COUNTY REPORT NC

Union County, North Carolina

5 ZIP codes · Avg score 80/100 · Grade B · Updated 2026-06-04

Although county size varies, Union County's 5 ZIP codes share reliably safe tap water records and above-average compliance scores.

How Union County Compares

Union County80/100
North Carolina avg73/100
National avg68/100

How Union County Compares

B
County Grade
80/100
Avg Safety Score
5
ZIP Codes
7
Water Systems

Union County scores 7 points above the North Carolina state average (73/100) and 12 points above the national average (68/100).

Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-04

B
County Grade
80
Avg Safety Score
5
ZIP Codes
Best ZIP: 28174 (99/100)
Lowest ZIP: 28103 (62/100)
$267K
Median Home Value
$1,980
Avg Remediation (74% of home value)

ZIP Code Risk Map

Water Quality Map: Union County, North Carolina

Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.

A B C D F

Key Risk Factors

Health risk index: 11.8 (asthma 10.3%, diabetes 10.5%)

Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $802, driven primarily by flood

Infrastructure: 0.304% avg pipe failure probability, 20% of ZIPs at high risk

42% of homes built before 1978 (lead paint era)

County Health Indicators vs National Average

Asthma 10.3% (national: 8.9%)
Diabetes 10.5% (national: 10.5%)
Obesity 33.4% (national: 32.4%)

Black markers indicate national averages. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.

Infrastructure Overview

1983
Median Build Year
42%
Pre-1978 Housing
30%
Pipe Failure Probability
20%
ZIPs at High Infra Risk
Low
Lead Pipe Risk

Sources: Census ACS (housing age), EPA SDWIS (infrastructure risk model), state bridge inspection data.

Compound Risk Breakdown

Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $802

Flood $400/yr
Energy Code Gap $342/yr
Water / Lead $60/yr

Bar widths proportional to share of total annual risk cost. Source: compound risk model (FEMA, EPA, USGS).

Housing Age Distribution

47,579 housing units in Union County

Pre-1940 2%
1940–1959 5%
1960–1979 12%
1980–1999 33%
2000+ 48%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034 (Year Structure Built).

Water Safety Affordability

How much it costs to fix water issues relative to home values in Union County

$267K
Median Home Value
$1,980
Est. Remediation Cost
0.7%
of Home Value
Remediation as % of home value low burden

Remediation costs are relatively manageable for most homeowners in Union County, representing a small fraction of property value.

Remediation includes water filtration, lead abatement, radon mitigation, and flood protection where applicable. Source: Census ACS, EPA SDWIS.

Health Outcomes vs National Average

CDC PLACES data for Union County residents

Asthma 10.3% (US avg: 8.9%)
Diabetes 10.5% (US avg: 11%)
Obesity 33.4% (US avg: 32.4%)

Black markers = national averages. Red = above national avg. Green = below. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.

Water Systems with Most Violations

Top 5 systems in Union County ranked by EPA violation count.

# Water System Population Violations
1 Union County Water System 167,554 15
2 City of Monroe, 43,081 8
3 Westwood Mhp 56 8
4 Marshville, Town of 3,163 6
5 Wingate, Town of 3,950 6

7 total water systems serve Union County.

All ZIP Codes in Union County

5 ZIP codes tracked in Union County.

# ZIP Code City Safety Score Grade Violations Home Value
1 28174 Wingate 99 A 1 $212K
2 28110 Monroe 86 A 8 (1 health) $303K
3 28173 Waxhaw 85 A 1 $559K
4 28108 Mineral Springs 66 C 0
5 28103 Marshville 62 C 5 $231K

Recommended Buyer Guides for Union County

Strictly editorial — no paid placements influence which guides appear; the selection draws on NSF certifications and EPA detection records for water systems serving this county.

Overview

Union County in North Carolina covers 5 ZIP codes with an average Home Safety Score of B (80/100).

4 of 5 ZIP codes have recorded EPA violations. 1 health-based violation have been documented.

← Back to North Carolina water quality report

Data Sources

Updated daily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is water safe in Union County?
Union County receives a grade of B, indicating generally safe tap water across its 5 ZIP codes.
How many water systems serve Union County?
Union County is served by 7 public water systems that supply drinking water to residents across 5 ZIP codes.
What is the biggest environmental risk in Union County?
The primary environmental risk factor in Union County is flood. This contributes to an estimated additional annual cost of $802 per homeowner.
How old are homes in Union County?
The median home build year in Union County is 1983. 42% of homes were built before 1978, which means they may contain lead-based paint and older plumbing materials.
How does Union County compare to North Carolina?
Union County has an average water safety score of 80/100, which is above the North Carolina state average of 73/100.

Get safety alerts for Union, North Carolina

Free updates when EPA data changes for this area. No spam.

Unsubscribe anytime. Privacy Policy.

Share This Page

X Facebook
Check your water filter options Free tool — no phone call required.