Have you been looking for a quiet Midwestern town with friendly neighbors and a low cost of living? You should consider living in Union OH. Union is a city in the Dayton metro area known for its affordability, high quality of life, and good schools.
Settlers Daniel Razor and David Hoover platted the area in 1816, and it quickly developed into an agricultural community. Later, it became an industrial center, with many mills and factories opening in the city.
Today, Union is a good place to live for families and retirees who want a safe community with affordable homes. Think this may be the ideal community for you? Here is everything you need to know about moving to Union OH.
Where Is Union OH?
Union, Ohio, is in Montgomery and Miami County within the Dayton Metropolitan Statistical Area. The Stillwater River runs along the city’s east side. Ohio State Route 48 also passes through town, offering access to other parts of the state. So commuters living in Union OH have plenty of options.
Union is actually located further west than the village of West Union in Adams County. Despite their similar names, Union and the village of West Union are about 120 miles apart.
Other communities near Union include Englewood, Clayton, Phillipsburg, Potsdam, and West Milton.
It’s about 16 miles or a 24-minute drive from Union to Dayton, and Union to Cincinnati is 70 miles or a 1-hour 40-minute drive.
Union Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the Union Ohio population is 6,859. This small but steadily growing city has seen a modest yet consistent increase in recent years, with the number of people living in Union increasing by 6.8% between 2010 and 2020. Union has a quiet, suburban charm with a low-key pace of life, reflected in its population density of 835 people per square mile
The community mostly consists of families, working professionals, and retirees living in Union OH. Approximately 26% of residents are under 18, 17% are in their 30’s, and 21% are over 65, indicating a different balance of age groups that supports young and older people alike.
While Union isn’t particularly known for its racial or ethnic diversity, 90.8% of residents are white (90.4% white, non-Hispanic).
Black or African American residents make up 2.6%, Hispanic or Latino residents 1.3%, and 5.5% identify as two or more races. Union’s diversity has been gradually increasing as more families relocate from nearby Dayton and beyond.
A few famous people have lived in Union, including author Bernie Babcock, known for her works of historical fiction, and politician John McDougal, who went on to serve as governor of California.
Other Union Demographics
- The median age of the Union population is 37
- The median household income is $68,837, which is about the same as the rest of Ohio
- 96.7% of people living in Union OH have a high school education, and 21% have a bachelor’s degree or higher
- The foreign-born Union OH population is 0.3%
- 52% of people living in Union OH are women, and 48% are men
Living in Union OH is very safe, especially when you compare it to the rest of the country. The total crime rate is just 583 crimes per 100,000 people, which is 72% lower than the Ohio average and 75% lower than the U.S. average.
- Violent crime is quite rare, coming in 85% below the national average.
- The murder rate is zero, and there is very little violent crime aside from a few minor assaults and robberies.
- Property crime is also low, 70% lower than the national average, making it a popular choice for families and retirees looking for a quiet community.
The Union Police Department handles crime in the community with a dedicated staff of over 60 officers and civilian employees.
Cost of Living in Union OH
The cost of living in Union OH is also very affordable compared to the rest of the country. The cost of living index is a great way to assess an area’s affordability. It compares the typical price of consumer goods to the rest of the country, which is represented by 100. The COLI for the Dayton area is 95, indicating that living in Union OH is about 5% less expensive than living in the typical US city.
The Family Budget Calculator that the Economic Policy Institute created is also a good resource. It shows that the typical family of four with two parents and two kids needs to earn about $96,904 to afford the cost of living in Union OH.
Typical expenses of living in Union OH
- Meal at a mid-range restaurant: $57.50
- Regular cappuccino: $4.41
- 12 oz bottle of water: $1.53
- 1 gallon of regular milk: $2.02
- 1 gallon of gasoline: $3.18
- 1 dozen regular eggs: $2.99
- Mid-range bottle of wine: $15.00
Source: Numbeo
*numbers reflect the Dayton area but will be similar for anyone living in Union OH
Union real estate is also especially affordable. Redfin shows that the median price of homes for sale in Union OH, is $312,500. That makes Union Ohio real estate 26% less expensive than the median in the US. The median price per square foot is $145.
Tenants will also find a decent selection of homes for rent in Union, Ohio. Census data shows that 79% of homes are owner-occupied, while 21% are rented out. According to Rentcafe, the average rent in Union is $1,021 per month.
You won’t find many large high-rise buildings with 50+ units while living in Union OH. However, 58% of rentals are in small-scale buildings, and the rest are single-family homes. Rent prices start around $825 for a 1 bedroom and go up to $1700 for three or more bedrooms.
Union Neighborhoods | Where To Live in Union
For a relatively small city, you’ll find a great selection of beautiful neighborhoods offering affordable homes on spacious plots of land. Anyone moving to Union OH should check out these neighborhoods.
Concord Meadows | A New Construction Community With a Range of Affordable Homes
Located on the north side of Union at the end of Concord Farm Road, Concord Meadows is a new construction community featuring 3-5 bedroom, single-family homes starting in the low $200,000s. Ideal for anyone living in Union OH who wants affordable homes.
Five Rivers Reserve | A Peaceful Community In a Safe, Quiet Area
Five Rivers Reserve is a peaceful community located north of Quinter Farm Road, featuring new homes and easy access to nature.
Irongate Estates | A Family-Friendly Union Neighborhood With Desirable Amenities
Irongate Estates is an upscale community located along Phillipsburg-Union Road. It features new homes, an active HOA, and a community pool, perfect for families living in Union OH.
Union Weather & Climate
Union Ohio weather is fairly typical for what you would expect in the Midwest. It has a humid continental climate, which means hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters.
Temperatures usually stay between 21°F and 48°F, although summers can get up to 91°F and winters can drop down to 3°F. The best time to visit a friend living in Union OH is typically between June and September.
You’ll want to prepare for precipitation if you plan on moving to Union OH. It averages approximately 40 inches of rain and 16 inches of snow annually. So don’t forget that umbrella!
Things to Do in Union
Union is a small, primarily residential community, and you won’t find too many unique attractions in town. However, the surrounding areas offer residents living in Union OH plenty of fun things to do .
A few shops along Main Street include the 70’s Rock Shop and Rustic and Rooted. The Northmont Plaza Shopping Center in Englewood is also just a quick drive. Beyond just shopping, here are a few of the best things to do in Union.
Aullwood Garden MetroPark
One of the best things to do in Union on a sunny weekend is to visit the Aullwood House and Garden, a property included on the National Register of Historic Places that offers a beautiful flower garden, fishing ponds, walking trails, an animal sanctuary, and a farm area.
955 Aullwood Rd, Dayton, OH 45414 (937) 275-7275
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Meadowbrook at Clayton
Meadowbrook at Clayton is a popular golf club among affluent residents living in Union OH, that features an 18-hole public course, indoor facilities, an event space, and other upscale amenities.
6001 Salem Ave, Clayton, OH 45315 (937) 836-6353
Covered Wagon Farm Market
The Covered Wagon Farm Market is a flower/produce market and greenhouse that offers the ultimate farm-to-table experience. It also has a deli and fresh baked goods, making it a popular breakfast spot for anyone living in Union OH.
607 N Main St, Englewood, OH 45322 (937) 832-0807
Additional Union Attractions
For those searching for more Union attractions, the city’s Parks Department has a list of community parks and helpful links on its website.
Union Restaurants
Although there aren’t very many restaurants in Union, you’ll still encounter plenty of great places to eat in the local community. Here are a few of the best restaurants in Union Ohio.
Home Sweet Home Cafe
Home Sweet Home is a family-owned cafe serving a delicious menu of classic American entrees, including cheese steaks, meatloaf, roast beef, and more.
320 W National Rd #6, Englewood, OH 45322 (937) 832-2765
Cafe Terra Mediterranean Cuisine
Cafe Terra is a fantastic restaurant in northwest Dayton that serves authentic Greek and Turkish dishes, including gyros and shish kebabs, in a relaxed setting.
8351 N Main St, Dayton, OH 45415 (937) 387-9622
Marion’s Pizza
Nicknamed “the best pizza in Dayton”, Marion’s Pizza is a popular chain with a location near Union that serves homemade pies and other entrees in a welcoming environment.
404 W National Rd, Englewood, OH 45322 (937) 832-0333
Jobs in Union
Living in Union OH offers easy access to fantastic employment opportunities. Most residents work in industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and retail. The local Economic Development Department supports local businesses and creates Union Ohio jobs.
Its close proximity to Dayton also offers employment opportunities in key sectors like defense, aerospace R&D, IT, and advanced manufacturing. It’s home to valuable facilities like Wright-Patterson Airforce Base and the Great Miami Buried Aquifer.
Largest employers in the Dayton area:
Employees living in Union OH will be well-compensated as Payscale shows that the average salary in Dayton is $75,000 per year. From software developers to Chick-fil-A team members, employment seekers will find plenty of fantastic Union jobs available in a wide range of industries.
Union Schools
You may want to know about the quality of the schools if you plan on moving to Union OH. Which Union school district students will attend depends on what part of the community they live in.
Kids living in Union OH on the Montgomery County side west of the Stillwater River, will attend Northmont City School District schools. Northmont High School is one of the more well-regarded Union high schools and ranks 151st in the state with a 95% graduation rate.
Students living in Union OH, on the East Side of the River in Montgomery County, will attend schools in the Vandalia Butler City School District. In contrast, those in Miami County attend the Milton Unified Exempted Village School District. Milton Union is also fairly well-regarded and ranks 208th in Ohio with a 90% graduation rate.
The Miami Valley Career Technology Center for Adult Education is also nearby in Clayton. Residents of Union who like to read are also invited to check out the Milton Union Public Library in West Milton.
Union Statistics & Information
- Union County: Montgomery and Miami County
- Union area: 8.38 square miles
- Union zip code: 45322 and 45377
- Union area code(s): 937 and 326
- Union elevation: 817 ft
- Union time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC-4 and -5)
- The closest airport to Union: The Dayton International Airport (DAY) is 6.6 miles away.
Union OH Map
Discover more activities, attractions, and fun things to do in the Union OH zip code with this map.
Learn What Living in Union OH Is Really Like
Ready to see for yourself what living in Union OH is really like? Trust the dedicated Cincinnati movers at Bell Moving and Storage to make your upcoming move easy and stress-free. Call (513) 942-7500 today for a free quote.
