Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Union County, IN had a population of 7,087. The median age was 44.4 years, with 20.8% under 18 and 20.3% aged 65 or older. The gender split was nearly even, with 49.5% male and 50.5% female. Racially, the county was predominantly White (95.8%), with small populations of Black or African American (0.6%), Hispanic or Latino (1.1%), Asian (0.3%), and those identifying as two or more races (1.9%).

Elections

Union County, IN had 5,820 registered voters in 2022. Elections include general, primary, and special elections, with recent turnout at 55.3%. Voting occurs at 4 polling locations, including the Union County Courthouse. The Election Board administers processes, ensuring compliance with Indiana law. Ballot issues focus on school funding and infrastructure. In 2020, 74% voted Republican, 24% Democrat. Two main parties—Republican and Democratic—compete actively. Election results and sample ballots are available through the Clerk’s office, which manages voter registration and election integrity.

Education, Employment and Housing

Union County, Indiana, is served primarily by the Union County-College Corner Joint School District, which operates 4 public schools, including Union County High School. Around 89% of residents hold a high school diploma, but only about 15% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher. The schools report an average proficiency score of 52% in reading and 46% in math. School safety initiatives are in place, with a low rate of reported incidents. Adult education and career-readiness programs are available through partnerships with area community colleges. Overall, educational opportunities are improving, though higher education attainment remains below the state average.

As of 2022, Union County, IN had an employment rate of approximately 56%, with the labor force mainly engaged in manufacturing (18%), health care and social assistance (16%), and retail trade (13%). The most common occupations include production (14%), office and administrative support (12%), and management (9%). About 72% of residents commute to jobs outside the county, with an average commute time of 27 minutes, primarily traveling to Fayette and Wayne counties for employment opportunities.

Union County, IN, features a homeownership rate of about 80%, with median home values near $140,000 and median gross rents around $760 per month. The county’s housing consists largely of single-family homes, with pockets of historic properties in Liberty and more rural neighborhoods elsewhere. Property values have shown modest annual increases of roughly 3%. Property taxes average 0.8% of assessed value, among the lower rates in Indiana. The rental market is limited, reflecting the county’s strong homeownership culture and primarily residential character.

County Crime & Safety

Union County, IN, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state and national averages. According to recent statistics, the county reported approximately 50 property crimes and 5 violent crimes in 2022, translating to a crime rate of about 6.5 incidents per 1,000 residents. The Union County Sheriff's Office actively encourages community reporting and transparency, resulting in a high clearance rate for cases. Overall, Union County is considered a safe rural community with effective law enforcement and low annual crime occurrences.