-19% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
42.8%
income as % of home value
Rank in Illinois
#88 / 102
by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate
N/A
Labor Force Participation
N/A

How Union County Compares

Union County$56,420
Illinois Average$68,580
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$56,420
Median Household Income
$31,962
Per Capita Income
$131,700
Median Home Value
42.8%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Union County

Income Verdict

Union County has a median household income of $56,420 and per capita income of $31,962 — a gap of $24,458, suggesting a higher share of single-earner or non-family households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $658/month and a median household income of $56,420, rent consumes approximately 14.0% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

With a median household income of $56,420, residents of Union County likely face budget constraints in higher-cost regions but may find cost of living manageable locally. Per capita income of $31,962 is in line with national norms for individual earners.

Neighbor Context

Union County earns approximately 17.7% below the Illinois state median household income of $68,580.

Data Story

About Household Income in Union County, Illinois

Union County falls well below national income

Union County's median household income of $56,420 sits $18,335 below the U.S. median of $74,755. This significant gap places the county among the lower-earning regions nationally, creating tighter household budgets.

Among Illinois's lowest-income counties

At $56,420, Union County trails the Illinois average of $68,580 by $12,160 and ranks among the state's lowest earners. Per capita income of $31,962 falls short of the state average of $36,009, indicating limited earning opportunities across the population.

Second-lowest income in eight-county region

Union County's $56,420 exceeds only Wayne County ($53,107) among its regional peers but lags well behind Tazewell ($76,704) and Washington ($75,652). The $20,284 gap with Tazewell highlights stark income disparities within central Illinois.

Rent affordable despite lower incomes

Union County's 14.0% rent-to-income ratio is notably affordable, suggesting landlords price rentals modestly relative to local earnings. Median home values of $131,700 require creative financing but remain within reach for households saving aggressively.

Strategic saving despite income constraints

Union County households earning $56,420 can dedicate approximately $1,128 monthly to savings with disciplined budgeting. Prioritizing employer matches, building credit for future home purchases, and seeking higher-wage employment opportunities are critical wealth-building steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Union County, Illinois?
The median household income in Union County, Illinois is $56,420, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Union County?
The per capita income in Union County is $31,962, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $56,420.
How does Union County compare to the Illinois average?
Union County's median household income of $56,420 is lower than the Illinois state average of $68,580. The per capita income is $31,962, compared to the state average of $36,009.
What is the per capita income in Union County, Illinois?
The per capita income in Union County, Illinois is $31,962, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Union County a low-income area in Illinois?
Union County's median household income of $56,420 is below the Illinois average of $68,580. The per capita income of $31,962 is also lower than the state average of $36,009. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Union County rank for income in Illinois?
Union County ranks #88 out of 102 counties in Illinois by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $56,420 and per capita income of $31,962, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Union County

$
1.00x

Your income is above the Union County median

County median: $56,420 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-18%

vs. National Median

-25%

vs. Union County MedianAbout equal
vs. Illinois Average▼ 18% below
vs. National Median▼ 25% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent7.1x

Your monthly income ($4,702) vs. median rent ($658/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

Sponsored

Grow Your Wealth

See how your income stacks up in Union County, Illinois? Start investing smarter with a robo-advisor that builds a diversified portfolio for you.

WealthfrontBetterment
Start Investing

Counties with Similar Income Levels

Rosebud County
Montana
$56,430
+0%
Imperial County
California
$56,393
+0%
Sebastian County
Arkansas
$56,450
+0%
Kiowa County
Colorado
$56,389
+0%
Gallia County
Ohio
$56,455
+0%
Meriwether County
Georgia
$56,458
+0%
Sponsored

Compare Financial Products in Illinois

Compare savings accounts, CDs, and money market rates from top banks to make the most of your earnings.

Compare Rates
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.

Explore more data for this county

Property TaxCost of LivingCrime RateHealthSchoolsRiskWaterWeatherCounty Score