Cost of Living in Union County, Pennsylvania
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 #1,098 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 35%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Union County, Pennsylvania
Union County: Above-Average Income, Affordability
Union County's median income of $72,894 runs close to the national average of $74,755, and its 15.5% rent-to-income ratio beats both state and national norms. Renters here spend $944/month—closer to Pennsylvania's state average—but earn enough to absorb the cost comfortably.
Union Leads Pennsylvania in Income-to-Housing
Union County ranks among Pennsylvania's most affordable counties relative to local incomes, with a 15.5% rent-to-income ratio that outpaces the state's 16.5% average. Its $72,894 median income is the highest among this county cluster, providing residents stronger purchasing power.
Premium Rents, Premium Incomes in Union
Union's $944 rent and $1,057 mortgage are among the region's highest, but they pair with the cluster's highest median income ($72,894). This makes Union attractive to professionals and established households seeking stronger local economic fundamentals.
Union: High Income Cushions High Costs
Union County residents earning $72,894 allocate 15.5% to rent ($944/month) or similar percentages to mortgages ($1,057/month), leaving 84%+ for other expenses. The county's stronger income base allows households to absorb housing costs while maintaining financial flexibility.
Union County for Affluent Relocators
If your income is near or above $72,000, Union County's stronger economy and moderate affordability ratios make it worth considering despite higher rents and home values ($222,900). Compare Union's economic stability against cheaper options to determine whether you're paying for genuine opportunity.
Cost of Living Advisory: Union County
Affordability Verdict
Union County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $944/month — about 15.5% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Union County pay $944/month on average, compared to $1,057/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 11%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $37,760/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $45,300/year. With a median household income of $72,894, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Union County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Snyder County where rent averages $890/month, Union County is approximately 6% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Union County
Rent Burden
15.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,701
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.4%
of gross income
The median home in Union County may be a stretch
Median home value is $222,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,779 vs. your max of $1,701.
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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