| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Union/100k people | South Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 518 | n/a (estimate) | 6,494 | 2,800 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 11.2 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 6 | n/a | 75.2 | 38.2 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 8 | n/a | 100.3 | 40.6 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 73 | n/a | 915.1 | 401.3 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 87 | n/a (estimate) | 1,091 | 491 | 370 |
| Burglary | 66 | n/a | 827.4 | 352.7 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 333 | n/a | 4,174.5 | 1,706.3 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 32 | n/a | 401.2 | 249.2 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 431 | n/a (estimate) | 5,403 | 2,308 | 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 179.4%. Specifically, there were 87 violent crimes in Union, equivalent to 1091 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 194.9%. Furthermore, Union recorded 431 property crimes, amounting to 5403 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 176.5%.
With a total of 6494 crimes per 100,000 people, the Union crime rates stand at 179.39 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 ranks among the most perilous cities in the United States, bearing a violent crime rate of 1091 per 100,000 people, positioning it within the lowest 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime statistics. The odds of falling victim to violent crime in Union stand at 1 in every 92 residents, emphasizing the pressing need for enhanced safety measures and community engagement to address this significant concern.
In the latest reported crime year, Union recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
Union has some of the highest property crime rates in the country with 5403 crimes per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all American cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of property crime in Union is 1 in 19, which is far higher than the national average.
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 401 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 250.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Union. Based on the results of the surveys (19 responses), 37% of people felt that there was very little crime in Union and felt safe walking alone at night. While 63% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Union 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 crime rate is 179% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 1.42 crimes per day - 0.24 violent crimes and 1.18 property crimes.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Union has increased by 14.1%. 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 58.2%, while property crime has increased by 8%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Union is a safe place to live.
Union has a population density of 967 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Union crime rates.
The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Union, 74.8% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
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 3.69 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.
| 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 | 1,264 | 249 | 1,169 | 1,417 |
| Buffalo, SC | 1,020 | 257 | 1,209 | 1,466 |
| Pacolet, SC | 2,418 | 421 | 1,053 | 1,474 |
| Jonesville, SC | 938 | 721 | 2,043 | 2,764 |
| Central Pacolet, SC | 280 | 755 | 3,549 | 4,304 |
| Lockhart, SC | 427 | 793 | 3,730 | 4,523 |
| Carlisle, SC | 571 | 793 | 3,730 | 4,523 |
| Union, SC | 7,716 | 1,091 | 5,403 | 6,494 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Wellington, KS | 7,716 | 432 | 2,421 | 2,853 |
| Fort Scott, KS | 7,715 | 373 | 2,733 | 3,106 |
| Waite Park, MN | 7,719 | 515 | 7,546 | 8,061 |
| Leola, PA | 7,720 | 215 | 1,139 | 1,355 |
| Aspen, CO | 7,721 | 203 | 3,111 | 3,314 |
| Union, SC | 7,716 | 1,091 | 5,403 | 6,494 |
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