Union, SC, United States

Capital City

With a population of just 8,174, Union is a sleepy, slow-paced town that will appeal to those seeking a quiet, inexpensive slice of the Carolinas. However, the city's median household income of $26,110 and poverty rate of 20.8% are stark reminders that economic opportunities are limited. And while the climate is warm, the occasional extreme temperature swing - from 110°F to -11°F - can be a persistent headache.

Overall, Union is a place for those content with a simple, affordable life in the rural South, but it offers little in the way of career prospects or cultural vibrancy.