Union County Public RecordsFlorida

Union County, FL, had about 8,000 registered voters as of 2024. Voters participate in federal, state, county, and municipal elections. In the 2020 presidential election, 82% of votes favored the Republican candidate, and around 17% went Democratic. Elections are administered by the Union County Supervisor of Elections, with three main polling locations: Lake Butler Community Center, Worthington Springs Community Center, and Raiford Community Center. Party registration skews heavily Republican, with over 60% GOP, 30% Democrat, and the rest affiliated with minor parties or no party. Key local issues include education funding and criminal justice reform.

Union County, FL, has one of the lower crime rates in the state, with a total crime rate of approximately 1,145 incidents per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 2,346. Violent crime is rare, averaging about 120 cases annually, while property crime reports are under 300 cases per year. The Union County Sheriff’s Office conducts regular patrols and emphasizes community reporting, resulting in a clearance rate above 50% for major offenses. Residents generally report a high sense of safety, bolstered by active neighborhood watch programs and public safety initiatives.

As of 2023, Union County, FL, has an estimated population of around 16,200. The median age is approximately 38 years. Gender distribution is nearly even, with 49.8% male and 50.2% female. Racially, the population is 68% White, 27% Black or African American, 3% two or more races, and about 2% Hispanic or Latino. The county features a mix of rural communities and correctional facilities, which significantly affects demographic statistics.

Union County, FL has a small but focused education system, serving around 2,200 students in 3 public schools, including Union County High School. The high school graduation rate is about 88%. Roughly 10% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools consistently perform near the state average on standardized tests, with Union County High ranked in the top 30% for Florida. The district emphasizes safety, employing SROs and security measures. Educational programs include dual enrollment, CTE, and adult education classes for GED preparation. The district receives a “B” grade from the Florida Department of Education.

Union County, FL, has an employment rate of approximately 51%, with about 5,200 residents in the labor force. The largest employment industry is Public Administration (notably correctional facilities), employing over 40% of workers, followed by Health Care & Social Assistance (about 13%) and Retail Trade (8%). Most workers are in office and administrative support, protective services, and management occupations. Around 70% of Union County's workforce commutes outside the county for employment, mainly to Bradford and Alachua counties, with an average travel time of 27 minutes.

Union County, FL, has a homeownership rate of about 75%, with median home values near $160,000—well below the state median. Rentals comprise 25% of housing, with median monthly rents around $900. Property values have risen approximately 8% over the past year. Housing predominantly consists of single-family homes, with scattered mobile homes and few multi-unit dwellings. Notable neighborhoods include Lake Butler and Worthington Springs. The average property tax rate is roughly 0.95%, translating to around $1,520 annually on a median-priced home, making the area affordable compared to other Florida counties.