Moving to Union, Mississippi

Union, Mississippi is situated in the northeastern corner of the state, and is part of Lee County. The city has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The history of Union dates back to the early 1800s when it was founded as a small settlement in the Chickasaw Nation. It was incorporated as a town in 1856, and later as a city in 1891. Union has been historically known for its agricultural industry, which remains an important part of its economy to this day.

Politically, Union is represented by the Democratic Party at all levels of government. The city’s public school system consists of two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. There are also several private schools located within the city limits. Some of the most notable landmarks in Union include the historic Union County Courthouse, built in 1892; the old Cotton Gin Factory; and the Union City Museum and Cultural Center which showcases local history and culture. Other attractions include numerous parks, lakes and rivers for outdoor recreation activities such as fishing and boating.

Population: 2,021. Estimated population in July 2024: 2,102 (+4.0% change)
Males: 892 (44.1%), Females: 1,129 (55.9%)

Zip code: 39365

Demographics

Median resident age: 38.3 years
Median household income: $21,696
Median house value: $51,500

Population by Race

Races in Union:

  • White Non-Hispanic (62.4%)
  • Black (35.5%)
  • Two or more races (1.0%)
  • Hispanic (0.6%)
  • American Indian (0.6%)

Ancestries: United States (11.0%), Irish (8.8%), German (3.6%), English (2.4%), Scotch-Irish (1.7%), Scottish (1.2%).

Land area: 3.4 square miles

Population by Education

Union is a small city located in Newton County, Mississippi. According to the 2019 U.S. Census Bureau estimates, Union has a population of 2,826 people. The racial makeup of the city is 57.2% African American, 40% White, and 2.8% Hispanic or Latino of any race. The median age in Union is 38 years old with a gender ratio of 50.2 % female and 49.8 % male.

The population of Union is largely rural, with most families living in single-family homes on small plots of land outside the city limits. The majority of homes are owner-occupied with only 8 percent being renter-occupied housing units according to the 2010 census data. There are several small businesses located within the city limits including restaurants, convenience stores, and service providers such as plumbers and electricians that provide services to the surrounding community as well as those who live within Union itself. The median household income for residents in Union is $24,722 per year which is significantly lower than other cities in the state of Mississippi making it an economically disadvantaged area according to the US Census Bureau statistics for 2016-2020 estimates for median income by county in Mississippi..

For population 25 years and over in Union

  • High school or higher: 66.1%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 17.7%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 9.4%
  • Unemployed: 7.9%
  • Mean travel time to work: 21.0 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Union town

  • Never married: 24.0%
  • Now married: 50.1%
  • Separated: 2.2%
  • Widowed: 12.4%
  • Divorced: 11.4%

0.3% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: +83 (+4.3%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Union:

  • CHOCTAW HEALTH CENTER (about 15 miles; PHILADELPHIA, MS)
  • NESHOBA COUNTY GENERAL HOSPITAL (about 15 miles; PHILADELPHIA, MS)
  • NEWTON REGIONAL HOSPITAL (about 18 miles; NEWTON, MS)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Union:

  • KEY FIELD (about 31 miles; MERIDIAN, MS; Abbreviation: MEI)
  • JACKSON INTERNATIONAL (about 69 miles; JACKSON, MS; Abbreviation: JAN)
  • GOLDEN TRIANGLE REGIONAL (about 71 miles; COLUMBUS/W POINT/STARKVILL, MS; Abbreviation: GTR)

Other public-use airports nearest to Union:

  • UNION MUNI (about 2 miles; UNION, MS; Abbreviation: 31M)
  • PHILADELPHIA MUNI (about 15 miles; PHILADELPHIA, MS; Abbreviation: MPE)
  • JAMES H EASOM FIELD (about 19 miles; NEWTON, MS; Abbreviation: M23)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Union:

  • MERIDIAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 30 miles; MERIDIAN, MS; Full-time enrollment: 2,455)
  • HOLMES COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 60 miles; GOODMAN, MS; Full-time enrollment: 2,485)
  • MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY (about 65 miles; MISSISSIPPI STATE, MS; Full-time enrollment: 14,613)
  • JONES COUNTY JUNIOR COLLEGE (about 68 miles; ELLISVILLE, MS; Full-time enrollment: 4,072)
  • JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY (about 78 miles; JACKSON, MS; Full-time enrollment: 5,955)
  • MISSISSIPPI UNIVERSITY FOR WOMEN (about 79 miles; COLUMBUS, MS; Full-time enrollment: 2,115)
  • MISSISSIPPI COLLEGE (about 91 miles; CLINTON, MS; Full-time enrollment: 2,904)

Public primary/middle school in Union:

  • UNION HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 839; Location: 101 FOREST STREET; Grades: KG – 12)

Libraries

Library in Union:

  • KEMPER-NEWTON REGIONAL LIBRARY (Operating income: $264,412; Location: 101 PEACHTREE STREET; 60,846 books; 290 audio materials; 969 video materials; 63 serial subscriptions)