South Carolina · Metropolitan Area
Union is a small city in South Carolina with a population of 8,047. Residents earn $34,112 per year, which is 55% below the national average.
Based on current data, Union receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Union has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
The median household income in Union is $34,112, 55% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.7% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 16.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
The median home value in Union is $103,400, 63% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $789 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
With 791 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern — this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,622 per 100,000, 136% above the national average.
14.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.4/10.
Union enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F. Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 45.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
| English Only | 98.7% |
| 26% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 1.3% |
| 90% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $34,112 |
| 55% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $26,533 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $933 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $47,611 |
| Unemployment | 5.7% |
| 58% above US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 16.7% |
| 35% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 490 |
| County GDP | $905M |
| Restaurants | 35 |
| Healthcare | 25 |
| Retail | 101 |
| Manufacturing | 27 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,790 |
| 49% below US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.73% |
| Commute Time | 26.3 min |
| Work from Home | 1.5% |
| Census Median | $103,400 |
| 63% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $132,648 |
| Median List Price | $192,500 |
| Median List Price | $192,500 |
| $/Sq Ft | $90 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.2% |
| Price Drops | 31.0% |
| Inventory | 42 |
| Census Median Rent | $789 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Studio | $786 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,038 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,270 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,374 |
| Owner-Occupied | 50.8% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,790 |
| 49% below US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 1.73% |
| Obesity | 47.6% |
| 48% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 17.4% |
| Heart Disease | 7.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 44.5% |
| Asthma | 11.9% |
| COPD | 10.8% |
| Stroke | 5.2% |
| Binge Drinking | 14.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 35.9% |
| Depression | 24.3% |
| Mental Distress | 21.8% |
| Physical Distress | 18.0% |
| Insurance Rate | 91.5% |
| Checkup Rate | 80.0% |
| Premature Death | 16,927/100K |
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 63.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 25 |
| Total Violent | 790.9/100K |
| 108% above US avg | |
| Murder | 37.1/100K |
| 488% above US avg | |
| Rape | 74.2/100K |
| Robbery | 160.7/100K |
| Assault | 519.0/100K |
| Total Property | 4,621.9/100K |
| 136% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 605.5/100K |
| Theft | 3,880.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 135.9/100K |
| Arson | 37.1/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 60.4°F |
| 12% above US avg | |
| January Average | 41°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 45.3 inches |
| 19% above US avg | |
| Snowfall | 1.9 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 630 ft (192 m) |
| Area | 8.2 sq mi (21.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 986/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.7235°N, 81.6248°W |
| County FIPS | 45087 |
Winner: Republican by 32.7 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 14.8% |
| 56% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 80.5% |
| School Test Score | 4.37 |
| RUCC Code 2 | Metro — 250K–1M |
| Population Density | 986/sq mi |
| Total Area | 8.2 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 3 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 3 |
| Public Libraries | 5 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 25 |
| Restaurants | 35 |
| Retail Stores | 101 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Avg Commute | 26.3 min |
| Work from Home | 1.5% |