South Carolina is famous for its beautiful scenery, interesting history, and friendly people. However, there’s a not-so-great side too. The latest census data shows that South Carolina has a divorce rate of 5.0%, which is less than the national average of 10.9%.
But, when you look at specific cities, some places in the state have a lot more divorces than others. For example, Union has the highest divorce rate in South Carolina.
About Union
| About Union | |
| Population | 8,000 |
| Divorce rate | 12.00% |
| Median household income | $28,841 |
| Bachelor’s degree or higher | 13.40% |
| Christian adherents | 77.60% |
| African American population | 66.40% |
Union is a little town in Upstate South Carolina with around 8,000 people. It used to be a busy place for factories and industries, but it’s been facing money troubles and social issues in the last few decades.
In the 2021 census, it was found that Union has a 12.0% divorce rate. This means that more than one out of every ten people over 15 years old in the town is divorced. This rate is higher than the average for the state, and Union is the eighth-highest city in the country when it comes to divorce rates.
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Reasons Behind Union’s High Divorce Rate
What factors contribute to the high divorce rate in Union? Although there isn’t a clear solution, several potential causes could be:
- Poverty: The typical household income in Union is $28,841, significantly less than the average for the state and the country. In addition to making it more difficult for couples to get counseling or legal services, poverty can lead to stress and conflict in marriages.
- Education: Only 13.4% of Union’s citizens hold a bachelor’s degree or above, indicating a low level of educational attainment in the community. In addition to fostering relationship-building communication and problem-solving abilities, education can offer chances for both professional and personal improvement.
- Religion: 77.6% of Union’s citizens identify as Christians, making it a city with a high proportion of religious followers. Depending on the values and customs of the partners as well as their communities, religion can have a beneficial or bad impact on a marriage. While some religious groups support divorce in circumstances of abuse or adultery, others may oppose it.
- Culture: 66.4% of Union’s citizens identify as African Americans, making up the majority of the population. Marriage expectations and conventions, as well as the availability and acceptability of divorce, can all be influenced by culture. While certain cultural groups place more importance on individual autonomy and pleasure, others may place more value on family and marriage stability.
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Other Cities With the Higher Divorce Rates in South Carolina
Other than Union, several South Carolina cities also experience high divorce rates. Hartsville, Gaffney, Chester, and Cheraw are among those ranking high.
These cities share similarities with Union, such as low income, low education levels, high religiosity, and a significant minority population. However, each city has its own distinctive history and context that could influence its divorce rate.
Read More: This New York City Has the Highest Divorce Rates in the State
To Conclude
Divorce is a delicate and private choice with a wide range of implications. It is a reflection of the difficulties and reality of marriage in contemporary culture rather than necessarily a positive or negative thing.
Notwithstanding the fact that Union has South Carolina’s highest divorce rate, the city is not the worst or unhappiest in the state. A strong sense of community, a rich tradition, and a tenacious spirit are just a few of its many potential strengths and assets.
