S.C. unemployment drops to record 2.4% in November

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South Carolina’s unemployment rate dropped to another record low of 2.4% in November, down from 2.6% in October.

The S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce’s monthly household survey estimated the number of South Carolinians working at a record 2,324,510, an increase of 5,604 people from October and of 69,390 people from November 2018.

The state’s unemployment estimates decreased to 57,981 people, down 4,486 from October and 17,216 from November 2018. South Carolina’s estimated labor force, or people working plus unemployed people looking for work, increased to 2,382,401, up 1,118 from October and 52,174 from November 2018.

Nationally, the unemployment rate dropped to 3.5% in November from 3.6% in October.

South Carolina’s professional and business services industry saw an increase of 2,000 workers, while leisure and hospitality employment numbers increased by 1,700. Trade, transportation and utilities saw a drop of 1,700.

Unemployment edged up in Richland County in November to 2.1% from 2% the previous month. In November 2018, unemployment in the county stood at 3%.

In Lexington County, the unemployment rate remained unchanged for the month at 1.7%, down from 2.5% in November 2018.