Violent Crime
405/100K
7% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.9%
82% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.5%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.4%
89% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.3%
90% lower than US avg
How South Union Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population333
Median Age38.8 yrs
Density128/mi²
Male / Female38% / 62%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans17.3%
Economy
Per Capita$20,640
Unemployment0.4%
Poverty1.3%
County GDP$5,243M
Housing
Ownership83.0%
Zillow$336,757
Housing Units110
Rent Burden31.6%
Crime
F
Violent405/100K
Property3,969/100K
Health
Obesity36.5%
Uninsured11.9%
Smoking14.8%
Depression27.0%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp59°F (15°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain61.1 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation895 ft (273 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.9%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.20
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 24%
Broadband88.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is South Union a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, South Union receives an overall livability score of 1.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. South Union faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.4%. Only 1.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 405 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,969 per 100,000, 103% above the national average.
Education
5.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
South Union enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F. Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 61.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
South Union has a population of 333 with a density of 128 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age is 38.8 years, 0% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 61.6% female and 38.4% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 17.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 9.9% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 88.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.8yrs
Median Age
0% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
South Union vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
South Union vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $20,640 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,115, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,024 business establishments, including 140 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.7, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: South Union vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $20,640 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,115 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,256 |
| Gini Index | 0.491 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.4% |
| 89% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.3% |
| 90% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,024 |
| County GDP | $5,243M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 140 |
| Healthcare | 131 |
| Retail | 281 |
| Manufacturing | 74 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,958 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.70 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 79.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $336,757. Fair market rent ranges from $982 for a one-bedroom to $1,155 for a two-bedroom apartment. 83.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 110 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2005. The average annual property tax is $3,958. 31.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $928 |
| 1 Bedroom | $982 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,155 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,450 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,699 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 83.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 83.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.0% |
| Housing Units | 110 |
| Median Year Built | 2005 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,958 |
| 13% above US avg |
In South Union, 36.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 30.6% have high blood pressure. 14.8% are current smokers. 21.1% report binge drinking. 24.2% are physically inactive. 27.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.8% experience frequent mental distress. 11.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,932. The dentist ratio is 1:1,782. 50.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: South Union vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.5% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.6% |
| Asthma | 9.6% |
| COPD | 7.2% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.2% |
| Depression | 27.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.8% |
| Physical Distress | 13.8% |
| Short Sleep | 35.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.3% |
| Uninsured | 11.9% |
| 38% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,932 |
| Dentists | 1:1,782 |
| Mental Health | 1:829 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.6% |
| Dental Visits | 62.5% |
| Premature Death | 10,456/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 50.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 131 |
South Union has a violent crime rate of 405 per 100,000 residents, 7% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,969 per 100,000, 103% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 16 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, South Union receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: South Union vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 405.0/100K |
| 7% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,969.2/100K |
| 103% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 16 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
South Union enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 302 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 61.1 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 2.2 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 895 feet.
Temperature
41°F Jan (5°C)
78°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 59.2°F |
| 10% above US avg |
| January Average | 41°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 302 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 895 ft (273 m) |
| Area | 2.6 sq mi (6.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 128/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.5595°N, 83.0490°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Oconee County County |
| Nearest Airport | Oconee County Regional (CEU) 12 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
61.1"
61% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
5.91"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 85.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 70.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 42.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
60 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 23, 2025.
| Feb 15, 2014 |
12 km ENE of Parksville, South Carolina |
M4.1 |
121 km |
| May 10, 2025 |
21 km SE of Greenback, Tennessee |
M4.1 |
139 km |
| Jul 5, 1995 |
12 km ESE of Tellico Plains, Tennessee |
M3.7 |
133 km |
| Mar 18, 2003 |
11 km S of Rayle, Georgia |
M3.5 |
98 km |
| Jun 16, 2006 |
9 km W of Maggie Valley, North Carolina |
M3.4 |
107 km |
| Jan 3, 1992 |
4 km ENE of Willington, South Carolina |
M3.4 |
86 km |
| Jun 4, 2023 |
4 km NNW of West Canton, North Carolina |
M3.2 |
115 km |
| Aug 1, 2009 |
8 km ENE of Ducktown, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
127 km |
| Aug 23, 2025 |
3 km N of Coronaca, South Carolina |
M3.0 |
93 km |
| Aug 4, 2007 |
12 km ENE of Lake Lure, North Carolina |
M3.0 |
135 km |
| Feb 16, 2014 |
13 km WNW of Edgefield, South Carolina |
M3.0 |
122 km |
| May 29, 1991 |
5 km N of Tellico Plains, Tennessee |
M2.9 |
148 km |
| Aug 23, 2025 |
3 km NNW of Coronaca, South Carolina |
M2.9 |
91 km |
| Apr 26, 2013 |
9 km E of Lincolnton, Georgia |
M2.8 |
107 km |
| Sep 18, 1996 |
6 km E of Clarks Hill, South Carolina |
M2.8 |
131 km |
| Jul 5, 1996 |
7 km WNW of Marble, North Carolina |
M2.8 |
112 km |
| Apr 14, 2005 |
19 km SE of Vonore, Tennessee |
M2.8 |
139 km |
| Apr 21, 2014 |
8 km ESE of Vonore, Tennessee |
M2.8 |
150 km |
| May 23, 2023 |
4 km N of West Canton, North Carolina |
M2.8 |
114 km |
| Aug 14, 2025 |
7 km N of Columbus, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
114 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
2 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 2. Most recent: Michael (2018, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 1 |
285 km |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 4 |
179 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
376 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 30 fatalities, 705 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 1973 |
EF4 |
69 km |
7 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF3 |
7 km |
1 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
83 km |
1 |
| Mar 20, 1998 |
EF3 |
81 km |
12 |
| Mar 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
90 km |
3 |
| Mar 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF3 |
81 km |
1 |
| Nov 15, 1989 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1974 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Dec 13, 1973 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Dec 13, 1973 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Dec 13, 1973 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1973 |
EF3 |
94 km |
1 |
| May 27, 1973 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1952 |
EF3 |
78 km |
2 |
| Mar 23, 2022 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 3, 2021 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 2020 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Oct 8, 2017 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROCK MOUNTAIN (25,224 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
ROCK MOUNTAIN |
25,224 |
65 km |
| 2016 |
TELLICO |
14,172 |
96 km |
| 2016 |
BOTELER |
8,626 |
80 km |
| 2016 |
PINNACLE MOUNTAIN |
7,869 |
63 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
5,084 |
90 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
3,298 |
100 km |
| 2016 |
CAMP BRANCH |
3,234 |
83 km |
| 2023 |
PANTHER KNOB |
3,170 |
79 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
3,165 |
89 km |
| 2020 |
CHAMBERS-GRAPE-HICKORY AP |
2,421 |
31 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
2,201 |
37 km |
| 2010 |
BRAMLETT RIDGE |
2,200 |
61 km |
| 2023 |
BRAMLETT RIDGE FY 23 |
2,172 |
61 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
2,133 |
61 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,087 |
94 km |
| 2023 |
TRAIL RIDGE FY23 |
2,085 |
72 km |
| 2020 |
C-249 LC |
2,084 |
87 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
1,998 |
72 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,911 |
61 km |
| 2020 |
C-250 LC |
1,887 |
90 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
41°F (5°C) |
5.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
45°F (7°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| March |
52°F (11°C) |
5.9 in |
Wettest |
| April |
60°F (15°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| May |
67°F (20°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| June |
74°F (24°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
78°F (25°C) |
4.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| September |
71°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
Driest |
| October |
61°F (16°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| November |
51°F (11°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| December |
44°F (7°C) |
4.7 in |
|
South Union has a seasonal temperature swing of 37°F / from 41°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 56.2 inches, with March being the wettest month (5.9") and September the driest (4.1").
Average costs for common services in South Union. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$234 ($141–$375) |
| Specialist Visit |
$328 ($187–$515) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$187 ($94–$328) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,061 ($750–$4,685) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$122 ($70–$187) |
| Dental Filling |
$234 ($141–$375) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($47–$112) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$281 ($141–$469) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$562 ($375–$937) |
| Battery Replacement |
$187 ($94–$328) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($56–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($47–$131) |
| HVAC Repair |
$375 ($141–$750) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,559 ($3,748–$11,244) |
| Roof Repair |
$937 ($375–$1,874) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,433 ($5,154–$14,055) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,406 ($469–$3,280) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,055 ($4,685–$28,110) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,685 ($1,874–$9,370) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,406 ($750–$2,811) |
| Will Preparation |
$469 ($187–$937) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,343 ($937–$4,685) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($70–$234) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$122) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.84 ($2.81–$5.15) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.28 ($2.34–$4.69) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.56 ($2.34–$5.15) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.22 ($2.81–$6.09) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.15 ($3.75–$7.03) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.56–$1.69) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$131 ($75–$234) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($37–$112) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($37–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$187 ($70–$469) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,874 ($1,124–$3,280) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$122) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.50–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$234) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,124 ($562–$2,343) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$937 ($469–$1,874) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$375 ($187–$656) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($23–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$937 ($375–$2,343) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,713 ($4,685–$28,110) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$187) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$281 ($141–$469) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$187 ($94–$375) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $481 |
| Toddler | $481 |
| Preschool | $524 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $575 |
| Toddler | $575 |
| Preschool | $589 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About South Union
What is the population of South Union?
South Union has a population of 333 residents and is located in South Carolina. The population density is 128 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.8 years. The population is 61.6% female and 38.4% male.
Is South Union expensive to live in?
South Union is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.7 / below the baseline of 100.
Is South Union safe?
The violent crime rate in South Union is 405 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,969 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, South Union receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in South Union?
South Union enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 41°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 302 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 61.1 inches, with 2.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in South Union?
The job market in South Union is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,115. There are 2,024 business establishments in the area, including 140 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in South Union?
Schools in South Union score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 5.9% of adults in South Union hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is South Union?
The obesity rate in South Union is 36.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.8% of adults are smokers. 24.2% are physically inactive. 27.0% of residents report depression. 11.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 50.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,932.
What are the demographics of South Union?
The racial and ethnic makeup of South Union is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 17.3% of the population are military veterans. 9.9% of residents have a disability. 88.3% have health insurance coverage.