Union County, Pennsylvania

County Distress Index: Healthy · 27.8 | 42,042 people · 67th most distressed in Pennsylvania
American Default Research

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Union County, PA ranks among the least distressed counties in the country at 27.8 — 2858th nationally out of 3144 counties. The primary driver is Housing Cost Burden, where housing costs consume a moderate share of household income. Within Pennsylvania, it ranks 67th of 67 counties. It scores lower than all 6 of its neighboring counties.

The Numbers Behind the Score

The CDI measures five statistically derived factors of household financial distress, PCA-weighted. Union County's primary driver is Housing Cost Burden at 60.5 — above the national median.

Housing Cost Burden Primary driver 60.5
Rent-Burdened (30%+) 73
Severely Rent-Burdened (50%+) 49
Mortgage-Burdened (30%+) 49
Homeownership Rate 65
Structural Poverty 23.4
Unemployment Rate 38
Poverty Rate 32
Income vs. State Median 10
Child Poverty Rate 17
Disability Rate 26
Transfer Income Dependency 25
Economic Vitality 21.8
Wage-to-Rent Ratio 10
Rent-to-Income Ratio 1
Business Formation Rate 92
House Price Change (YoY) 7
Consumer Credit Distress 18.3
Debt in Collections 16
Medical Debt 26
Auto Loan Delinquency 3
Credit Card Delinquency 15
Uninsured Rate 64
Subprime Credit Population 14
Legal Distress 6.2
Bankruptcy Filing Rate 6

Scores are percentile-based: 50 = national median, higher = more distressed.

Neighbors and Peers

Neighboring Counties

CountyScoreZonevs. Union County
Union County, PA 27.8 Healthy —
Lycoming County, PA 52.8 Elevated +25.0
Clinton County, PA 51.3 Elevated +23.5
Northumberland County, PA 46.0 Normal +18.2
Mifflin County, PA 44.7 Normal +16.9
Centre County, PA 39.4 Normal +11.5
Snyder County, PA 36.1 Normal +8.3

Population Peers

CountyScoreZonevs. Union County
Taylor County, WI 27.9 Healthy +0.0
Floyd County, IA 27.7 Healthy -0.1
Summit County, CO 27.9 Healthy +0.1
Roseau County, MN 27.9 Healthy +0.1
Oconto County, WI 27.7 Healthy -0.1

Download Data

Export all distress indicators for Union County as a CSV file.

Find Help in Union County

Find an Attorney

Pennsylvania Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service offers a lawyer referral service for bankruptcy, foreclosure defense, and consumer rights.

Pennsylvania Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service 1-800-932-0311

Free Legal Aid

Legal aid organizations serving Union County residents at no cost.

Community Legal Services of Philadelphia 215-981-3700
MidPenn Legal Services 1-800-326-9177
Neighborhood Legal Services Association 412-255-6700
Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network (PLAN)
Laurel Legal Services, Inc. (800) 253-9558
Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania (877) 429-5994
North Penn Legal Services, Inc. (877) 953-4250
Northwestern Legal Services (814) 452-6957
Philadelphia Legal Assistance Center (215) 981-3800
Summit Legal Aid (800) 846-0871

American Default Research does not endorse, rate, or rank any provider. Verify attorney credentials with your state bar.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the distress score for Union County, Pennsylvania?

    Union County has a County Distress Index score of 27.8 out of 100, placing it in the Healthy zone. It ranks 2,858th nationally out of 3,144 counties and 67th in Pennsylvania out of 67 counties.

  • What drives financial distress in Union County?

    The primary driver of distress in Union County is Housing Cost Burden, where the county scores 60.5 out of 100. This domain is measured by indicators including Rent-Burdened (30%+), Severely Rent-Burdened (50%+), Mortgage-Burdened (30%+).

  • How does Union County compare to neighboring counties?

    Union County (27.8) can be compared to its 6 neighboring counties: Lycoming County, PA (52.8); Clinton County, PA (51.3); Northumberland County, PA (46.0).

  • How is the County Distress Index calculated?

    The County Distress Index uses PCA-weighted percentile scoring across five statistically derived factors: Consumer Credit Distress (47.5%), Housing Cost Burden (22.3%), Structural Poverty (13.6%), Economic Vitality (9.2%), and Legal Distress (7.4%). Each county's indicators are ranked against all 3,144 U.S. counties. A score of 50 means the county is at the national median; higher scores indicate greater distress.

  • How often is the CDI updated?

    Annually, aligned to Census American Community Survey and Urban Institute Debt in America release windows — the slowest-moving source inputs. Between annual refreshes, faster-cadence indicators (BLS unemployment, QCEW wages) may drive light mid-year updates if a specific component moves meaningfully. Current data compiled April 14, 2026; next full refresh early 2027.

  • What does the Healthy zone mean?

    The CDI divides counties into five zones: Healthy (below 46), Normal (46–55), Elevated (55–71), Serious (71–86), and Crisis (86 and above). Union County's score of 27.8 sits in the Healthy zone (below 46).

  • What data sources power Union County's CDI score?

    Union County's CDI score draws on Urban Institute Debt in America (Equifax credit-bureau panel), U.S. Census Bureau (American Community Survey 5-year, Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates), Bureau of Labor Statistics (LAUS, QCEW), U.S. Courts Administrative Office (F-5A bankruptcy filings), and HUD Fair Market Rents. Every number on this page traces to one of these public sources.

  • What is the population of Union County?

    Union County, Pennsylvania has a population of approximately 42,042 (2023 Census estimate), classified as a small county.