SC Unemployment Rate unchanged since April

South Carolina’s unemployment rate has remained unchanged for the third month in a row. The South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce reports that the jobless rate was 5.3% in June. When South Carolina’s unemployment initially fell to 5.3% in April, officials said that figure was the state’s lowest level in 13 years. Locally, Oconee County lists the jobless rate at 6.2% in June, which is up from May’s rate of 5.6%. Similarly, Pickens County’s unemployment rate rose from 4.4% in May to 5.4% in June and Anderson County’s went from 4.6% in May to 5.3% in June. The national unemployment rate was 6.1% in June, down from 6.3% in May. “35,000 more South Carolinians are working today than a year ago, and this is more evidence that South Carolina’s economy continues to strengthen. With nearly 60,000 available jobs, the future of the Palmetto State is bright,” said Cheryl Stanton, executive director of the SC Department of Employment and Workforce.