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South Carolina

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Payroll employment in South Carolina declined by 5,900 jobs (0.2 percent) during December. The unemployment rate is currently 4.8 percent, increasing by 0.2 percentage point.

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Labor market icon showing three people Labor Market Conditions

  • "South Carolina labor market conditions deteriorated in December due to sizable job losses in trade transportation and utilities and professional and business services. The unemployment rate also increased to 4.8 percent." – Bethany Greene
  • Total payroll employment in South Carolina declined by 5,900 jobs (0.2 percent), on net, during December. Most job losses were in trade, transportation and utilities (5,400 jobs) and professional and business services (4,100 jobs). These job losses were partially offset by job gains in leisure and hospitality (1,900 jobs), financial activities (800 jobs), construction (500 jobs) and government (500 jobs).
  • On a yearly basis, payroll employment grew by 33,600 jobs (1.4 percent). Annual job growth was led by leisure and hospitality (17,900 jobs) and education & health services (7,300 jobs). Manufacturing employment declined by 2,200 jobs on an annual basis.
  • The unemployment rate in South Carolina is currently 4.8 percent, increasing by 0.2 percentage point in December. The labor force grew notably, adding 12,700 participants over the month.

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

  • Residential permitting activity grew 2.6 percent from September 2025 to October 2025 and decreased 1.1 percent from October 2024 to October 2025.
  • According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency, home values increased in Q3 of 2025 by 1.5 percent compared to Q2 of 2025. Compared to Q3 of 2024, home values grew 4.7 percent in Q3 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