Union County
SC · Pop. 26,990 · Suburban County
Union County, South Carolina covers 514 square miles with a population of 26,990 and a density of 52.5 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage, okra. The median home price is $100,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.56%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 201-day growing season, average summer highs of 90.2°F and average winter lows of 29.5°F. Annual rainfall averages 46.5 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Union Medical Center is 1.7 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 93% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 201-day growing season in USDA zone 8a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.56% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $100,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Broadband reaches 93% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- Union Medical Center, with an emergency room, is just 1.7 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
Cons
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- A poverty rate of 22.7% 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, SC is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 91/100
- Median home price
- $100k
- Property tax
- 0.56%
- Growing season
- 201 days (zone 8a)
- Annual rainfall
- 46.5"
- Broadband
- 93%
- Nearest hospital
- Union Medical Center, 1.7 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 8a with a 201-day growing season, average summer highs of 90.2°F, and average winter lows of 29.5°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, okra.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $100,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.56%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 93% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Union Medical Center is 1.7 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore South Carolina Resources
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LandWatch
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Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
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More counties in South Carolina
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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.
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