Cost of living in Union County, IL
Population 16,972 · Last updated May 21, 2026
Cost breakdown
Single person, by category, per month.
Rent in Union County
Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.
Source: HUD FMR FY2025
Income and earnings in Union County
Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.
Home values in Union County
Average values reported by homeowners.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
Energy costs in Union County
Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.
Source: EIA
Healthcare in Union County
Insurance premiums and coverage rates.
Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.
Taxes in Union County
State and local tax rates for Illinois.
Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.
Transportation in Union County
Commute patterns and estimated costs.
Source: ACS
Monthly cost estimates for Union County
What it costs to live in Union County each month.
- Rent $667
- Energy $177
- Water $50
- Groceries $345
- Transport $320
- Healthcare $480
- Federal tax $480
- State tax $163
- Rent $870
- Energy $212
- Water $60
- Groceries $572
- Transport $420
- Healthcare $864
- Federal tax $593
- State tax $233
- Rent $1,120
- Energy $266
- Water $70
- Groceries $867
- Transport $520
- Healthcare $1,350
- Childcare $1,200
- Federal tax $593
- State tax $233
Frequently asked questions about Union County
Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.
What is the average rent in Union County?
In Union County, IL, a one-bedroom apartment averages $667 per month, a two-bedroom averages $870 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,120 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.
What is the average salary in Union County?
In Union County, IL, the average household income is $56,420 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $39,438 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
What is the cost of living in Union County?
The estimated cost of living in Union County, IL is approximately $2,682 per month for a single person, $3,824 for a couple, $6,219 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.
What is the sales tax rate in Union County?
The combined sales tax rate in Union County, IL is 8.82%, which includes the Illinois state rate of 6.25% plus an average local rate of 2.57%.
Is Union County an affordable place to live?
Based on the data, a single person in Union County, IL would need approximately $2,682 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $56,420 per year ($4,702 per month). Union County has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.
How much does healthcare cost in Union County?
The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Union County, IL is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 6.6% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.
What are house prices in Union County?
The average home value in Union County, IL is $131,700, with average annual property taxes of $1,851, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
How does Union County compare to other areas?
You can compare Union County, IL with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Union County is in Illinois.
Other counties in Illinois
Browse the full list of counties in Illinois, ranked by cost of living.
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About this data
All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.
- HUD FMR FY2025
- ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
- EIA
- ACS + national avg
- ACS
- USDA + BEA RPP