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South Carolina

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Total Payroll employment in South Carolina increased by 5,400 jobs (0.2 percent) in May. The unemployment rate is currently at 4.1 percent, declining slightly by 0.1 percentage point.

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Labor market icon showing three people Labor Market Conditions

  • "South Carolina's job gains were solid in May primarily due to education, health and government. However, several industries exhibited negative or relatively flat employment growth during the month." – Bethany Greene
  • Total payroll employment in South Carolina increased by 5,400 jobs (0.2 percent), on net, during the month. Job gains were led mostly by government (2,000 jobs) and education and health services (1,600 jobs). There were slight employment declines in manufacturing (100 jobs) and leisure and hospitality (100 jobs).
  • On a yearly basis, payroll employment grew by 62,500 jobs (2.7 percent). Annual job growth was led by professional and business services (14,500 jobs), education & health services (13,500 jobs) and construction (7,600 jobs). Manufacturing employment declined by 900 workers on an annual basis.
  • The unemployment rate in South Carolina is currently at 4.1 percent, declining slightly by 0.1 percentage point in May. Also, the labor force continues to grow robustly, with 4,400 workers added during the month.

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

  • Residential permitting activity grew 11.6 percent from April 2025 to May 2025 and decreased 1.8 percent from May 2024 to May 2025.
  • According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency, home values increased in Q1 of 2025 by 1.1 percent compared to Q4 of 2024. Compared to Q1 of 2024, home values grew 6.0 percent in Q1 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