Stretched

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Union?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Union, you need to earn at least $37,240/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $32,548, which means the typical resident is $4,692 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 8,099

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$652	$2,173	$26,080	$-6,468
1 Bedroom	$773	$2,577	$30,920	$-1,628
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$931	$3,103	$37,240	+$4,692
3 Bedroom	$1,136	$3,787	$45,440	+$12,892
4 Bedroom	$1,397	$4,657	$55,880	+$23,332

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Union's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$32,548

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$37,240

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$4,692

Deficit

Verdict

Stretched

Ratio: 34.3%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Union

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Union's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$814

Studio

$652/mo

1 BR

$773/mo

2 BR

$931/mo

3 BR

$1,136/mo

4 BR

$1,397/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Union.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Union's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Union

Renting in Union is stretched but not impossible. The gap is a relatively narrow $4,692, suggesting that households slightly above median can find workable arrangements — especially with studios at $652/month.

If you're relocating to Union, target the studio or 1-bedroom tier ($652–$773/month) unless your income exceeds $37,240. A roommate splitting a 2-bedroom effectively halves the individual rent burden to $466/month.

The break-even salary for comfortable living in Union is approximately $55,860. Below this threshold, expect housing to consume a disproportionate share of your budget, limiting discretionary spending and savings capacity.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Union, South Carolina.

With a total population of 8,099, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 3,155 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $37,240 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

3,155

Active civilian employees in Union

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Union

What salary do I need to live in Union, South Carolina?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Union under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $37,240. The median household income in Union is $32,548.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Union on $32,548?

The affordability verdict for Union is "Stretched". The rent-to-income ratio is 34.3%, meaning there's a $4,692 income gap.

What is the average rent in Union compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Union is $773/month. With a median household income of $32,548, residents spend approximately 34.3% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Union?

A studio in Union rents for approximately $652/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $26,080 to afford this.

Is Union considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $4,692 and an affordability verdict of "Stretched", Union is considered a stretched rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $37,240 to the local median household income.

How Union Compares

Other cities in South Carolina with salary requirements