RANK #731 / 996 · POP 240,109 · NC
PROJECTED GROWTH: -0.1%
Union County, North Carolina, offers a blend of rural landscapes and suburban amenities, situated in the southern Piedmont region, bordering South Carolina and just southeast of Charlotte. Locals often highlight the town of Waxhaw, known for its historic downtown and antique shops, or Cane Creek Park, a large water-based recreation area with a 350-acre lake for fishing, boating, and hiking. Commuting to Charlotte is feasible, with express bus services available from towns like Indian Trail and Monroe. The county maintains a community feel, with rolling hills and agricultural areas providing a scenic backdrop for outdoor activities.
Life in Union County attracts families and professionals seeking a balance between country living and access to urban conveniences. The public school system is highly rated, serving nearly 40,000 students across 53 schools. The economy, historically rooted in agriculture, has diversified, with significant growth in manufacturing, aerospace, and pharmaceutical sectors. This expansion is supported by workforce development initiatives and a focus on agribusiness, including a new Food Innovation Center designed to support local food production and entrepreneurs.
Overvalued relative to economy
Prices declining
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks overvalued at 8.1x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Advanced Manufacturing Facility (Project Seven)
Confidential Company
|
$200M | Planned |
|
Monroe Solar Facility
Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC
|
$60M | Operating |
|
Dymax Corporation Manufacturing Center
Dymax Corporation
|
$47M | Planned |
|
Briolf USA Manufacturing Center
Briolf USA LLC (Briolf Group)
|
$30M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Union County has a Boom Town Index score of 27/100, ranking #731 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +3.0% and a median household income of $95,533, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Union County is $336,600 with median rent at $1,274/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2838, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +1.9% year-over-year. Job growth: +3.0%. Home values changed -0.3% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 4.29% of Union County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.