Union County
countyUnion County, located in eastern Indiana along the Ohio border, is a rural county characterized by its agricultural landscape and recreational opportunities. The county was formed in 1821 by uniting portions of Fayette, Franklin, and Wayne counties, a fact reflected in its name. As of 2020, the population was 7,087, making it one of Indiana's least populated counties. The county seat is Liberty. Agriculture remains a key part of Union County's economy, supplemented by manufacturing and service sectors. The county is part of the Cincinnati-Middletown, OH-KY-IN Metropolitan Statistical Area. Major recreational areas such as Brookville Reservoir and Whitewater Memorial State Park offer boating, fishing, hiking, and birdwatching. Union County is distinctive for its preserved rural character and historical ties. Whitewater Memorial State Park, the fourth largest lake in Indiana, is a popular destination. The county also has historical significance through the Union County Quaker Seminary, which was attended by Hiram Rhodes Revels, the first African American U.S. Senator.
Union County, Indiana
- Classification
- County
- FIPS Code
- 18161
- Country
- United States
- County
- Union County
- Region
- East Central Indiana
- Elevation
- 1,140 ft
- Total Area
- 165.18 sq mi
- Land Area
- 161.22 sq mi
- Water Area
- 3.95 sq mi
- Latitude
- 39.62
- Longitude
- -84.92
- Climate
- The county has low rolling hills, with drainage areas largely brush-filled. The area is devoted to agricultural or recreational uses.
- Notable Features
- Brookville Reservoir · Whitewater Lake · East Fork of Whitewater River · Silver Creek · Dubois Creek
- Neighboring Areas
- Fayette County, IN · Franklin County, IN · Wayne County, IN · Butler County, OH · Preble County, OH
- Population (2020)
- 7,087
- Est. Population (2026)
- 6,708
- Median Age
- 43.7
- Median Income
- $79,500
- Poverty Rate
- 6%
- Owner-Occupied
- 82.6%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial composition of Union County includes 95.3% White, 2.1% Two or More Races, 1.1% Hispanic, 1.04% Asian, and smaller percentages of other races.
- Government Type
- Constitutional body
- Governing Body
- County Council and Board of Commissioners
- Body Size
- 9 members
- School District
- Union County-College Corner Joint School District
- Municipal Services
- Health Department · Highway Department · Sheriff · Emergency Management · Auditor · Treasurer · Recorder · Surveyor · Clerk of Court
- Unemployment Rate
- 1.7%
- Economic Profile
- Rural · Agricultural
- Employment Sectors
- Manufacturing · Health Care & Social Assistance · Educational Services · Agriculture
- Schools
- 4
- Students
- 1,289
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14:1
- Graduation Rate
- 92%
- School Districts
- Union County-College Corner Joint School District
- Transportation
- Major highways · Roads
- Major Facilities
- Union County Courthouse · Hospital · Whitewater Memorial State Park
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Whitewater Memorial State Park · Brookville Reservoir · UC Nature Park
- Parks & Trails
- Whitewater Memorial State Park trails · UC Nature Park trails
- Founded
- 1821
- Named After
- Union of parts of Fayette, Franklin, and Wayne counties
- Historical Significance
- Union County represents a preserved rural area with ties to early American settlement and modest contributions to national figures.
- Key Events
- Creation from parts of Fayette, Franklin, and Wayne counties in 1821 · Establishment of the county seat at Liberty in 1824 · Attendance of Hiram Rhodes Revels at Union County Quaker Seminary