Union County, North Carolina Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Union County is located in North Carolina with a total population of 244,975. It is the 8th most populous county out of 100 in North Carolina. The county encompasses 2 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Union County is 39.1 years. This is about average than the state median of 39.1 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Union County is $99,243. This is 42% higher than the state median of $69,904. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 26% higher. The poverty rate stands at 7.7%. This is 42% lower than the state poverty rate of 13.2%. The unemployment rate is 4.2%. This is 14% lower than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $374,400. Housing costs are 44% higher than the state median of $259,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x. 81.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 23% higher than the state average of 66.4%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Union County is White (non-Hispanic), making up 68.0% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 12.9%.

Education

39.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 12% higher than the state rate of 34.7%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 90.4%.