Union County Public RecordsIowa

Union County, Iowa, had approximately 8,350 registered voters as of 2024, primarily affiliating as Republican (about 4,100), Democrat (around 1,600), and No Party (over 2,500). The county holds regular primary, general, city, and school board elections, managed by the Union County Auditor. Polling locations include venues in Creston and Afton. In the 2020 presidential election, Republicans won with 65% of the vote. Key issues include rural development and school funding. Local election results and locations are published on the Union County Auditor’s website, ensuring transparent administration and voter accessibility.

Union County, IA maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state averages. In 2023, the county reported approximately 120 total criminal incidents, with property crimes (such as theft and burglary) accounting for 75 cases, and violent crimes (including assault and robbery) totaling 15 cases. The Union County Sheriff’s Office maintains transparent crime reporting and works closely with the Community Crime Prevention Program. The overall crime rate is about 13.2 incidents per 1,000 residents, indicating a generally safe environment for families and businesses.

As of the 2020 Census, Union County, Iowa, had a population of 12,138. The median age was 42.3 years. Gender distribution was roughly even, with 49.6% male and 50.4% female. The racial makeup was 94.7% White, 0.6% Black or African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.3% Asian, and 1.7% from two or more races; 2.9% identified as Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Union County, Iowa, has 9 public schools, including 2 high schools, serving around 1,600 students. Approximately 87% of adults hold a high school diploma, while 19% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools here score about 6/10 on rating sites, reflecting average performance. Adult education programs are available through Southwestern Community College. Union County schools prioritize safety, maintaining below-average incident rates, and offer various academic and extracurricular programs, including STEM and vocational training.

Union County, IA, had an unemployment rate of 2.5% as of early 2024. About 62% of residents participate in the labor force. Major employment sectors include health care and social assistance (22%), manufacturing (15%), retail trade (12%), and education services (10%). The most common occupations are office/administrative support (14%), production (12%), and management (11%). Nearly 78% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 18 minutes; approximately 70% work within the county, while others commute to neighboring areas like Adams and Madison Counties.

Union County, IA, has a homeownership rate of about 75%, with a median home value around $120,000 (2022). Median gross rent is approximately $675 per month. The property market is stable, showing modest annual appreciation of 2-3%. Housing types are primarily single-family homes, with some duplexes and small apartment buildings, spread across quiet neighborhoods like Creston and Afton. Property tax rates average 1.3%, meaning around $1,560 annually on a median-valued home. Rural and small-town settings dominate, offering affordable options for both buyers and renters.