Union County
IL · Pop. 16,972 · Suburban County
Union County, Illinois covers 413 square miles with a population of 16,972 and a density of 41.1 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on soybeans, hay, corn. The median home price is $132,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.41%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 189-day growing season, average summer highs of 87.8°F and average winter lows of 25.3°F. Annual rainfall averages 50.4 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Anna Hospital Corporation is 1.4 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 85.2% of homes. On the hazard side, tornado risk is very high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 189-day growing season in USDA zone 7a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A median home price of $132,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Anna Hospital Corporation, with an emergency room, is just 1.4 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
Cons
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- An effective property tax rate of 1.41% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
- A poverty rate of 19.4% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
At a glance
Union County, IL is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 68/100
- Median home price
- $132k
- Property tax
- 1.41%
- Growing season
- 189 days (zone 7a)
- Annual rainfall
- 50.4"
- Broadband
- 85.2%
- Nearest hospital
- Anna Hospital Corporation, 1.4 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 7a with a 189-day growing season, average summer highs of 87.8°F, and average winter lows of 25.3°F. The established crops are soybeans, hay, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $132,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.41%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 85.2% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Anna Hospital Corporation is 1.4 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
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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.
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