COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina’s unemployment rate continues to improve with the state reporting 3,413 people landed jobs in February.
Roughly 60,000 households are surveyed each month by the Census Bureau to determine the national employment status. That data, along with other inputs, is used to estimate rates for South Carolina.
The latest report from the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (SCDEW) shows 21,049 more workers are employed across the state compared to this time last year.
Despite the gradual rise in employment, the state’s unemployment rate increased over the last year by 18,210 people.
State officials believe the contrast is due to the state’s growing labor force.
“As the state’s population has rapidly grown, it has taken some time to absorb many of the new labor market entrants into our state’s workforce, but February’s numbers indicate that those hirings are happening and that the number of unemployed residents in South Carolina is dropping,” said the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) Executive Director William Floyd.
The highest unemployment rate in the state is led by Williamsburg County.
- Williamsburg Co. – 7.6%
- Marlboro Co. – 7.4%
- Marion Co. – 6.3%
- Lee Co. – 6.2%
- Dillon Co. – 6.1%
In comparison, the lowest unemployment rate in the state is led by Charleston County.
- Charleston Co. – 3.7%
- Saluda Co. – 3.8%
- Lexington Co. – 3.9%
- Greenville Co. – 4.0%
- Dorchester Co. – 4.0%
South Carolina’s unemployment rate is 4.2%. That's 0.1% higher than the national average. To view the full report click here.
