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State industry recruitment marks milestone in rural economic development

Production of sustainable fuel called bio gas. New factory in field. View from above. Ecological production.
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The South Carolina Department of Commerce released its 2025 industry recruitment results Wednesday noting the highest percentage of rural capital investment and new jobs in more than a decade.

The South Carolina Department of Commerce (SCDOC) has released its 2025 industry recruitment results, marking a milestone for rural economic development.

For the last year, the SCDOC has announced a total capital investment of $9.12 billion, representing the third-highest year for industry recruitment on record and more than 8,100 new jobs.

In addition, rural recruitment of both capital investment as well as new jobs accounted for more than 40% of the overall totals—the highest percentages since 2010.

Rural recruitment accounted for $4.25 billion, or 46%, of total announced capital investment and more than 3,500, or 44%, of total announced new jobs. Rural projects span agribusiness, automotive, energy, and wood and paper products – reflecting South Carolina’s increasingly diverse economy and the competitive strengths of the state’s rural workforce, infrastructure and quality of life.

For more details on the state’s announced economic activity in 2025, click here.