The latest unemployment estimates show more South Carolinians are out of work, according to The South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW). The state's unemployment rate in December rose to 4.8% ahead of the national average of 4.4%
DEW reports 124,807 South Carolinians were unemployed in December, an increase of more than 4,000 individuals from November 2025. The state's labor force also grew by nearly 65,000 over the past year, which can be attributed to population growth. The total labor force for December was estimated to be 2,614,214.
DEW Executive Director William Floyd says overall South Carolina continues to have a robust economy and a competitive talent pipeline with steady job growth across most industries statewide. Floyd says the highest increases are associated with accommodation and food Services, health care and social assistance, and professional, scientific, and technical services.
Today's publication of December data is due to last year’s federal government shutdown
which delayed monthly employment reporting for the last four months of 2025.