Department of Numbers

South Carolina Unemployment

According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for South Carolina fell 0.0 percentage points in October 2023 to 2.9%. The state unemployment rate was 1.0 percentage points lower than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in South Carolina peaked in December 2009 at 12.1% and is now 9.2 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 2.4% in September 2019, the unemployment rate has now grown by 0.5 percentage points. You can also see South Carolina unemployment compared to other states.

Unemployment Rate October 2023 Month/Month Year/Year
National 3.9% +0.1 +0.2
South Carolina 2.9% 0.0 -0.4

Note: All comparisons are made with October data as November state level unemployment data has not yet been released.

Unemployment Rate: South Carolina, National

South Carolina monthly unemployment rate chart from 1990 to October 2023

Note: Recessions shown in gray

South Carolina Unemployed

The number of people unemployed in South Carolina peaked in April 2020 at 271,601. There are now 199,715 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 71,647 in September 2023, the number of unemployed has now grown by 239. South Carolina job growth data is also available.

Unemployed Persons October 2023 Month/Month Year/Year
South Carolina 71,886 +239 -6,188

Number of Unemployed Persons

Monthly chart of total unemployed in South Carolina from 1990 to October 2023

South Carolina Unemployment History

Date National
Unemployment Rate
South Carolina
Unemployment Rate
South Carolina
Unemployed
November 2023 3.7%
October 2023 3.9% 2.9% 71,886
September 2023 3.8% 2.9% 71,647
August 2023 3.8% 3.0% 73,016
July 2023 3.5% 3.1% 77,071
June 2023 3.6% 3.1% 76,101
May 2023 3.7% 3.1% 75,621
April 2023 3.4% 3.1% 75,642
March 2023 3.5% 3.2% 76,414
February 2023 3.6% 3.2% 76,043
January 2023 3.4% 3.2% 76,046
December 2022 3.5% 3.3% 77,159