| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Union/100k people | Missouri/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 359 | n/a (estimate) | 2,718 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 9 | n/a | 68.1 | 45.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 7.6 | 51.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 42 | n/a | 318.0 | 357.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 52 | n/a (estimate) | 394 | 462 | 359 |
| Burglary | 12 | n/a | 90.8 | 236.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 263 | n/a | 1,991.1 | 1,306.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 32 | n/a | 242.3 | 398.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 307 | n/a (estimate) | 2,324 | 1,941 | 1,760 |

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 28.3%. Specifically, there were 52 violent crimes in Union, equivalent to 394 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 9.6%. Furthermore, Union recorded 307 property crimes, amounting to 2324 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 32.1%.
For violent crimes per 100,000 people, Union has a rate of violent crime that is very close to the national average. There were a total of 394 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.
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.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Union residents. Out of the respondents (8 in total), 75% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Union were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 25% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
To determine if Union is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Union has a total crime rate that is 28% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.98 daily crimes (0.14 violent daily crimes and 0.84 daily property crimes) in Union.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Union. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Union has decreased by 33.4%. Violent crimes have decreased by 8.8%, while property crimes have decreased by 36.3%. 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.
The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Union crime rates. In Union, the poverty rate stands at 9.2%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.
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 3.8%, which differs from the national average of 4.9%.
High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Union crime rates. The population density in Union is 1346.5 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
| 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 | 2,923 | 167 | 703 | 870 |
| Marthasville, MO | 2,476 | 192 | 807 | 999 |
| Gray Summit, MO | 2,446 | 203 | 854 | 1,058 |
| Augusta, MO | 292 | 219 | 918 | 1,137 |
| Villa Ridge, MO | 3,291 | 240 | 1,008 | 1,247 |
| Pacific, MO | 6,965 | 183 | 1,125 | 1,308 |
| Washington, MO | 14,575 | 255 | 1,241 | 1,496 |
| Union, MO | 12,241 | 394 | 2,324 | 2,718 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Westview, FL | 12,237 | 253 | 1,347 | 1,600 |
| South Miami, FL | 12,237 | 446 | 2,164 | 2,610 |
| Florida City, FL | 12,235 | 2,291 | 8,014 | 10,305 |
| Alum Rock, CA | 12,233 | 330 | 1,412 | 1,742 |
| Martinsville, IN | 12,230 | 328 | 1,444 | 1,772 |
| Union, MO | 12,241 | 394 | 2,324 | 2,718 |