IncomeBy County

Union County, Oregon

Income Data

-8% vs. Oregon average
$64,212
Median Household Income
$34,745
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$64,212
-8% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$34,745
-12% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
24.6%
income as % of home value
Rank in Oregon
#23 / 36
by median household income

How Union County Compares

Union County$64,212
Oregon Average$69,965
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$64,212
Median Household Income
$34,745
Per Capita Income
$260,500
Median Home Value
24.6%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Union County, Oregon

Union faces significant income gap

Union County's median household income of $64,212 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by about 14%, placing it well below the national midpoint. This gap reflects the economic realities of small, rural counties dependent on timber, ranching, and limited service employment.

Below Oregon average, rural tier

At $64,212, Union County's median income falls nearly $6,000 below Oregon's state average of $69,965, ranking it among the state's lower-income counties. Per-capita income of $34,745 trails the state average of $37,652, indicating limited income diversity and growth.

Lower end of regional spectrum

Union's $64,212 trails Morrow County ($70,217), Wallowa County ($65,559), and Umatilla County ($68,958), but slightly exceeds Sherman County ($59,500). The county's reliance on extractive industries and small-scale agriculture limits wage growth compared to more diversified neighbors.

Tight budgets with rising home values

Union County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.4% is manageable, but the median home value of $260,500 now exceeds what typical household earnings support comfortably. Prospective homebuyers should carefully assess affordability, as property values have climbed faster than wage growth.

Prioritize debt reduction and savings

Union residents should focus on minimizing high-interest debt and building emergency reserves, given the income vulnerability of resource-dependent economies. Explore employer retirement plans, even modest contributions, and consider secondary income sources to accelerate wealth-building.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Union County, Oregon?
The median household income in Union County, Oregon is $64,212, 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 $34,745, 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 $64,212.
How does Union County compare to the Oregon average?
Union County's median household income of $64,212 is lower than the Oregon state average of $69,965. The per capita income is $34,745, compared to the state average of $37,652.
What is the per capita income in Union County, Oregon?
The per capita income in Union County, Oregon is $34,745, 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 Oregon?
Union County's median household income of $64,212 is below the Oregon average of $69,965. The per capita income of $34,745 is also lower than the state average of $37,652. 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 Oregon?
Union County ranks #23 out of 36 counties in Oregon by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $64,212 and per capita income of $34,745, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Union County

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Your income is above the Union County median

County median: $64,212 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-8%

vs. National Median

-14%

vs. Union County MedianAbout equal
vs. Oregon Average▼ 8% below
vs. National Median▼ 14% below

Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($5,351) vs. median rent ($982/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

Gilliam County
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$64,219
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Spartanburg County
South Carolina
$64,195
+0%
Logan County
Illinois
$64,188
+0%
McIntosh County
North Dakota
$64,236
+0%
Richmond County
Virginia
$64,184
+0%
Borden County
Texas
$64,250
+0%
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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.

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