| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Union/100k people | Missouri/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 526 | n/a (estimate) | 4,183 | 2,828 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 10.1 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 15 | n/a | 119.3 | 48.9 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 8.0 | 54.8 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 44 | n/a | 349.9 | 374.2 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 60 | n/a (estimate) | 477 | 488 | 370 |
| Burglary | 38 | n/a | 302.2 | 295.8 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 372 | n/a | 2,958.3 | 1,557.2 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 56 | n/a | 445.3 | 487.1 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 466 | n/a (estimate) | 3,706 | 2,340 | 1,954 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Union crime rate is higher than the national average by 80%. Specifically, there were 60 violent crimes in Union, equivalent to 477 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 29%. Furthermore, Union recorded 466 property crimes, amounting to 3706 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 89.6%.
Having a crime rate of 4183 per 100,000 residents, Union experiences a crime rate that is 79.97% higher when compared to the national average, leading to one of the highest overall crime rates in the nation. It's important to clarify that this doesn't imply the entire city is unsafe. Like any area, Union contains neighborhoods with varying safety levels and you can find areas that are notably safer than others, emphasizing the need for targeted crime prevention efforts and community engagement initiatives.
Union showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.
Every year, one in 27 people fall victim to a property crime in Union - which is high compared to the national average. With a property crime rate of 3706 per 100,000 people, Union has one of the highest property crime rates in the country. In fact, the city ranks among the worst 10% of all cities that reported crime last year.
Recently, vehicle thefts have seen an upward trend across the United States, and Union ranks among the cities with the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. Last year, there were 56 vehicle thefts, amounting to 445 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Union within the worst 10% of all cities, indicating that 90% of cities fare better in terms of vehicle theft rates. The likelihood of your vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 225.
AreaVibes surveyed 8 local residents in Union to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 75% of people answered that there was very little crime in Union and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 25% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Union, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Union presents a total crime rate that is 80% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Union experiences an average of 1.44 daily crimes, comprising 0.16 violent incidents and 1.28 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Union. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Union has decreased by 2.4%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 5.3%, while property crime has decreased by 3.3%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Union.
Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Union, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 3.6%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Union, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 2.24 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Union are $781, compared to a national average of $949 per month.
| Item | Union | Missouri | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 23 | 12,115 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.2 | 3.7 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Missouri /100K | National /100K |
| Missouri | 19,657 | 344 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| New Haven, MO | 2,819 | 127 | 720 | 847 |
| Marthasville, MO | 2,410 | 189 | 906 | 1,095 |
| Defiance, MO | 68 | 197 | 945 | 1,143 |
| Gray Summit, MO | 2,383 | 208 | 995 | 1,203 |
| Villa Ridge, MO | 3,179 | 213 | 1,022 | 1,235 |
| Pacific, MO | 6,780 | 311 | 1,365 | 1,676 |
| Augusta, MO | 284 | 371 | 1,778 | 2,149 |
| Union, MO | 11,931 | 477 | 3,706 | 4,183 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Dranesville, VA | 11,929 | 89 | 646 | 735 |
| St. Peter, MN | 11,934 | 155 | 833 | 987 |
| Lake Los Angeles, CA | 11,926 | 762 | 3,570 | 4,332 |
| Blackfoot, ID | 11,936 | 346 | 2,211 | 2,557 |
| Healdsburg, CA | 11,924 | 285 | 2,048 | 2,333 |
| Union, MO | 11,931 | 477 | 3,706 | 4,183 |
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