F
179%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
195%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
176%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleUnion/100k peopleSouth Carolina/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime518n/a (estimate)6,4942,8002,324
Murder0n/a0.011.26.3
Rape6n/a75.238.240.0
Robbery8n/a100.340.666.1
Assault73n/a915.1401.3268.2
Violent crime87n/a (estimate)1,091491370
Burglary66n/a827.4352.7269.8
Theft333n/a4,174.51,706.31,401.9
Vehicle theft32n/a401.2249.2282.7
Property crime431n/a (estimate)5,4032,3081,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Union, SC

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.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Union?

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.

Is Union a Safe Place to Live?

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.

Has Crime in Union Increased Since Last Year?

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.

Potential Causes for Crime in Union

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.

Union crime map



The Union crime map 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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Compare Union, SC Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Union crime rates are 179% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Union are 195% higher than the national average
      • In Union you have a 1 in 16 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 increased by 7%

      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 2.32 times more than the South Carolina average and 2.79 times more than the national average. Violent daily crime statistics in Union are 2.22 times more than the South Carolina average and 2.95 times more than the national average. For property crime, Union has a daily crime rate that is 2.34 times more than the South Carolina average and 2.76 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 7% 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 92
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Union is 1 in 19
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Union is 1 in 16
        How likely are you to become a victim of crime? In Union, South Carolina you have a 1 in 92 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 19 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 16 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 increased by 48%, while the property crime rate in Union has increased by 1% year over year. The number of total crimes in Union has increased by 7% 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, SC1,2642491,1691,417
        Buffalo, SC1,0202571,2091,466
        Pacolet, SC2,4184211,0531,474
        Jonesville, SC9387212,0432,764
        Central Pacolet, SC2807553,5494,304
        Carlisle, SC5717933,7304,523
        Lockhart, SC4277933,7304,523
        Union, SC7,7161,0915,4036,494

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Wellington, KS7,7164322,4212,853
        Fort Scott, KS7,7153732,7333,106
        Waite Park, MN7,7195157,5468,061
        Leola, PA7,7202151,1391,355
        Crookston, MN7,7114571,5802,038
        Union, SC7,7161,0915,4036,494
        Source: The Union, SC crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. 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.