The northern end of the Grande Ronde Valley was the first part to be settled.

[3] The choice of a county seat resulted in competition, based on geography and on economic and population growth, between La Grande and the city of Union.

[citation needed] As of the 2010 census, there were 25,748 people, 10,501 households, and 6,804 families living in the county.

Union County is located in Oregon State House District 58 which is currently represented by Bobby Levy.

It is also located in Oregon State Senate District 29, represented by Bill Hansell.

The Union County Board of Commissioners is currently made up of Paul Anderes, Matt Scarfo, and Donna Beverage.

[citation needed] The local economy continues to be based on natural resources, including farming (wheat, fruit, vegetables, mint, and grass seed), ranching (cattle and sheep), and timber.

The ridges of Pyles Canyon are the site of the Elkhorn Valley Wind Farm, owned and operated by Horizon Wind Energy and whose power is sold to Idaho Power.

[19] Since October 2010, the county board of commissioners has supported a "strategic investment program" for another wind power project in Oregon, Horizon Wind Energy's proposed Antelope Ridge Wind Farm;[20] after delays due to concerns about the project's impact on wildlife,[21] the project has received support from Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

[22] Nearby mountains and streams offer hunting, fishing, skiing, and camping, all of which attract vacationers.

Attractions include the Anthony Lakes (and its ski area), Minam River, Mount Emily, Blue Mountains, Umatilla National Forest, Wallowa–Whitman National Forest (including Eagle Cap Wilderness), Catherine Creek State Park, Hilgard Junction State Recreation Area, Thief Valley Reservoir, Cove Hot Springs Pool, the Hot Lake Hotel (first built in the 1860s due to nearby hot springs), and the Eagle Cap Excursion Train.