Demographics
As of 2022, Union County, NC, has a population of about 243,000. The median age is approximately 39 years. Females make up 51%, and males 49% of the population. Racially, the county is 74% White, 11% Black or African American, 4% Asian, and 12% Hispanic or Latino (of any race). Smaller percentages identify as multiracial or other groups.
Elections
Union County, NC, has over 161,000 registered voters as of 2024. Voters participate in local, state, and federal elections, including primaries, generals, and referenda. In the 2020 presidential race, 65% supported the Republican candidate versus 34% for the Democrat. The county hosts 52 polling sites, with early voting and absentee options. Key issues include education funding, growth management, and taxes. Administration is handled by a five-member Board of Elections. Republicans hold a majority among registered voters (approximately 49%), followed by Unaffiliated (34%), and Democrats (16%).
County Crime & Safety
Union County, NC, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state and national averages. In 2023, the violent crime rate was 1.8 per 1,000 residents, while property crime stood at 10.2 per 1,000—both below North Carolina’s averages. The Sheriff’s Department emphasizes community policing and transparency, with regular crime reporting through online portals. Recent statistics show a 4% decrease in overall reported crimes from 2022, signaling effective law enforcement and community engagement.
Education, Employment and Housing
Union County, NC, serves over 42,000 students across 53 public schools, including 13 high schools. The high school graduation rate is 93%, and about 43% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The district consistently receives above-average ratings, with schools scoring an average 7/10 on GreatSchools. School safety protocols are robust, and the county invests in comprehensive educational programs, including STEM, AP, and career-technical education. Adult education opportunities are supported through South Piedmont Community College.
As of 2023, Union County, NC, has an employment rate of approximately 96.6%. Major employment sectors include health care and social assistance (13%), retail trade (12%), and manufacturing (11%). Common occupations are management, business, science, and arts (39%), and sales and office (23%). About 85% of workers commute by car, with a median commute time of 30 minutes. Many residents work in neighboring Mecklenburg County, particularly in Charlotte, reflecting Union’s status as a suburban commuter hub.
Union County, NC, boasts a homeownership rate of about 78%, with a median home value near $377,000 as of 2024, reflecting a 5% year-over-year increase. Median rent is around $1,650 monthly. Housing types mainly include single-family homes, with some new townhouse developments in neighborhoods like Weddington, Marvin, and Indian Trail. The county’s property tax rate is $0.73 per $100 assessed value, lower than the state average. Popular neighborhoods offer a suburban feel with strong schools, attracting families and professionals alike.
Popular names
- Michael Smith
- Robert Smith
- William Smith
- David Smith
- John Smith
- Jennifer Smith
- Charles Williams
- Christopher Smith
- James Smith
- Michael Helms
- James Helms
- Matthew Smith
- Michael Williams
- Jose Martinez
- Robert Thomas
- David Helms
- David Williams
- James Thomas
- Robert Williams
- William Helms
- Jose Lopez
- Robert Johnson
- Ashley Smith
- Brian Smith
- James Johnson
- John Williams
- David Wilson
- Jennifer Jones
- Jose Hernandez
- Linda Smith
- Mary Smith
- Pamela Smith
- Charles Smith
- Christopher Helms
- David Brown
- David Griffin
- James Davis
- James Moore
- Jessica Smith
- Maria Hernandez
- Mary Helms
- Michael Jones
- Michael Miller
- Robert Davis
- Robert Helms
- James Jones
- Jose Garcia
- Kevin Smith
- Michael Moore
- Robert Taylor
- Susan Helms
- William Davis
- William Griffin
- William White
- Amanda Helms
- Amanda Smith
- Brandon Smith
- David Johnson
- Elizabeth Smith
- James Brown
Other Counties in North Carolina
- Alamance
- Alexander
- Alleghany
- Anson
- Ashe
- Avery
- Beaufort
- Bertie
- Bladen
- Brunswick
- Buncombe
- Burke
- Cabarrus
- Caldwell
- Camden
- Carteret
- Caswell
- Catawba
- Chatham
- Cherokee
- Chowan
- Clay
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Craven
- Cumberland
- Currituck
- Dare
- Davidson
- Davie
- Duplin
- Durham
- Edgecombe
- Forsyth
- Franklin
- Gaston
- Gates
- Graham
- Granville
- Greene
- Guilford
- Halifax
- Harnett
- Haywood
- Henderson
- Hertford
- Hoke
- Hyde
- Iredell
- Jackson
- Johnston