Median Income
$37,037
51% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
403/100K
6% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
3.3%
90% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.1%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
49.4%
298% higher than US avg
How Unity Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population655
Median Age40.5 yrs
Density310/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans5.6%
Economy
C+
Median Income$37,037
Per Capita$17,844
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty49.4%
County GDP$5,253M
Commute38 min
Housing
Ownership86.4%
Zillow$281,639
Housing Units183
Rent Burden29.1%
Crime
F
Violent403/100K
Property3,077/100K
Health
Obesity38.1%
Uninsured15.2%
Smoking18.8%
Depression28.1%
Heart Disease6.7%
Climate
Avg Temp61°F (16°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain47.8 in/yr
Sunny Days310/yr
Elevation621 ft (189 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+3.3%
High School+69.0%
Graduate+3.9%
School Score5.04
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 37%
Commute38 min
Broadband91.5%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is Unity a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Unity receives an overall livability score of 1.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Unity faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Unity is $37,037, 51% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 49.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 38 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 403 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,077 per 100,000, 57% above the national average.
Education
3.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 69.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Unity enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F. Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 310 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 47.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Unity has a population of 655 with a density of 310 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age is 40.5 years, 4% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.6% female and 46.4% male. The city is predominantly White (98.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 69% of residents, while 31% speak Spanish. 5.6% of the population are veterans. 2.4% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 70.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.5yrs
Median Age
4% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
69.0%
12% below US avg
Spanish
31.0%
131% above US avg
The median household income in Unity is $37,037, which is 51% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $17,844 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,241, 13% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 49.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,236 business establishments, including 162 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.7, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 38 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 4.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $37,037 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $17,844 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,241 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $84,245 |
| Gini Index | 0.459 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 49.4% |
| 298% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,236 |
| County GDP | $5,253M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 162 |
| Healthcare | 186 |
| Retail | 272 |
| Manufacturing | 55 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,400 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.70 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 38.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $281,639. Fair market rent ranges from $982 for a one-bedroom to $1,155 for a two-bedroom apartment. 86.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 183 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2002. The average annual property tax is $3,400. 29.1% 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 | 86.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 86.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 13.6% |
| Housing Units | 183 |
| Median Year Built | 2002 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,400 |
| 3% below US avg |
In Unity, 38.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.7% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.7% of residents, above the national average. 33.0% have high blood pressure. 18.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.7% report binge drinking. 30.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.2% experience frequent mental distress. 15.2% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,447. The dentist ratio is 1:2,490. 72.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Unity vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.1% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.0% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 9.2% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.8% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.3% |
| Depression | 28.1% |
| Mental Distress | 21.2% |
| Physical Distress | 16.7% |
| Short Sleep | 39.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 70.1% |
| Uninsured | 15.2% |
| 77% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,447 |
| Dentists | 1:2,490 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,503 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.5% |
| Dental Visits | 57.2% |
| Premature Death | 11,214/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 72.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 186 |
Unity has a violent crime rate of 403 per 100,000 residents, 6% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,077 per 100,000, 57% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 14 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Unity receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Unity vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 402.9/100K |
| 6% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,076.9/100K |
| 57% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 14 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Unity enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 310 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 47.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 2.1 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 621 feet.
Temperature
42°F Jan (5°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 60.9°F |
| 13% above US avg |
| January Average | 42°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 310 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 621 ft (189 m) |
| Area | 2.1 sq mi (5.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 310/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.8016°N, 80.6918°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Lancaster County County |
| Nearest Airport | Charlotte/Douglas International (CLT)
32 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
47.8"
26% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
4.76"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 79.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 42.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 52.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
29 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 23, 2025.
| Apr 13, 1998 |
9 km S of Kershaw, South Carolina |
M3.9 |
38 km |
| Jun 29, 2022 |
6 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.6 |
71 km |
| Jun 29, 2022 |
6 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.5 |
71 km |
| Jun 26, 2022 |
6 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.4 |
71 km |
| May 9, 2022 |
5 km ESE of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.3 |
72 km |
| Jun 5, 1998 |
4 km SSE of Mooresville, North Carolina |
M3.2 |
84 km |
| Aug 23, 2025 |
3 km N of Coronaca, South Carolina |
M3.0 |
141 km |
| Aug 4, 2007 |
12 km ENE of Lake Lure, North Carolina |
M3.0 |
148 km |
| Mar 21, 2011 |
9 km S of Cordova, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
79 km |
| Feb 18, 2005 |
7 km ENE of Irmo, South Carolina |
M2.9 |
85 km |
| Jan 29, 1994 |
12 km NNE of Alcolu, South Carolina |
M2.9 |
117 km |
| Aug 23, 2025 |
3 km NNW of Coronaca, South Carolina |
M2.9 |
142 km |
| May 10, 2022 |
5 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M2.8 |
70 km |
| Aug 14, 2025 |
7 km N of Columbus, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
149 km |
| Mar 21, 2004 |
16 km ENE of Lake Lure, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
146 km |
| Aug 17, 2021 |
6 km N of Morganton, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
143 km |
| Mar 9, 2024 |
5 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M2.7 |
71 km |
| May 31, 2021 |
4 km SW of Summit, South Carolina |
M2.6 |
123 km |
| May 10, 2022 |
6 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M2.6 |
70 km |
| Jan 5, 2022 |
5 km SW of Lugoff, South Carolina |
M2.6 |
69 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
14 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Ian (2022, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2022 |
Ian |
Category 1 |
216 km |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
225 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 3 |
285 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 1 |
228 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 2 |
213 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
214 km |
| 2004 |
Gaston |
Category 1 |
224 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
271 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
277 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
187 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
271 km |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 4 |
39 km |
| 1985 |
Bob |
Category 1 |
290 km |
| 1984 |
Diana |
Category 4 |
237 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
410 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 26 fatalities, 487 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1989 |
EF4 |
20 km |
1 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
75 km |
5 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
88 km |
7 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
31 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1957 |
EF4 |
22 km |
4 |
| Sep 7, 2004 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1994 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 1990 |
EF3 |
20 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 18, 1969 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2022 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 5, 2020 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Feb 6, 2020 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Feb 6, 2020 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jan 11, 2020 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| Mar 3, 2012 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Nov 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
45 km |
3 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BURNING UNIT (5,567 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
BURNING UNIT |
5,567 |
69 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
5,322 |
86 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,968 |
86 km |
| 2010 |
C-94-95 133 RX |
3,192 |
99 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,094 |
50 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
2,909 |
98 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
2,743 |
86 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
2,690 |
71 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,458 |
75 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,395 |
94 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,362 |
90 km |
| 2008 |
05/05 RX BURN |
2,351 |
45 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,274 |
75 km |
| 2010 |
C-142 RX |
2,149 |
100 km |
| 2007 |
06-09 RX BURN |
2,054 |
47 km |
| 2022 |
SCCRR-FY22-RX-PRESCRIBED FIRE |
2,039 |
47 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
2,024 |
94 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,989 |
66 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,964 |
69 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
1,918 |
71 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
42°F (5°C) |
4.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
45°F (7°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| March |
52°F (11°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| April |
60°F (16°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| May |
68°F (20°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
4.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (25°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| September |
72°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
61°F (16°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| November |
52°F (11°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| December |
44°F (7°C) |
3.4 in |
|
Unity has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 42°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 47.4 inches, with March being the wettest month (4.8") and April the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Unity. 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 | $962 |
| Toddler | $902 |
| Preschool | $704 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $668 |
| Toddler | $668 |
| Preschool | $620 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Unity
What is the population of Unity?
Unity has a population of 655 residents and is located in South Carolina. The population density is 310 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.5 years. The population is 53.6% female and 46.4% male.
Is Unity expensive to live in?
Unity is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.7 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $37,037, 51% below the national average of $75,149.
Is Unity safe?
The violent crime rate in Unity is 403 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 3,077 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Unity receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Unity?
Unity enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 42°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 310 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 47.8 inches, with 2.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Unity?
The job market in Unity is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,241. There are 2,236 business establishments in the area, including 162 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 38 minutes, and 4.0% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Unity?
Schools in Unity score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 3.3% of adults in Unity hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 69.0% have completed high school. 3.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Unity?
The obesity rate in Unity is 38.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.8% of adults are smokers. 30.3% are physically inactive. 28.1% of residents report depression. 15.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 72.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,447.
What is transportation like in Unity?
The average commute in Unity is 38 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Unity?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Unity is 98.5% White. 69% of residents speak only English at home, while 31% speak Spanish. 5.6% of the population are military veterans. 2.4% of residents have a disability. 70.1% have health insurance coverage.
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