Union County, Mississippi

Economic Overview

Union County continues to demonstrate steady growth and resilience, with a diverse economy anchored by manufacturing, transportation, and healthcare. The 2025 Economic Overview provides a detailed look at the county’s demographics, workforce, wages, and industry trends—offering valuable insights for businesses, community leaders, and residents alike.

Key Highlights
Demographics
• Population: 28,009 residents
• Median Age: 38.4 years
• Median Household Income: $56,807
• Educational Attainment: 16.1% of adults (25–64) hold a bachelor’s degree or higher
Union County’s population has grown modestly in recent years, with a balanced age distribution and a strong base of working-age residents.

Employment & Workforce
• Total Employment (2025Q1): 13,559 jobs
• Annual Job Growth: +1.8% (outpacing both state and national averages)
• Unemployment Rate (Aug 2025): 3.5% (lower than the U.S. rate of 4.5%)
The county’s workforce participation rate stands at 57.1%, with particularly strong engagement among prime working-age adults (25–54).

Wages & Cost of Living
• Average Annual Wage: $51,423 (up 9.5% over the past year)
• Cost of Living: 18.1% below the U.S. average
• Purchasing Power: Equivalent to $62,767 when adjusted for cost of living
This combination of rising wages and affordable living makes Union County an attractive place for both workers and employers.

Industry Strengths
 Top Sectors by Employment:
• Manufacturing (32.4% of jobs; 4,392 workers)
• Transportation & Warehousing (12.4%; 1,680 workers)
• Health Care & Social Assistance (11.7%; 1,588 workers)

High-Wage Sectors:
• Management of Companies & Enterprises ($84,360 average wage)
• Manufacturing ($72,982)
• Utilities ($57,129)
Union County’s economy is highly specialized in manufacturing, with a location quotient of 4.14—indicating a concentration more than four times the national average.

Occupations
• Largest Occupation Groups:
• Production (3,014 workers)
• Transportation & Material Moving (1,873 workers)
• Office & Administrative Support (1,194 workers)
• Highest-Paying Occupations:
• Legal ($94,800)
• Management ($92,800)
• Architecture & Engineering ($83,100)
Looking ahead, healthcare support and transportation-related occupations are projected to see the strongest growth.

Why This Matters
The Economic Overview highlights Union County’s competitive advantages: a skilled workforce, affordable cost of living, and strong industrial base. These factors position the county as a hub for continued investment, job creation, and community development.