D
25%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
14%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
27%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleUnion City/100k peopleCalifornia/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime1,691n/a (estimate)2,6432,5642,119
Murder2n/a3.14.55.0
Rape11n/a17.236.637.5
Robbery77n/a120.4119.160.6
Assault171n/a267.3325.8256.1
Violent crime261n/a (estimate)408486359
Burglary187n/a292.3305.8229.2
Theft812n/a1,269.21,345.21,272.1
Vehicle theft431n/a673.7427.5258.8
Property crime1,430n/a (estimate)2,2352,0781,760

Union City crime map

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The Union City crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Union City as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Union City crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Union City crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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An Overview of Crime Rates in Union City, CA

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Union City is 24.7% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Union City, there were 261 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 408 per 100,000 individuals, 13.6% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 1430 property crimes, amounting to 2235 per 100,000 residents, 27% higher than the U.S. average.

For violent crimes per 100,000 people, Union City has a rate of violent crime that is very close to the national average. There were a total of 408 violent crimes, while the national average reported 359. This is an indication that the level of crime is essentially on par with all other cities.

The surge in vehicle thefts is a concerning trend across the United States, and Union City is no exception, experiencing one of the nation's highest vehicle theft rates. Last year, Union City reported a total of 431 vehicle thefts, resulting in 674 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This places the city in the lowest 10% tier among all cities, indicating that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The probability of a vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 149, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and security measures.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Union City?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Union City. Based on the results of the surveys (39 responses), 41% of people felt that there was very little crime in Union City and felt safe walking alone at night. While 59% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Union City a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Union City a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Union City crime rate is 25% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 4.63 crimes per day - 0.72 violent crimes and 3.92 property crimes.

Has Crime in Union City Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Union City. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Union City has decreased by 20.2%. Violent crimes have increased by 17.6%, while property crimes have decreased by 24.6%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.

Potential Causes for Crime in Union City

If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Union City crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Union City has an unemployment rate of 2.7%, compared to a national average of 4.9%.

Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Union City crime rates. For instance, in Union City, the population density stands at 3949.4 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

In Union City, the average rental rates are $3,491 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.

Compare Union City, CA Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Union City crime rates are 25% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Union City are 14% higher than the national average
      • In Union City you have a 1 in 38 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Union City is safer than 20% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Union City has decreased by 28%

      Union City, CA Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Union City

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        How would you rate the amount of crime in Union City?
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        Do you feel safe walking alone at night in Union City?
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        See all Union City poll results

        Daily Crime In Union City (per 100,000 people)

        The graph above illustrates the number of daily crimes in Union City, CA per 100,000 people. In Union City, the total number of daily crimes is 1.03 times more than the California average and 1.25 times more than the national average. The number of daily violent crimes in Union City is 1.19 times less than the California average and 1.14 times more than the national average. With regards to property crimes, Union City has a daily crime rate that is 1.08 times more than the California average and 1.27 times more than the national average.

        How Safe is Union City (higher is better)

        What are the odds that you'll be safer in Union City, California compared to other areas of California, as well as the rest of America? When it comes down to it, is Union City safe? In the graphs above, it shows that Union City is safer than 35% of California cities, and 20% compared to all other cities across America. These statistics are calculated by taking a closer look at each city's crime rate in California, as well as the rest of the US. It is then determined which cities see less crime than Union City. At this time, Union City sees a below average rate of crime in comparison to other United States cities.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Union City

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Union City is 1 in 246
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Union City is 1 in 45
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Union City is 1 in 38
        How likely are you to become a victim of crime? In Union City, California you have a 1 in 246 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 45 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 38 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Union City.

        Year Over Year Crime In Union City (per 100,000 people)

        An ideal indicator of whether Union City is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live can be done by analyzing the year over year crime rates per 100,000 people. Year over year violent crime in Union City has decreased by 16% and the rate of property crime in Union City has decreased by 29%. The total crime rate in Union City has decreased by 28% year to year.

        Union City police department

        Item Union City California National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)9851,506558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents1.43.63.3
        There are a total of 98 Union City police officers. This results in 1.4 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 61.8% less than the California average and 57.6% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in California

        State Total offenders California /100K National /100K
        California79,891232266
        There are a total of 79,891 sex offenders in California. This yields a total of 232 sex offenders in California per 100,000 residents which is 13% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Ladera, CA1,38568292360
        West Menlo Park, CA3,72093396488
        Danville, CA44,93363584647
        Emerald Lake Hills, CA4,893126540666
        Foster City, CA33,05669669739
        Woodside, CA5,593158676834
        Camino Tassajara, CA5,870158676834
        Union City, CA75,0674082,2352,643

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Arlington Heights, IL75,07150880930
        Missoula, MT74,9945973,6294,226
        Milpitas, CA75,1823143,1833,497
        Missouri City, TX75,3481421,0491,191
        St. Joseph, MO75,3697293,8514,579
        Union City, CA75,0674082,2352,643
        Source: The Union City, CA crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.