Union, SC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
8,079
0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$31,914/yr
-6.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,388
-1.6% year-over-year change

Union population

How many people live in Union

Union is home to 8,079 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.4% of Union locals are male, and 53.6% are female.

Total population
8,079
0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.4%
3,745
Female
53.6%
4,334
Value Percent YoY change
Male 3,745 46.4% 2.8%
Female 4,334 53.6% -1.6%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Union is 46, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.2% are children under 15, then 11.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21.1% of the population, while another 30.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
45.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.2%
15 to 24
11.3%
25 to 44
21.1%
45 to 64
30.8%
Over 65
20.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,305 16.2% 5.7%
15 to 24 913 11.3% 2.4%
25 to 44 1,708 21.1% 9.3%
45 to 64 2,486 30.8% -1.0%
Over 65 1,667 20.6% -9.8%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Union, 97.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 51.6% of locals are Caucasian, 44% are African American and 0.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 2.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.5%
Non-citizens
2.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 7,863 97.3% -1.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 40 0.5% 110.5%
Non-citizens 176 2.2% 198.3%
Racial breakdown
White
51.6%
Black or African American
44%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
2.4%
Other
1.9%
Value Percent
White 4,166 51.6%
Black or African American 3,554 44%
Asian 6 0.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 5 0.1%
Two or more races 197 2.4%
Other 151 1.9%

Households in Union

A peek inside Union households

Union has 3,904 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 50.3% are families, while the remaining 49.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,904
-2.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,940
Family households
1,964
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,940 49.7% -3.4%
Family households 1,964 50.3% -0.7%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Union

The housing landscape of Union

Union's housing consists of 4,388 units, with 65.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 8.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
4,388
-1.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,857 65.1%
2 units 130 3%
3 or 4 units 374 8.5%
5 to 9 units 217 5%
10 to 19 units 80 1.8%
20 to 49 units 289 6.6%
50 or more units 79 1.8%
Mobile home 362 8.2%
Homes built since 2020
7
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Union

In Union, the median construction year is 1965. About 20.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 3.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 905 20.6% 12.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 248 5.6% -36.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 553 12.6% 13.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,034 23.6% -9.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 855 19.5% 2.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 173 3.9% -26.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 379 8.6% -15.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 138 3.1% 213.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 96 2.2% 26.3%
Built in 2020 or later 7 0.2% N/A
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Union occupancy rates

Out of the 3,904 occupied housing units in Union, 49.8% are owner-occupied, while 50.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,904
-2.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,959
Owner occupied
1,945
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,959 50.2% -0.1%
Owner occupied 1,945 49.8% -4.0%
Unoccupied housing units
11.0%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Union housing costs

Housing costs in Union come to a median of $666 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $832.

Median housing costs per month
$666/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Union
$832/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Union

Union education at a glance

About 48.2% of the population in Union went to high school, while 23.5% pursued college studies. Another 9.2% earned an associate degree and 9.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 306 4.7% -24.8%
High school diploma 3,127 48.2% -1.1%
College diploma 1,526 23.5% -1.9%
Associate degree 599 9.2% -3.9%
Bachelor's degree 591 9.1% -2.0%
Graduate degree 341 5.2% 24.9%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Union

How much people earn in Union

The average annual household income in Union was $50,880 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -2.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $31,914, reflecting a -6.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Union
$50,880/year
-2.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Union
$31,914/year
-6.4% year-over-year change

Union income by age

In Union, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $44,065. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $30,100 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $30,857, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $27,125 in earnings. Overall, 71.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $30,857 3.0%
25 - 44 $44,065 3.2%
45 - 64 $30,100 0.1%
Over 65 $27,125 -3.9%
Above poverty level
5,633
Below poverty level
2,291
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 5,633 71.1% -2.8%
Below poverty level 2,291 28.9% 9.5%

Average renter income in Union

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Union, their median household income was $22,869 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 43.7%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$22,869
Rent-to-income ratio
43.7%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Union

Workforce and job types in Union

The job market in Union is powered by 3,217 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 52.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 47.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.7% run their own businesses, 70.6% are employed by private companies, and 17.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
3,217
5.9% year-over-year change
White collar
1,692
Blue collar
1,525
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,692 52.6% 7.6%
Blue collar 1,525 47.4% 4.0%
Employer type
Self employees
7.7%
Private companies
70.6%
Governmental workers
17.2%
Not for profit companies
4.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 249 7.7% 28.4%
Private companies 2,272 70.6% 1.4%
Governmental workers 554 17.2% 28.2%
Not for profit companies 142 4.4% -17.9%
Unemployment rate
11.4%
7.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Union stands at 11.4%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Union

How people get around in Union

In Union, the average commute time is 26 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 95.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
26 min
-2.3% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 2,989 95.4% 6.5%
Taxicab 9 0.3% 50.0%
Motorcycle 12 0.4% -33.3%
Walk 41 1.3% -55.9%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Union by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
29379 17,607 7,786 $40,879 $56,807

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FAQs about Union demographics 

What is the total population of Union?

Union has a total population of 8,079 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Union?

The gender ratio in Union is as follows:
  • 46.4% males (3,745 residents)
  • 53.6% females (4,334 residents)

What is the median age in Union?

The median age in Union is 45.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Union?

The age distribution in Union is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.2% (1,305 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.3% (913 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21.1% (1,708 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 30.8% (2,486 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.6% (1,667 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Union?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Union is as follows:
  • White: 51.6% (4,166 residents)
  • Black or African American: 44% (3,554 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.1% (6 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (5 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.4% (197 residents)
  • Other: 1.9% (151 residents)

What percentage of the population in Union are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.3% of the population in Union.

How many housing units are there in Union?

There are 4,388 housing units in Union, reflecting a -1.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Union and what is the average household size?

Union has a total of 3,904 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Union?

Union has a median household income of $31,914, representing a -6.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Union?

The employment rate is 88.6% in Union, with a workforce of 3,217 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 52.6% (1,692 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 47.4% (1,525 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.7% (249 residents)
  • Private companies: 70.6% (2,272 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 17.2% (554 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.4% (142 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025