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Is Union City a Good Place to Live? Union City, New Jersey: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Union City ranks #645 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #287 of 524 smaller cities and #8 of 20 in New Jersey. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high poverty (23.1%, #485 of 524) and long commutes (33.1 min, #471 of 524).
Union City by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Union City's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Union City?
Union City's cost of living index is 112.6, 13% above the US level of 100 and #1160 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,537/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $563,754, 3% below the typical New Jersey home ($580,353).
| Measure | Union City | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 112.6#1160 of 1,308 | 108.8 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $563,754#904 of 1,187 | $580,353 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,396/mo#878 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $471,600#931 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,537/mo#744 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 7.3x#1173 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 28.7%#1216 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). New Jersey is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Union City housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Union City is in the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA metro.
New Jersey housing market →Is Union City safe?
Union City recorded 248 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 24% below the US rate of 328 and 28% above New Jersey's 194. That ranks #455 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #209 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Union City Police Department. Property crime runs 1,402 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Union City | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 248#455 of 1,085 | 194 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,402#424 of 1,085 | 1,250 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). New Jersey is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Union City?
The median household in Union City earns $64,310, 23% below the US figure of $83,163 and 38% below New Jersey ($104,294). Unemployment is 5.5% (US 4.3%). 23.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Union City | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $64,310#944 of 1,312 | $104,294 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 5.5%#929 of 1,058 | 5.2% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 23.1%#1194 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.4%#435 of 1,132 | +0.4% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). New Jersey is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Union City?
The median resident of Union City is 37.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 28.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #861 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 19.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Union City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 37.4 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 28.3%#861 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 19.1% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Union City's schools and health?
Union City's 14 public schools graduate 88% of students in four years (New Jersey 85.2%), with 16.2 students per teacher and $25,585 spent per pupil. 33.6% of adults are obese and 13.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Union City | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 88%#518 of 1,063 | 85.2% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 16.2#655 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $25,585#54 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 33.6%#665 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 13.8%#1056 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 16.1%#434 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 27.9%#1288 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). New Jersey is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 11,588 students are enrolled in Union City's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Union City?
The average commute in Union City is 33.1 minutes (New Jersey 31.9); 36.8% of workers take transit and 7.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Union City scores 15.5 of 20 (most walkable), #14 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 75.6°F and winters 35.2°F, with 46.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Union City | New JerseyNJ | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 33.1 min#1227 of 1,312 | 31.9 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 14.7%#1216 of 1,312 | 15.2% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 33.6% | 63.3% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 36.8% | 9.7% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 10% | 2.5% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 7.9% | 13.5% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 15.5#14 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). New Jersey is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 39.9 | 25.7 | 3.3 |
| Feb | 42.8 | 27 | 2.8 |
| Mar | 50.6 | 34 | 4.1 |
| Apr | 62.5 | 43.7 | 4 |
| May | 73.1 | 53.3 | 3.9 |
| Jun | 82 | 63.1 | 4.3 |
| Jul | 87 | 68.9 | 4.5 |
| Aug | 85.1 | 67.3 | 4.3 |
| Sep | 78.4 | 59.9 | 4.1 |
| Oct | 66.8 | 47.9 | 3.7 |
| Nov | 55.5 | 38.3 | 3.3 |
| Dec | 44.9 | 30.8 | 4.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Teterboro Airport.
| Measure | Union City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 55.4°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 75.6°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 35.2°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 46.3 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Teterboro Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Union City?
Hudson County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 72% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Hudson County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, coastal flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.19% of building value, higher than 68% of US counties.
| Measure | Union City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 41#404 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 3#572 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.19%#889 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Hudson County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Hudson County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.14% | 88% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0083% | 80% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0083% | 76% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0077% | 72% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0021% | 23% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Union City compare with similar-size cities?
Union City is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #287 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 66,463.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Union City, NJPop. 66,463 | #645 | 55.9 | $64,310 | $1,537/mo | 248 | 33.1 min |
| Alpharetta, GAPop. 66,855 | #54 | 70.6 | $147,612 | $1,948/mo | 220 | 26.3 min |
| Oshkosh, WIPop. 66,729 | #377 | 60.4 | $62,188 | $935/mo | 257 | 18.1 min |
| Novi, MIPop. 66,717 | #96 | 68.5 | $110,723 | $1,747/mo | 97 | 26.2 min |
| Ocala, FLPop. 66,584 | #962 | 50.7 | $56,376 | $1,359/mo | 393 | 19.2 min |
| Caldwell, IDPop. 66,516 | #551 | 57.3 | $73,058 | $1,264/mo | 482 | 24.6 min |
| Sammamish, WAPop. 66,463 | #210 | 64.2 | $239,690 | $2,857/mo | part year | 29.3 min |
| Commerce City, COPop. 66,445 | #707 | 54.8 | $111,972 | $1,880/mo | 742 | 29.7 min |
| Palatine, ILPop. 66,293 | #145 | 66.5 | $97,819 | $1,549/mo | 86 | 27.7 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Union City compare with the rest of New Jersey?
Union City ranks #8 of the 20 New Jersey cities we track, with a score of 55.9 against New Jersey's statewide 55. Its households earn 38% below the New Jersey median. Violent crime is 28% above the statewide rate. Homes are 3% below the typical New Jersey home.
| City | Rank in NJ | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hoboken, NJPop. 58,668 | #1 | 74.2 | $180,579 | $2,938/mo | 199 |
| Clifton, NJPop. 89,379 | #2 | 63.4 | $98,237 | $1,711/mo | 166 |
| Hackensack, NJPop. 46,057 | #3 | 62.2 | $84,277 | $1,911/mo | 235 |
| Jersey City, NJPop. 294,078 | #4 | 60.5 | $97,710 | $2,007/mo | 487 |
| Bayonne, NJPop. 71,553 | #5 | 60.0 | $83,887 | $1,682/mo | 275 |
| Toms River, NJPop. 94,956 | #6 | 59.7 | $100,137 | $1,731/mo | no data |
| West New York, NJPop. 52,004 | #7 | 58.1 | $71,729 | $1,716/mo | 236 |
| Union City, NJPop. 66,463 | #8 | 55.9 | $64,310 | $1,537/mo | 248 |
| Elizabeth, NJPop. 137,302 | #9 | 52.3 | $66,555 | $1,523/mo | 345 |
| New Brunswick, NJPop. 56,345 | #10 | 51.5 | $65,810 | $1,814/mo | 504 |
| Perth Amboy, NJPop. 55,855 | #11 | 51.4 | $61,977 | $1,688/mo | 269 |
| Lakewood, NJPop. 69,585 | #12 | 50.9 | $56,968 | $1,718/mo | no data |
| Vineland, NJPop. 61,006 | #13 | 50.7 | $67,860 | $1,233/mo | 408 |
| Plainfield, NJPop. 55,236 | #14 | 50.7 | $85,908 | $1,767/mo | 411 |
| East Orange, NJPop. 70,090 | #15 | 49.7 | $60,830 | $1,441/mo | 426 |
| Passaic, NJPop. 70,002 | #16 | 47.9 | $55,371 | $1,465/mo | 585 |
| Newark, NJPop. 310,178 | #17 | 47.7 | $52,060 | $1,392/mo | 517 |
| Paterson, NJPop. 158,735 | #18 | 43.1 | $55,997 | $1,548/mo | 869 |
| Trenton, NJPop. 90,338 | #19 | 42.8 | $52,537 | $1,294/mo | 808 |
| Camden, NJPop. 71,496 | #20 | 38.0 | $40,546 | $1,226/mo | 1,312 |
All 20 New Jersey cities we track, by overall score. New Jersey statewide: median income $104,294, violent crime 193.8 per 100,000.
How is Union City's score calculated?
Union City scores 55.9 out of 100, #645 of 1,312 (grade B, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with New Jersey's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Union City. Similar-size median 55.5.
39.2 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Union City's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
80.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Union City. Similar-size median 58.9.
52.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Union City's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
76.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Union City's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
51.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Union City. Similar-size median 56.1.
25.5 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Union City. Similar-size median 42.4.
39.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Union City. Similar-size median 50.0.
62.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Union City's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
76.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
45.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Union City's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Union City has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Union City
Is Union City, NJ a good place to live?
Union City ranks #645 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #287 of 524 smaller cities and #8 of 20 in New Jersey. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high poverty (23.1%, #485 of 524) and long commutes (33.1 min, #471 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Union City?
Union City's cost of living index is 112.6, 13% above the US level of 100 and #1160 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,537/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $563,754, 3% below the typical New Jersey home ($580,353).
What is the crime rate in Union City?
Union City recorded 248 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 24% below the US rate of 328 and 28% above New Jersey's 194. That ranks #455 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #209 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Union City Police Department. Property crime runs 1,402 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Union City?
The median household in Union City earns $64,310, 23% below the US figure of $83,163 and 38% below New Jersey ($104,294). Unemployment is 5.5% (US 4.3%). 23.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Union City?
Median rent in Union City is $1,537/mo (Census), #744 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,396/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 28.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Union City?
The typical home value in Union City is $563,754, up 5.3% in a year, against $580,353 for New Jersey and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $471,600.
How are the public schools in Union City?
Union City's 14 public schools graduate 88% of students in four years (New Jersey 85.2%), with 16.2 students per teacher and $25,585 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Union City?
The average commute is 33.1 minutes, #1227 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 31.9 minutes across New Jersey. 14.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Union City?
Union City averages 55.4°F over the year, 75.6°F in summer and 35.2°F in winter, with 46.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Union City walkable?
Union City scores 15.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (most walkable), #14 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Union City at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Hudson County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, coastal flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.19% of building value, higher than 68% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Union City?
Hudson County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 72% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Union City?
Union City has 66,463 residents. The median resident of Union City is 37.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 28.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #861 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 19.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Union City compare with the rest of New Jersey?
Union City ranks #8 of the 20 New Jersey cities we track, with a score of 55.9 against New Jersey's statewide 55. Its households earn 38% below the New Jersey median. Violent crime is 28% above the statewide rate. Homes are 3% below the typical New Jersey home.
What cities are similar in size to Union City?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Union City's population of 66,463 are Alpharetta, GA (#54 overall), Oshkosh, WI (#377 overall), Novi, MI (#96 overall), Ocala, FL (#962 overall), and Caldwell, ID (#551 overall). Union City is #645.