F
255%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
172%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
272%
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/100k peopleSouth Carolina/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime587n/a (estimate)7,5302,4032,119
Murder2n/a25.77.55.0
Rape6n/a77.037.137.5
Robbery10n/a128.335.160.6
Assault58n/a744.1357.1256.1
Violent crime76n/a (estimate)975437359
Burglary98n/a1,257.2282.4229.2
Theft381n/a4,887.81,468.21,272.1
Vehicle theft32n/a410.5215.1258.8
Property crime511n/a (estimate)6,5551,9661,760

Union crime map

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The Union crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Union 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 crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Union 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, SC

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.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Union?

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.

Is Union a Safe Place to Live?

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.

Has Crime in Union Increased Since Last Year?

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.

Potential Causes for Crime in Union

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.

Compare Union, SC Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Union crime rates are 255% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Union are 172% higher than the national average
      • In Union you have a 1 in 14 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Union is safer than 1% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Union has decreased by 19%

      Union, SC Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Union

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

        Daily Crime In Union (per 100,000 people)

        The above illustration depicts the number of crimes committed daily in Union, per 100,000 residents. In Union, the total number of daily crimes is 3.13 times more than the South Carolina average and 3.55 times more than the national average. Violent daily crime statistics in Union are 2.23 times more than the South Carolina average and 2.72 times more than the national average. For property crime, Union has a daily crime rate that is 3.33 times more than the South Carolina average and 3.72 times more than the daily national average.

        How Safe is Union (higher is better)

        When comparing the safety of Union to every other city in South Carolina, as well as the entirety of the United States, is Union safe? The gauges above illustrate that Union is safer than 11% of every city located within South Carolina along with 1% of the all the cities located in the United States. The results of these graphs are created after analyzing each of the cities in South Carolina and in the United States as a whole. As a result, Union, SC is ranked below average when compared to the rest of the US cities.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Union

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Union is 1 in 103
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Union is 1 in 16
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Union is 1 in 14
        How likely are you to become a victim of crime? In Union, South Carolina you have a 1 in 103 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 16 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 14 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Union.

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

        A good indicator of whether Union is becoming a safer or a more dangerous place to live can be determined by analyzing the year over year crime rate (per 100,000 people). The number of violent crimes in Union has decreased by 7%, while the property crime rate in Union has decreased by 20% year over year. The number of total crimes in Union has decreased by 19% year over year.

        Union police department

        Item Union South Carolina National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)315,812558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents3.75.13.3
        There are a total of 31 Union police officers. This results in 3.7 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 27.1% less than the South Carolina average and 13.6% greater than the National average.

        Sex offenders in South Carolina

        State Total offenders South Carolina /100K National /100K
        South Carolina15,193377266
        There are a total of 15,193 sex offenders in South Carolina. This yields a total of 377 sex offenders in South Carolina per 100,000 residents which is 42% greater than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Monarch Mill, SC1,294156702858
        Jonesville, SC9592461,3551,601
        Pacolet, SC2,5053151,3371,652
        Central Pacolet, SC2926062,7263,332
        Carlisle, SC5846092,7403,349
        Lockhart, SC4396622,9793,641
        Union, SC7,9819756,5557,530

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Odessa, FL7,98094498592
        Pomona, NJ7,9802451,6041,849
        Joshua Tree, CA7,9806082,6013,209
        Murphysboro, IL7,9833323,1343,466
        Wynne, AR7,9751,0233,4474,470
        Union, SC7,9819756,5557,530
        Source: The Union, SC 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.