Real Estate Investing in Union, Illinois (60180)

Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.

McHenry County • Population: 2,092 • Data updated: September 2026

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Should you buy in 60180 (Union, IL)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.

🏠 For Homebuyers
GOOD FIT
Grade B (77/100)

Solid choice — values are growing steadily and the market is stable enough to buy with confidence.

📈 For Investors
MIXED
3.0 / 5 (47/100)

A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.

⚠️ Risks to Know
1 flag
  • High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 25.2 — hard to cash-flow at these prices.

• Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.

What’s happening in Union, IL (60180)?

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3.0/ 5

Investability

Overall investment appeal

3.0/ 5

Appreciation

Long-term value growth

3.0/ 5

Cashflow ROI

Rental yield potential

Avg Home Value $434,939
Avg Monthly Rent $1,440
1% Rule ✗ Does Not Meet
Median Income $111,250
% Renters 13.8%

Market Analysis: 60180 Union

The 60180 ZIP in Union, IL is a local-operator market. Outside capital chasing a $435K entry has to pair deep knowledge with the discount.

For an experienced owner, 60180 can be a a strong candidate for hunting ground — but the discount at $435K reflects genuine risk that outside investors often underestimate.

In the broader IL picture, 60180 is a reminder that not every low-priced ZIP is a value-add opportunity — some are simply distressed, and the difference matters.

The demographic picture in 60180 includes headwinds that any investor should price in. Income distribution skews lower than Union averages, and tenant stability requires active management.

Strategy in 60180 is an operator game, not a passive one. In practical terms, entry prices of $435K are inviting, the management lift is real and non-optional.

Explore the Data — Click a Tab Below
🏦 Current 30-yr Fixed Mortgage Rate: 6.76% as of Sep 10 Source: Freddie Mac PMMS

Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Union:

B Good
Buy Confidence Score: 70/100
Affordability
15/25
Appreciation
25/25
Stability
7/20
Timing
8/15
Rental backup
15/15
Affordability
Moderate
Homes cost 3.9× the median income
Value Trend
Rising (+9.5%)
How home values changed in the past year
Rental Backup
Strong
Could rent for $1,440/mo if you need to move
Market Conditions
BALANCED
Even conditions for buyers and sellers
Bottom Line: Mixed signals in this market. Research specific properties carefully and be prepared to negotiate.

Market Trends

Home Value History (with trend line)

$455K$397K$338K$280K$221K$163KJul 2006Jul 2016Jul 2026

📊 How Does 60180 Compare?

Metric 60180 Union Illinois
Home Value $434,939 $434,939 $279,761
5-Year CAGR 7.7% 7.7% 6.6%
Avg Rent $1,440 $1,440 -
Cap Rate 2.6% 2.6% -
💡 Why Invest in 60180? Click to expand

With a 3/5 investability rating, this ZIP shows solid fundamentals for buy-and-hold investors.

📊 See where this ZIP ranks in our Best-of lists →
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Landlord Ground Truth

Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 60180 (Union, IL). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.

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Investability
Good
Cap Rate
2.6%
Low
5yr Growth
+7.7%
Strong

📊 Market Snapshot

Home Value $434,939
Monthly Rent $1,440
Price-to-Rent 25.2:1
1% Rule ✗ Fails

💰 Return Metrics

Gross Yield 4.0%
Cap Rate 2.6%
5-Year IRR 10.3%

📈 Home Appreciation

1-Year +9.5% ▲
3-Year CAGR +6.6% ▲
5-Year CAGR +7.7% ▲
10-Year CAGR +7.2% ▲

🏠 Rent Trends

1-Year N/A
3-Year CAGR N/A
5-Year CAGR N/A
Negative Leverage — IRR / Tax Play Cap Rate: 2.6%  |  30yr Rate: 6.8%
Leverage reduces cash returns at current rates.

The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (2.6%). Financing reduces your cash-on-cash return below the cap rate. Markets like this may still make sense as IRR plays — factoring in appreciation, depreciation, and a future refinance when rates drop.

Run an IRR Analysis →

⚠️ Risk Signals

Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.

Vacancy
3.7%
Low risk
Landlord Climate
5.0/5
Friendly
Value Trend (5yr)
+7.7%
Growing
Eviction process: Fast Rent control: Favorable

Demographics in 60180

Population: 2,092

💰 Median Household Income
$111,250
This area
$111,250
State
$75,721
USA
$74,580
🏠 Renter Occupied
13.8%
This area
13.8%
State
22.2%
USA
34.0%
💼 Unemployment Rate
3.0%
This area
3.0%
State
-3.3%
USA
3.7%
🎓 College Educated
23.8%
This area
23.8%
State
16.4%
USA
33.7%
👤 Median Age
29.3 years
This area
29.3 years
State
32.6 years
USA
38.9 years
🏚️ Vacancy Rate
3.7%
This area
3.7%
State
11.6%
USA
10.5%
👥 Population by Ethnicity
White 78.4%
Other/Mixed 19.4%
Hispanic/Latino 19.3%
Asian 1.9%
Black/African American 0.2%
👶 Under 18
30.4%
This area
30.4%
USA
22.0%
👴 65 and Over
15.5%
This area
15.5%
USA
17.3%
📊 Poverty Rate
0.7%
This area
0.7%
USA
11.5%

Crime & Safety

🚧

Crime & Safety Data Coming Soon

We're integrating comprehensive crime statistics including violent crime rates, property crime, and safety scores to help you make informed investment decisions.

Expected: Q1 2025

🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities

3 Nearby 3,801 Off-Campus Students
C
McHenry County College
9,051 students · 8.1 mi
D
First Institute of Travel, Inc.
274 students · 9.3 mi
C
Cosmetology & Spa Academy
377 students · 11.7 mi

Investor Insight: With 3,801 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is vacancy a concern in Union, IL?

Rental vacancy in Union, IL is elevated. Investors should budget normal turnover but not chronic empty units.

How do experienced investors play Union, IL?

Investors who focus on careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management typically do well in Union, IL. The numbers - $435K homes against $1,440/mo rents - support that play.

Is the tenant base reliable in Union, IL?

Tenant demand in Union, IL is solid. The local workforce $1,440/mo rents across most rental classes.

How landlord-friendly is Union, IL?

The landlord environment in Union, IL is landlord-friendly. Statewide rules shape most day-to-day operations for rental owners.

How does Union, IL stack up for property investment?

Yes - Union, IL a 3.0/5 investability score. With $435K home prices against $1,440/mo monthly rent, the market delivers a reasonable entry point for new investors.

You know 60180 now. You don’t know where it ranks.

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How 60180 ranks in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI

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Cash Flow → Appreciation → Affordable → 1% Rule →
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