Everything You Should Know Before Moving to South Union, KY
Thinking of making South Union, KY your new home? This small, friendly community of about 500 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $172,000 and average rents of $870. Enjoy a relatively low violent crime rate (76 per 100K), short 23-minute commutes, and proximity to quality schools and healthcare in nearby Bowling Green. South Union’s warm summers, mild winters, and 60% sunny days per year make it a welcoming spot for those seeking a quieter lifestyle with rural charm.
Demographics - South Union, KY
Demographics - South Union, KY
South Union is a close-knit rural community of around 500 residents, with a median age of 41 and a balanced gender ratio. The population is predominantly White (nearly 88%), with small Black, Asian, and other minority groups, and just over 4% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The low population density and mature demographic offer a peaceful, neighborly environment.
Population:
500
Density:
130 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.3
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
87.6%
Black:
6.1%
Asian:
1.1%
Others:
5.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in South Union, KY?
South Union boasts a cost of living index significantly below the national average, with median home values at $172,000 and average rents of $870 per month. Residents benefit from affordable utilities, modest property taxes, and overall lower expenses for groceries, healthcare, and transportation. This affordability makes the city attractive for families and retirees seeking value in everyday living.
Median House Value:
$172,000
Gross Rent:
$870
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,210
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$990
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$350
State Taxes:
Low:
2%
|
High:
5%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.3
Grocery:
91.2
Housing:
70.8
Utilities:
95.2
Transportation:
80.4
Health Care:
87.5
Miscellaneous:
89.0
Crime
Is South Union, KY a safe place to live?
South Union enjoys a low violent crime rate of 76 incidents per 100,000 residents, making it a safe choice for families. Property crime is more common, but overall, the city offers a secure environment with a 1 in 1,315 chance of experiencing violent crime. Residents can feel comfortable in their daily lives thanks to these favorable safety statistics.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
76
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,120
Crime Index:
1,196
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,315
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 89
Weather
What is the weather like in South Union, KY year-round?
The climate in South Union features warm summers reaching highs near 89°F, mild winters averaging around 45°F, and pleasant spring and fall seasons. The city receives about 52 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine roughly 60% of the year. This weather supports a comfortable, outdoor-friendly lifestyle for much of the year.
Winter
Min:
27°F
Max:
45°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
70°F
Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
51.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Households in South Union typically earn around $64,500, with a poverty rate just above 12% and an unemployment rate of 4.7%. Most residents have completed high school, and nearly 20% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The low use of public transport and average commute of 23 minutes reflect the town’s rural character and reliance on personal vehicles.
Median Income:
$37,000
Household Income:
$64,500
Family Income:
$72,000
Per Capita Income:
$27,400
Income Male:
$40,800
Income Female:
$32,900
Poverty Rate:
12.1%
Non English Speakers:
4.2%
Rent:
$870
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
23.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
87.9%
Bachelors or More:
19.5%
Education
How are the schools in South Union, KY?
Families in South Union benefit from local public schools like Auburn Elementary, which maintains a favorable student-teacher ratio of 15.5. For higher education, Western Kentucky University in nearby Bowling Green offers a range of degree programs just 15 miles away. This combination supports educational opportunities from early childhood through college.
Public Schools
Name:
Auburn Elementary School
Street:
232 Main St, Auburn, KY 42206
Phone:
270-542-4181
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Colleges
Name:
Western Kentucky University
City:
Bowling Green
State:
KY
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
16,750
Healthcare
South Union residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like The Medical Center at Bowling Green nearby and nearly 2 physicians per 1,000 people. Over 90% of locals have health insurance, supporting broad access to medical services. The area’s healthcare infrastructure provides peace of mind for families and seniors alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
The Medical Center at Bowling Green
Address:
250 Park St, Bowling Green, KY 42101
Phone:
(270) 745-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.4%
Health Care Index:
68.7
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in South Union, KY?
The housing market in South Union is accessible, with a median home price of $172,000 and a strong owner-occupancy rate of 77%. Homes appreciate at a steady annual rate of 5.2%, while rental options remain available with moderate vacancy. These factors combine to create a stable, appealing environment for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$172,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$870
Owner Occupied Rate:
77.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents of South Union can manage vehicle registration and licensing through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet located in Frankfort or online at drive.ky.gov. The DMV offers essential services for drivers and vehicle owners in a straightforward, statewide system. Local access and online resources make handling motor vehicle needs convenient.
State:
Kentucky
Department:
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet - Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing
Address:
200 Mero St, Frankfort, KY 40622
Phone:
502-564-1257
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.