A report released Friday by the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce shows both a decrease in the unemployment rate for Clarendon County and the state at-large.
The South Carolina unemployment rate now stands at 3.9 percent across the state, the lowest percentage since February 2001. This is down from 4 percent in August.
In Clarendon County, the unemployment rate now stands at 5.4 percent, down from 6 percent in August. The rate was also 6 percent this time last year.
"This is just another example of the tremendous potential of our state and our people," said Gov. Henry McMaster. "With more South Carolinians working than ever before and jobs being created by new and expanding companies nearly every day, we are showing that there's no better place in the world to do business or one wth more opportunity for its (residents)."
SCDEW Executive Director Cheryl Stanton agreed. The report from her department stated that the state's workforce increased by more than 5,200 people in September, with a growth of more than 26,500 jobs from September 2016.
"South Carolina businesses are growing and providing opportunities for her residents," she said. "White there are more people working today than any time in the state's history and participating in the robust economy, there are still people who want to work but who may have a barrier to employment. The agency is working with these individuals, whether they are homeless, veterans, ex-offenders or others, to help them overcome those barriers to be productive citizens."
South Carolina added more than 1,200 jobs in manufacturing and more than 400 jobs in construction in September. Annual gains since 2016 were up across the board, including 7,300 jobs added in trade, transportation and utilities.
Charleston County has the lowest unemployment rate in the state with 3.1 percent. Fairfield County, with 8 percent, has the highest rate.
