Cost of Living in Union County, Oregon
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 #2,269 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 28%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Union County, Oregon
Union offers rural affordability benefits
Union County's 18.4% rent-to-income ratio falls just below Oregon's 19.4% state average, delivering solid affordability compared to national standards. The median household income of $64,212 trails the national median of $74,755, but housing costs scale appropriately to lower earnings.
Union ranks mid-tier on Oregon affordability
At 18.4%, Union County sits slightly above Oregon's median affordability, making it one of the state's more reasonably priced housing markets. The $982 median rent falls significantly below Oregon's $1,137 average, offering rural value.
Union competes in eastern market
Union's 18.4% rent-to-income ratio trails the most affordable eastern counties—Morrow (15.6%), Wallowa (15.7%), and Umatilla (16.7%)—but beats the coastal and Portland comparisons. The $982 rent sits between Morrow ($910) and Wallowa ($858) while matching regional income patterns.
Modest costs reflect modest incomes
Union renters spend $982 monthly while homeowners pay $956, with the median home value of $260,500 reflecting rural accessibility. Housing consumes 18.4% of household income—a reasonable burden given the county's lower earning levels.
Union County suits stability seekers
Union's 18.4% rent-to-income ratio and $982 rent appeal to those seeking rural living without extreme isolation, though income opportunities remain limited. The county works best for retirees, remote workers, or those with established income sources who value small-town character and genuine housing affordability.
Cost of Living Advisory: Union County
Affordability Verdict
Union County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $982/month — about 18.4% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $982/month rent versus $956/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $26/month cheaper — a 3% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $39,280/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $40,971/year. With a median household income of $64,212, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Union County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Oregon, Union County is more affordable than Morrow County by roughly 8% ($982/mo vs $910/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Union County
Rent Burden
18.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,498
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.9%
of gross income
The median home in Union County may be a stretch
Median home value is $260,500. Estimated monthly cost: $2,080 vs. your max of $1,498.
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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