Cost of Living in Union County, Florida
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Union County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Union County ranks #846 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 27%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Union County, Florida
Union County: America's affordability outlier
Union County's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the lowest in the nation, with median rents of just $846 against a median household income of $64,922. Housing here remains remarkably accessible despite below-national-average incomes.
Florida's second-most affordable county
Union's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio trails only Suwannee's 18.4%, making it one of Florida's housing bargains. The median rent of $846 ranks second-lowest statewide, well below the state average of $1,233.
Beats Suwannee and Taylor on affordability
Union's 15.6% ratio edges out Suwannee (18.4%) and Taylor (23.4%), despite similar absolute rents of $846 versus $849 and $878. Union's relative income strength gives it the best affordability ratio among the state's rural counties.
Unbeatable rent-to-income alignment
Renters pay $846 monthly (15.6% of income) and homeowners just $569 (10.5% of income), the most balanced housing cost structure in our comparison. The median home value of $160,400 makes ownership dreams achievable for modest earners.
Union: Florida's hidden affordability gem
Households earning $60,000–$75,000 should seriously explore Union for its unmatched rent-to-income ratio and homeownership access. Those seeking small-town stability and economic viability should prioritize Union over even more remote Taylor County.
Cost of Living Advisory: Union County
Affordability Verdict
Union County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $846/month — about 15.6% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Union County is $846/month, while owner costs run $569/month. Owning saves approximately $277/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,840/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $24,386/year. With a median household income of $64,922, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Union County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Florida, Union County is more affordable than Dixie County by roughly 7% ($846/mo vs $792/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Union County
Rent Burden
15.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,515
per month
Owner Cost Burden
10.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Union County
Median home value is $160,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,281 vs. your max of $1,515.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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