| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Union/100k people | South Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 587 | n/a (estimate) | 7,530 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 25.7 | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 6 | n/a | 77.0 | 37.1 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 10 | n/a | 128.3 | 35.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 58 | n/a | 744.1 | 357.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 76 | n/a (estimate) | 975 | 437 | 359 |
| Burglary | 98 | n/a | 1,257.2 | 282.4 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 381 | n/a | 4,887.8 | 1,468.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 32 | n/a | 410.5 | 215.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 511 | n/a (estimate) | 6,555 | 1,966 | 1,760 |

The Union crime rates are 255.3% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 76 violent crimes in Union (975 per 100,000 people), which is 171.5% higher than the national average and there were a total of 511 property crimes (6555 per 100,000 residents) which is 272.5% higher than average.
With a total of 7530 crimes per 100,000 people, the Union crime rates stand at 255.34 higher than the national average. Consequently, the area grapples with one of the nation's highest total crime rates. Addressing this challenge is crucial for enhancing the safety and livability in Union, making it a priority to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative efforts to secure a better future for residents and prospective residents.
Union is one of the most dangerous cities in America with a violent crime rate of 975 per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Union is 1 in 103.
While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Union stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Union, a total of 2 murders were reported, equating to 26 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.
With a property crime rate of 6555 crimes per 100,000 people, Union unfortunately has the distinction of being among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime. The likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Union is alarmingly high, estimated at 1 in 16, significantly surpassing the national average. This data emphasizes the city's pressing need for concerted efforts to address and reduce property crime, ensuring a safer environment for its residents.
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 32 vehicle thefts, amounting to 411 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 244.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Union residents. Out of the respondents (19 in total), 37% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Union were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 63% 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 255% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 1.61 daily crimes (0.21 violent daily crimes and 1.4 daily property crimes) in Union.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Union has increased by 29.3%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Union, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 38.2%, while property crime has increased by 28.1%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Union is a safe place to live.
In Union, 74.8% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Union, there are 3.69 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.
Union has an average rental rate of $1,096 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.
| Item | Union | South Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 31 | 5,812 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.7 | 5.1 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | South Carolina /100K | National /100K |
| South Carolina | 15,193 | 377 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Monarch Mill, SC | 1,294 | 156 | 702 | 858 |
| Jonesville, SC | 959 | 246 | 1,355 | 1,601 |
| Pacolet, SC | 2,505 | 315 | 1,337 | 1,652 |
| Central Pacolet, SC | 292 | 606 | 2,726 | 3,332 |
| Carlisle, SC | 584 | 609 | 2,740 | 3,349 |
| Lockhart, SC | 439 | 662 | 2,979 | 3,641 |
| Union, SC | 7,981 | 975 | 6,555 | 7,530 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Odessa, FL | 7,980 | 94 | 498 | 592 |
| Pomona, NJ | 7,980 | 245 | 1,604 | 1,849 |
| Joshua Tree, CA | 7,980 | 608 | 2,601 | 3,209 |
| Murphysboro, IL | 7,983 | 332 | 3,134 | 3,466 |
| Wynne, AR | 7,975 | 1,023 | 3,447 | 4,470 |
| Union, SC | 7,981 | 975 | 6,555 | 7,530 |