Daniel Prince
State's seasonally adjusted rate increases slightly
The latest unemployment data from the SC Department of Employment and Workforce came out last week. Statewide, there was a small decrease in the number of those working and a small increase in the number of unemployed people. The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from 3.1% in August to 3.2% in September, while the national rate fell from 3.7% to 3.5%.
According to county data, which is not seasonally adjusted, most counties saw a decrease in the unemployment rate. Union County’s unemployment rate dropped from 5.4% in August to 4.9% in September. 70 more people were working in Union County in September than in August, and 53 fewer people were listed as unemployed. The labor force increased slightly, by 17 people.
Compared to September 2021, the county’s unemployment rate is down by 0.8%, with 204 more people working, 87 fewer people unemployed, and 117 more people in the labor force.
Despite the declines, Union County is tied with Marion County for the 5th-highest unemployment rate in the state. Charleston, Hampton, Lexington, and Newberry counties have the lowest unemployment rate, at 2.5%. Marlboro County has the highest unemployment rate in the state, at 6.4%.