Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Union, SC
Considering a move to Union, SC? With a friendly population of just under 8,000, Union offers affordable small-town living—median home prices are just $86,500 and average rents about $730. Expect short commutes (24 minutes on average), mild winters, and plenty of sunshine. While the city has higher crime rates than the national average, it features a local hospital, public schools, and a branch of the University of South Carolina. Enjoy a low cost of living and classic Southern charm in this historic community.
Demographics - Union, SC
Union, SC is home to about 7,850 residents, with a nearly even split between White and Black populations and a median age of 42.7 years. The city has a moderate population density, a slightly higher number of females than males, and a small percentage of non-English speakers. This diverse and mature community offers a welcoming small-town atmosphere.
Population:
7,848
Density:
1,150 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.7
Gender Ratio:
85 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.3%
Ethnic Composition
White:
48.2%
Black:
48.8%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
2.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Union, SC?
Union offers a notably low cost of living, with a median home value of just $86,500 and average rents around $730 per month. Utilities and groceries remain affordable, and the overall cost of living index sits well below the national average. Residents also benefit from reasonable property taxes and modest state tax rates.
Median House Value:
$86,500
Gross Rent:
$730
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,310
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$970
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$330
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
7%
Cost Of Living Index:
78.6
Grocery:
92.6
Housing:
48.2
Utilities:
97.1
Transportation:
85.3
Health Care:
93.7
Miscellaneous:
92.5
Crime
Is Union, SC a safe place to live?
Union experiences higher crime rates than many cities, with a violent crime rate of 553 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 3,241 per 100,000 residents. The odds of being a victim of property crime are approximately 1 in 31. Prospective residents should consider these factors when choosing neighborhoods in the area.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
553
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,241
Crime Index:
3,794
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 181
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 31
Weather
What is the weather like in Union, SC year-round?
Union enjoys a mild climate, with winter lows around 31°F and summer highs near 91°F. The area receives about 46.6 inches of rainfall annually and sees sunshine about 62% of the year. These conditions provide for pleasant outdoor living throughout most seasons.
Winter
Min:
31°F
Max:
54°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
74°F
Summer
Min:
69°F
Max:
91°F
Fall
Min:
51°F
Max:
75°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Union's community features a median household income of $36,900 and 84.5% of adults hold at least a high school diploma. The poverty rate is higher than average at 24.2%, and unemployment stands at 5.9%. Most residents drive to work, with average commutes lasting about 24 minutes.
Median Income:
$29,100
Household Income:
$36,900
Family Income:
$40,800
Per Capita Income:
$19,800
Income Male:
$34,700
Income Female:
$25,300
Poverty Rate:
24.2%
Non English Speakers:
4.3%
Rent:
$730
Unemployment Rate:
5.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
24.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
84.5%
Bachelors or More:
13.1%
Education
How are the schools in Union, SC?
Union is supported by both public and private schools, including Union County High School and Foster Park Elementary, with favorable student-teacher ratios. Higher education is available locally through the University of South Carolina Union and Spartanburg Community College's Union campus. The city provides a range of educational opportunities from early learning to college-level studies.
Public Schools
Name:
Union County High School
Street:
1163 Lakeside Dr
Phone:
864-429-1750
Students:
1,050
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Name:
Foster Park Elementary School
Street:
901 Arthur Blvd
Phone:
864-429-1737
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.7
Private Schools
Name:
Union Christian Day School
Street:
331 Beltline Rd
Phone:
864-427-0333
Students:
110
Colleges
Name:
University of South Carolina Union
City:
Union
State:
SC
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,000
Name:
Spartanburg Community College—Union Campus
City:
Union
State:
SC
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
250
Healthcare
Union is served by Union Medical Center, offering general and emergency care to the community. With approximately 1.9 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 90% health insurance coverage, most healthcare needs are accessible locally. The healthcare index reflects solid but not exceptional services for a city of its size.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Union Medical Center
Address:
322 W South St, Union, SC 29379
Phone:
(864) 301-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.7%
Health Care Index:
67.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Union, SC?
The housing market in Union is very affordable, with a median home price of $86,500 and average two-bedroom rent at $730. About 54% of residents own their homes, and home values have appreciated by 6.4% over the past year. The area maintains a relatively high rental vacancy rate, offering options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$86,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$730
Owner Occupied Rate:
54.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
11.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.4%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Union’s DMV services are provided by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, located conveniently on S. Church Street. Residents can handle vehicle registration, licensing, and other driving-related needs locally or through the state DMV website. The office offers accessible support for new and existing residents.
State:
South Carolina
Department:
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1030 S. Church St., Union, SC 29379
Phone:
(864) 427-1300
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.