Union County
AR · Pop. 38,368 · Suburban County
Union County, Arkansas covers 1,039 square miles with a population of 38,368 and a density of 36.9 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage, peas. A median home price of $115,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.58% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 222-day growing season, average summer highs of 91°F and average winter lows of 32.2°F. Annual rainfall averages 49.8 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Medical Center of South Arkansas is 5.6 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 73.3% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, tornado risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 222-day growing season in USDA zone 8b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.58% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $115,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Medical Center of South Arkansas, with an emergency room, is just 5.6 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- Annual rainfall of 49.8 inches supports rain-fed gardens and pasture in most years.
Cons
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- Broadband reaches only 73.3% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- A poverty rate of 19.4% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
At a glance
Union County, AR is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 89/100
- Median home price
- $115k
- Property tax
- 0.58%
- Growing season
- 222 days (zone 8b)
- Annual rainfall
- 49.8"
- Broadband
- 73.3%
- Nearest hospital
- Medical Center of South Arkansas, 5.6 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Union County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Union County?
- Union County is in USDA hardiness zone 8b with a 222-day growing season, average summer highs of 91°F, and average winter lows of 32.2°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, peas.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $115,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.58%. There's no published county per-acre figure, so use recent comparable sales to gauge raw-land value.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 73.3% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Medical Center of South Arkansas is 5.6 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Arkansas Resources
Partner links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
LandWatch
Browse rural land, farms, and ranches for sale across every state.
Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
Invest in farmland online — vetted properties with passive income potential.
More counties in Arkansas
All Arkansas countiesNearby counties
The closest counties to Union County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
Your brand here — Reach our audience of professional directory owners and boost your sales.