Union County, NC

County

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2021 Population

235,699

0.0288% 1-year decline

US Senator

Thom Tillis

Republican Party

US Senator

Ted Budd

Republican Party

2021 Median Age

38.7

0.259% 1-year increase

2021 Poverty Rate

7.18%

3.28% 1-year decrease

2021 Median Household Income

$88,465

7.16% 1-year growth

2021 Median Property Value

$279,500

10% 1-year growth

2021 Employed Population

117,165

0.573% 1-year growth

About

In 2021, Union County, NC had a population of 236k people with a median age of 38.7 and a median household income of $88,465. Between 2020 and 2021 the population of Union County, NC declined from 235,767 to 235,699, a −0.0288% decrease and its median household income grew from $82,557 to $88,465, a 7.16% increase.

The 5 largest ethnic groups in Union County, NC are White (Non-Hispanic) (70.5%), Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) (11.1%), White (Hispanic) (6.08%), Asian (Non-Hispanic) (3.47%), and Other (Hispanic) (3.08%).

None of the households in Union County, NC reported speaking a non-English language at home as their primary shared language. This does not consider the potential multi-lingual nature of households, but only the primary self-reported language spoken by all members of the household.

94.9% of the residents in Union County, NC are U.S. citizens.

The largest universities in Union County, NC are Wingate University (856 degrees awarded in 2021).

In 2021, the median property value in Union County, NC was $279,500, and the homeownership rate was 82.6%.

Most people in Union County, NC drove alone to work, and the average commute time was 29.5 minutes. The average car ownership in Union County, NC was 2 cars per household.

Union County, NC borders Anson County, NC, Cabarrus County, NC, Mecklenburg County, NC, Stanly County, NC, Chesterfield County, SC, and Lancaster County, SC.

United States North Carolina Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC

Population & Diversity

Union County, NC is home to a population of 236k people, from which 94.9% are citizens. As of 2021, 10.2% of Union County, NC residents were born outside of the country (23.9k people).

In 2021, there were 6.37 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (166k people) in Union County, NC than any other race or ethnicity. There were 26.1k Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) and 14.3k White (Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

Population & Diversity

Citizenship

94.9%

2021 Citizenship

95.2%

2020 Citizenship

As of 2021, 94.9% of Union County, NC residents were US citizens, which is higher than the national average of 93.4%. In 2020, the percentage of US citizens in Union County, NC was 95.2%, meaning that the rate of citizenship has been decreasing.

The following chart shows US citizenship percentages in Union County, NC compared to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

Diversity

Race and Ethnicity

The 3 largest ethnic groups in Union County, NC

White (Non-Hispanic)
166k ± 342
Black or African American (Non-Hispanic)
26.1k ± 679
White (Hispanic)
14.3k ± 1.46k

11.5%

Hispanic Population

27.2k people

11.5% of the people in Union County, NC are hispanic (27.2k people).

The following chart shows the 7 races represented in Union County, NC as a share of the total population.

Global Diversity

The PUMS dataset is not available at the County level, so we are showing data for North Carolina.

Most Common Origin

Mexico
219,250 ± 11,374 people
India
77,157 ± 6,794 people
Honduras
37,868 ± 4,769 people

In 2021, the most common birthplace for the foreign-born residents of North Carolina was Mexico, the natal country of 219,250 North Carolina residents, followed by India with 77,157 and Honduras with 37,868.

Foreign-Born Population

10.2%

2021 Foreign-Born Population

23.9k people

9.53%

2020 Foreign-Born Population

22.5k people

As of 2021, 10.2% of Union County, NC residents (23.9k people) were born outside of the United States, which is lower than the national average of 13.6%. In 2020, the percentage of foreign-born citizens in Union County, NC was 9.53%, meaning that the rate has been increasing.

The following chart shows the percentage of foreign-born residents in Union County, NC compared to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

Military

Veterans

Most Common Service Period

Vietnam
3,589 ± 386
Gulf War (2001-)
2,365 ± 407
Gulf War (1990s)
2,350 ± 347

Union County, NC has a large population of military personnel who served in Vietnam, 1.52 times greater than any other conflict.

Economy

The economy of Union County, NC employs 117k people. The largest industries in Union County, NC are Manufacturing (14,403 people), Retail Trade (13,730 people), and Health Care & Social Assistance (12,611 people), and the highest paying industries are Finance & Insurance ($98,098), Finance & Insurance, & Real Estate & Rental & Leasing ($91,711), and Utilities ($90,385).

Males in North Carolina have an average income that is 1.33 times higher than the average income of females, which is $52,490. The income inequality in North Carolina (measured using the Gini index) is 0.47, which is lower than than the national average.

Employment

Occupations

117k

2021 Value

± 2,782

0.573%

1 Year growth

± 3.33%

From 2020 to 2021, employment in Union County, NC grew at a rate of 0.573%, from 116k employees to 117k employees.

The most common job groups, by number of people living in Union County, NC, are Management Occupations (16,589 people), Sales & Related Occupations (13,650 people), and Office & Administrative Support Occupations (11,323 people). This chart illustrates the share breakdown of the primary jobs held by residents of Union County, NC.

Unemployment Insurance Claims

Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for false.

This chart shows weekly unemployment insurance claims in North Carolina (not-seasonally adjusted) compared with the four states with the most similar impact.

The most recent data point uses Advance State Claims data, which can be revised in subsequent weeks.

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Industries

Employment by Industries

117k

2021 Value

± 2,782

0.573%

1 Year growth

± 3.33%

From 2020 to 2021, employment in Union County, NC grew at a rate of 0.573%, from 116k employees to 117k employees.

The most common employment sectors for those who live in Union County, NC, are Manufacturing (14,403 people), Retail Trade (13,730 people), and Health Care & Social Assistance (12,611 people). This chart shows the share breakdown of the primary industries for residents of Union County, NC, though some of these residents may live in Union County, NC and work somewhere else. Census data is tagged to a residential address, not a work address.

Median Earnings by Industry

$54,030

Median earning men ± $1,002

$36,375

Median earning women ± $1,375

The industries with the best median earnings for men in 2021 are Finance & Insurance, & Real Estate & Rental & Leasing ($113,839), Professional, Scientific, & Management, & Administrative & Waste Management Services ($83,433), and Information ($74,394).

The industries with the best median earnings for women in 2021 are Finance & Insurance, & Real Estate & Rental & Leasing ($71,327), Transportation & Warehousing, & Utilities ($54,357), and Public Administration ($54,208).

Employment by Industry Sector

Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for false.

Y-Axis

2.75%

Year-over-year growth

Employment change between February 2022 and February 2023

As of February 2023, there are 155M people employed in North Carolina. This represents a 2.75% increase in employment when compared to February 2022.

The following chart shows monthly employment numbers for each industry sector in North Carolina.

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Establishments by Size

The industries with the most establishments

1,243
Professional, Scientific & Management, and Administrative & Waste Management Services
1,196
Educational Services, Health Care & Social Assistance
1,044
Manufacturing

The visualization shows the distribution of establishments by industry and by size according to the number of employees.

Payroll by Industry Sector

The industries with the highest total annual payroll

$2.08M
Manufacturing
$706k
Educational Services, Health Care & Social Assistance
$392k
Wholesale Trade

The chart shows the total annual payroll and the average annual payroll by industry.

Domestic Trade

Domestic Production & Consumption

Domestic production and consumption consists of products and services shipped from North Carolina to other states, or from other states to North Carolina.

Top Domestic Production in Dollars

In 2020, the top outbound North Carolina product (by dollars) was Mixed freight with $53.7B, followed by Pharmaceuticals ($49.7B) and Machinery ($44.5B).

The following chart shows the share of these products in relation to all outbound North Carolina products.

Domestic Trade Growth

Showing data for North Carolina.

$462B

2020 Value in North Carolina

$926B

Projected 2050 Value in North Carolina

100% growth

In 2020, total outbound North Carolina trade was $462B. This is expected to increase 100% to $926B by 2050.

The following chart shows how the domestic outbound North Carolina trade is projected to change in comparison to its neighboring states.

Interstate Trade

Interstate trade consists of products and services shipped from North Carolina to other states, or from other states to North Carolina.

Most Common Trade Partners

South Carolina
$32.8B
Virginia
$26.1B
Georgia
$18.1B

In 2020, the top outbound North Carolina domestic partner for goods and services (by dollars) was South Carolina with $32.8B, followed by Virginia with $26.1B and Georgia and $18.1B.

The following map shows the amount of trade that North Carolina shares with each state (excluding itself).

Civics

In the 2020 presidential election, the popular vote in Union County, NC went to Donald J. Trump with 61.4% of the vote. The runner-up was Joseph R Biden Jr. (37.2%), followed by Jo Jorgensen (0.867%).

Thom Tillis and Ted Budd are the senators currently representing the state of North Carolina. In the United States, senators are elected to 6-year terms with the terms for individual senators staggered.

North Carolina is currently represented by 14 members in the U.S. house, and members of the House of Representives are elected to 2-year terms.

Presidential Elections

Presidential Popular Vote Over Time

2020 Election Results

Donald J. Trump (61.4%)
Republican Party
Joseph R Biden Jr. (37.2%)
Democratic Party
Jo Jorgensen (0.867%)
Libertarian Party

The following chart shows the popular vote results in Union County, NC for each registered party from 1976 to 2020.

Senator Elections

US Senators from North Carolina

Senatorial voting results are only available at the state level. Showing data for North Carolina.

Thom Tillis

Senator from North Carolina

Assumed office on January 3, 2015

Ted Budd

Senator from North Carolina

Assumed office on January 3, 2023

Thom Tillis and Ted Budd are the senators currently representing North Carolina.

In the United States, senators are elected to 6-year terms with the terms for individual senators staggered.

The following chart shows elected senators in North Carolina over time, excluding special elections, colored by their political party.

US Representative Elections

US Representatives from North Carolina

North Carolina is currently represented by 14 members in the U.S. house.

Members of the House of Representives are elected to 2-year terms, and the following chart shows the how the members for North Carolina have changed over time starting in 2008.

Education

In 2021, universities in Union County, NC awarded 856 degrees. The student population of Union County, NC in 2021 is skewed towards women, with 1,318 male students and 2,121 female students.

Most students graduating from Universities in Union County, NC are White (548 and 65.9%), followed by Black or African American (114 and 13.7%), Two or More Races (51 and 6.14%), and Unknown (45 and 5.42%).

The largest universities in Union County, NC by number of degrees awarded are Wingate University (856 and 100%).

The most popular majors in Union County, NC are Pharmacy (81 and 9.46%), Sport & Fitness Management (66 and 7.71%), and General Biological Sciences (62 and 7.24%).

The median tuition cost in Union County, NC for private four year colleges is $40,070.

Admissions & Enrollments

Applicants, Admissions & Enrolled

University

Measure

In 2021 in Union County, NC, the percentage of applicants admitted was 84.5%, while the percentage of admitted who enrolled was 5.2%. The number of students enrolled in 2021 was 3,439 (38.3% men and 61.7% women).

The line chart shows the evolution of the percentage of applicants admitted, admitted who enrolled or the number of students enrolled according to the option selected in the upper button.

Enrollments by Gender and Races

Universities

In 2021 there were 3,439 students enrolled in Union County, NC, 38.3% men and 61.7% women.

By race, the largest number of students enrolled was concentrated in White with 1,825 records, of which 65.4% were women and 34.6% men.

Completions

Concentrations

Most Common

General Psychology
53 degree-majors awarded
Kinesiology & Exercise Science
49 degree-majors awarded
General Biological Sciences
62 degree-majors awarded

In 2021, the most common concentation for Bachelors Degree recipients in Union County, NC was General Psychology with 53 degrees awarded.

This visualization illustrates the percentage of students graduating with a Bachelors Degree from schools in Union County, NC according to their major.

Universities

Gender

Race

Wingate University

Largest Universities by degrees awarded

856 degrees awarded

In 2021, the institution with the largest number of graduating students was Wingate University with 856 degrees awarded.

Student Diversity

University

In 2021, 319 men were awarded degrees from institutions in Union County, NC, which is 0.594 times less than the 537 female students who received degrees in the same year.

In 2021 the most common race/ethnicity group awarded degrees at institutions was White students. These 548 degrees mean that there were 4.81 times more degrees awarded to White students then the next closest race/ethnicity group, Black or African American, with 114 degrees awarded.

Awarded Degrees over Time

The graph shows the evolution of awarded degrees by degrees. Under the paragraphs, the average number of awarded degrees by university in each degree is shown.

Tuition

Average Net Price by Sector

Universities

Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above ($40,070) is the sector with the highest median state tuition in 2021.

Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above ($100) is the sector with the highest median state fee in 2021.

Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above ($2,000) is the sector with the highest average net price of books and supplies.

The graph shows the average net price by sector and year.

Working Population

Educational Pyramid

Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for North Carolina.

Measure

In 2021, 0.886% of men over 25 years of age had not completed any academic degree (no schooling), while 0.756% of women were in the same situation.

This visualization shows the gender distribution of the population according to the academic level reached.

Educational Attainment

Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for North Carolina.

Race

The most common educational levels obtained by the working population in 2021 were High School or Equivalent (2.13M), Some college (1.85M), and Bachelors Degree (1.58M).

This visualization illustrates the percentage distribution of the population according to the highest educational level reached. You can filter the data by race by using the selector above.

Housing & Living

The median property value in Union County, NC was $279,500 in 2021, which is 1.14 times larger than the national average of $244,900. Between 2020 and 2021 the median property value increased from $254,100 to $279,500, a 10% increase. The homeownership rate in Union County, NC is 82.6%, which is approximately the same as the national average of 64.6%.

People in Union County, NC have an average commute time of 29.5 minutes, and they drove alone to work. Car ownership in Union County, NC is approximately the same as the national average, with an average of 2 cars per household.

Median household income in Union County, NC is $88,465. In 2021, the tract with the highest Median Household Income in Union County, NC was Census Tract 210.07 with a value of $230,391, followed by Census Tract 210.06 and Census Tract 210.09, with respective values of $208,683 and $187,455.

In 2022, 11.3% of the population was living with severe housing problems in Union County, NC. From 2014 to 2022, the indicator declined 1.81%.

Housing

Property

$279,500

Median Property Value 2021

±$4,496

$64,794

Median Property Taxes

±$1,800

The following chart display owner-occupied housing units distributed between a series of property tax buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. In Union County, NC the largest share of households pay taxes in the $3k+ range.

The chart underneath the paragraph shows the property taxes in Union County, NC compared to it's parent and neighbor geographies.

Rent vs Own

82.6%

Homeownership

2021

68%

Homeowners with Mortgage

2021

In 2021, 82.6% of the housing units in Union County, NC were occupied by their owner. This percentage declined from the previous year's rate of 82.7%.

This chart shows the percentage of owner in Union County, NC compared it's parent and neighboring geographies.

Equity

Income by Location

Use the dropdown to filter by race/ethnicity.

Race/Ethnicity

Highest Median Household Income (Total)

Census Tract 210.07
Census Tract 210.06
Census Tract 210.09

In 2021, the tract with the highest Median Household Income (Total) in Union County, NC was Census Tract 210.07 with a value of $230,391, followed by Census Tract 210.06 and Census Tract 210.09, with respective values of $208,683 and $187,455.

The following map shows all of the tracts in Union County, NC colored by their Median Household Income (Total).

Household Income

Please note that the buckets used in this visualization were not evenly distributed by ACS when publishing the data.

$88,465

Median Household Income

± $2,295

78.5k

Number of Households

± 2,031

In 2021, the median household income of the 78.5k households in Union County, NC grew to $88,465 from the previous year's value of $82,557.

The following chart displays the households in Union County, NC distributed between a series of income buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. The largest share of households have an income in the $200k+ range.

Wage Distribution

The closest comparable wage GINI for Union County, NC is from North Carolina.

0.47

2021 Wage GINI in North Carolina

0.47

2020 Wage GINI in North Carolina

In 2021, the income inequality in North Carolina was 0.47 according to the GINI calculation of the wage distribution. Income inequality had a 0.00774% growth from 2020 to 2021, which means that wage distribution grew somewhat less even. The GINI for North Carolina was lower than than the national average of 0.478. In other words, wages are distributed more evenly in North Carolina in comparison to the national average.

This chart shows the number of workers in North Carolina across various wage buckets compared to the national average.

Transportation

Commuter Transportation

Most Common Commute in 2021

Drove Alone (76.2%)
Worked At Home (13.4%)
Carpooled (8.66%)

In 2021, 76.2% of workers in Union County, NC drove alone to work, followed by those who worked at home (13.4%) and those who carpooled to work (8.66%).

The following chart shows the number of households using each mode of transportation over time, using a logarithmic scale on the y-axis to help better show variations in the smaller means of commuting.

Commute Time

29.5 minutes

Average Travel Time

Using averages, employees in Union County, NC have a longer commute time (29.5 minutes) than the normal US worker (26.8 minutes). Additionally, 2.03% of the workforce in Union County, NC have "super commutes" in excess of 90 minutes.

The chart below shows how the median household income in Union County, NC compares to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

Car Ownership

2 cars

Average Number

The following chart displays the households in Union County, NC distributed between a series of car ownership buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. The largest share of households in Union County, NC have 2 cars.

Poverty

Severe Housing Problems

In 2022, 11.3% of the population was living with severe housing problems in Union County, NC. From 2014 to 2022, the indicator declined 1.81%.

The graph shows the trend of the percentage of the population living with severe housing problems.

Poverty & Diversity

7.18% of the population for whom poverty status is determined in Union County, NC (16.7k out of 233k people) live below the poverty line, a number that is lower than the national average of 12.6%. The largest demographic living in poverty are Females 35 - 44, followed by Males 6 - 11 and then Females 25 - 34.

The most common racial or ethnic group living below the poverty line in Union County, NC is White, followed by Black and Hispanic.

The Census Bureau uses a set of money income thresholds that vary by family size and composition to determine who classifies as impoverished. If a family's total income is less than the family's threshold than that family and every individual in it is considered to be living in poverty.

Children in Poverty

In 2022, 8.4% of the children was living in poverty in Union County, NC. From 2014 to 2022, the indicator declined 7.2%.

The graph shows the trend of the percentage of the children living in poverty.

Social Needs

Data only available at the state level.

Most prevalent states

California
35,798 individuals
New York
5,087 individuals
Florida
4,915 individuals

In 2017, California had the highest estimated number of chronically homeless individuals in the nation, at 35,798. New York has the second highest (5,087), followed by Florida (4,915).

The following map shows the estimated number of chronically homeless individuals by state over multiple years.

Security

Crimes & Accidents

Indicator

In 2022, the number of reported violent crimes offenses per 100,000 population was 188 in Union County, NC. From 2014 to 2022, the indicator grew 22.4 per 100,000 population.

The graph shows the trend in the number of reported violent crimes offenses per 100,000 population.

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Health

91.3% of the population of Union County, NC has health coverage, with 57% on employee plans, 10.4% on Medicaid, 10% on Medicare, 12.7% on non-group plans, and 1.19% on military or VA plans.

Primary care physicians in Union County, NC see 1436 patients per year on average, which represents a 0.42% increase from the previous year (1430 patients). Compare this to dentists who see 3397 patients per year, and mental health providers who see 786 patients per year.

By gender, of the total number of insured persons, 48.9% were men and 51.1% were women.

Coverage

Patient to Clinician Ratios

1,436 to 1

Patient to Primary Care Physician Ratio in Union County, NC

Primary care physicians in Union County, NC see an average of 1,436 patients per year. This represents a 0.42% increase from the previous year (1,430 patients).

The following chart shows how the number of patients seen by primary care physicians has been changing over time in Union County, NC in comparison to its neighboring geographies.

Health Care Diversity

In 2021, insured persons according to age ranges were distributed in 28.8% under 18 years, 16.7% between 18 and 34 years, 42% between 35 and 64 years, and 12.4% over 64 years.

By gender, of the total number of insured persons, 48.9% were men and 51.1% were women.

The following chart shows the number of people with health coverage by gender.

Uninsured People

8.66%

Uninsured

57%

Employer Coverage

10.4%

Medicaid

10%

Medicare

12.7%

Non-Group

1.19%

Military or VA

Between 2020 and 2021, the percent of uninsured citizens in Union County, NC declined by 0.938% from 8.74% to 8.66%.

The following chart shows how the percent of uninsured individuals in Union County, NC changed over time compared with the percent of individuals enrolled in various types of health insurance.

Health Indicators

Health Outcomes

Indicator

In 2022, the number of deaths among residents under age 18 per 100,000 population was 29.6 in Union County, NC.

The graphic shows the trend of the indicator in Union County, NC.

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Health Behaviors

Indicator

In 2022, the percentage of the adult population (age 18 and older) that reports a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2 (age-adjusted) was 30.7% in Union County, NC.

The graphic shows the trend of the indicator in Union County, NC.

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