February stats show rise statewide; no change in Anderson, Spartanburg
Greenville County’s unemployment rate fell slightly in February while Spartanburg and Anderson counties saw no change, according to the latest unemployment numbers.
Oconee and Pickens county’s unemployment rates dropped one-tenth of a percent each. Pickens County’s rate fell to 5.4 percent, while Oconee’s rate was at 5.8 percent.
Statewide, the unemployment rate was unchanged for the sixth consecutive month at 5.5 percent.
But the number of people working in South Carolina grew by 13,604, pushing the state’s workforce to 2,163,109, a record high. Over the past year, the state gained 60,212 jobs. The number of unemployed in the state decreased over the past year by 20,216.
Nationally, unemployment remained at 4.9 percent.
Unemployment rose in 13 of South Carolina’s 46 counties, but Cherokee County was the only one in the Upstate.
Greenville County’s unemployment rate fell to 4.6 percent. Only Charleston and Lexington counties had lower rates at 4.5 percent.
Spartanburg County’s unemployment rate was 5.2 percent. Anderson County stayed the same at 5 percent. Pickens County fell to 5.4 percent.
Sectors with the biggest increases in employment in South Carolina were trade, transportation and utilities, professional and business services and construction.
For the detailed report, click here.
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BY THE NUMBERS //
0.1
percentage decrease in Greenville County unemployment rate
5
unemployment rate in Anderson County
400
jobs added in Spartanburg MSA in the last month
1,400
non-farm jobs added in Greenville MSA
8,900
Jobs added in Greenville County in last month
13,604
increase in working South Carolinians from January to February
48,900
jobs added in S.C. in the last year
(Source: SC Dept. of Employment and Workforce)
