Cost of Living in Union County, South Carolina
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 #2,651 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 16%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Union County, South Carolina
Union County faces affordability challenges nationally
Union County's 22.4% rent-to-income ratio stands well above the national standard, reflecting tight affordability pressures on renters earning a median household income of $41,200. At $770 monthly rent, the county's low wages make housing costs proportionally heavy.
Union ranks among SC's tightest housing markets
At 22.4%, Union County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds South Carolina's state average of 20.1%, placing it among the state's least affordable counties. Despite having the state's lowest median rent of $770, the county's depressed median household income of $41,200 creates affordability strain.
Union offers lowest rents, but lowest income
Union County's $770 median rent is the cheapest in this cluster, undercutting Saluda's $814 and Williamsburg's $769—yet Union's $41,200 median household income is also the lowest. This low-wage, low-rent dynamic creates a precarious affordability balance.
Union's tight income makes housing burdensome
Union renters pay $770 monthly while homeowners spend $494, both supported by a median household income of just $41,200. Housing consumes over 22% of household income for renters—among the highest burdens in the state—leaving little margin for error.
Union demands income stability before moving
Union County's $770 rent and $100,000 median home prices look attractive on the surface, but the low median income of $41,200 means tight budgets. Relocate here only if your income substantially exceeds the county median, or if you're prepared for significant financial constraints.
Cost of Living Advisory: Union County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Union County is affordable. The median rent is $770/month against a median household income of $41,200, putting rent at 22.4% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $770/month rent versus $494/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $276/month cheaper — a 36% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,800/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $21,171/year. With a median household income of $41,200, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Union County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Union County sits 11% more expensive than Barnwell County ($695/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Union County
Rent Burden
22.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$961
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Union County
Median home value is $100,000. Estimated monthly cost: $798 vs. your max of $961.
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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