Sandy Ridge
RANK #848 / 996 NAT · #40 / 51 NC · POP 240,109
1YR FORECAST: -0.0%
5YR OUTLOOK: +14%
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.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| 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.
The data is not encouraging — Union County scores just 14/100 on the Boom Town Index, ranking #848 of 996 counties. Job growth at +3.0% and median household income of $95,533 reflect an economy that has been contracting or stagnating relative to the rest of the country.
Housing in Union County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $336,600 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.28, with rents averaging $1,274/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Union County is growing on multiple fronts. Population is up +1.9% year-over-year while employers added jobs at a +3.0% clip. Home values shifted -0.3% in the past year.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 4.29% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Union County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.