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Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

South Carolina

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Payroll employment in South Carolina increased by 1,900 jobs (0.1 percent) during March. The unemployment rate is 4.9 percent, decreasing slightly by 0.1 percentage point.

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Labor market icon showing three people Labor Market Conditions

  • "Employment growth improved in March, primarily due to solid job gains in other services. However, many industries saw either flat or declining employment." – Bethany Greene
  • Total payroll employment in South Carolina increased by 1,900 jobs (0.1 percent), on net, during March. The largest job gains were in other services (1,300 jobs) and education and health services (900 jobs). Job gains were partially offset by job losses in financial services (1,200 jobs).
  • On a yearly basis, payroll employment grew by 12,100 jobs (0.5 percent). Annual job growth was led by education & health services (7,900 jobs), government (4,700 jobs) and other services (3,400 jobs). Four industries saw declines: professional and business services (8,500 jobs), trade, transportation and utilities (1,400 jobs), information services (1,300 jobs) and financial activities (600 jobs).
  • The unemployment rate in South Carolina is currently 4.9 percent, decreasing slightly by 0.1 percentage point in March. The labor force continues to grow, adding 5,300 participants over the month.

Housing Market icon showing a picture of a house Housing Market Conditions

  • Residential permitting activity increased 16.6 percent from February 2026 to March 2026 and increased 7.7 percent from March 2025 to March 2026.
  • According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency, home values increased in Q4 of 2025 by 0.3 percent compared to Q3 of 2025. Compared to Q4 of 2024, home values grew 3.7 percent in Q4 of 2025.
Snapshot Resources
  • Term Definitions

    Payroll Employment
    The number of nonfarm jobs (persons on payrolls) according to where those jobs are located.

    Unemployment Rate
    The number of unemployed persons (those not employed but available and searching for work) as a percent of the civilian labor force (the total number of employed plus unemployed persons).

    Industry Structure
    A breakdown of total nonfarm jobs by industry. Percentages sum to 100 percent.

    Industry Growth
    The percentage change in jobs in each industry from a year ago.

    Building Permits
    The number of privately owned single-family and multi-family units authorized in permit-issuing places.

    House Price Index
    A repeat sales index, measuring average price changes in repeat sales or refinancings on the same single-family properties.

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Joseph Mengedoth