Government

Officials: Berkeley County Unemployment Rate Drops Significantly

South Carolina’s unemployment rate declining to 5.2 percent in July from 5.4 percent in June.
South Carolina’s unemployment rate declined to 5.2 percent in July from 5.4 percent in June.

BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.–According to the latest data from the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce, Berkeley County’s unemployment rate in July 2016 has dropped to 4.8%, down from 5.5% in July 2015 and from 6.3% in January 2015.

In the past year, Berkeley County’s employment has increased by over 3,100 people – from 89,018 in July 2015 to 92,149 in July 2016.

Since January 2015, employment has increased by nearly 10,000 people from 83,943 in January 2015 to the 92,149 in July 2016.

“Berkeley County is open for business, and Berkeley County means business,” said Berkeley County Supervisor Bill Peagler. “With the lowest county government tax millage rate in the state, close proximity to two major interstates and the Port of Charleston, available land and building space, and a county government committed to recruiting and supporting business – this significant drop in our unemployment rate comes as no surprise. We will continue to recruit jobs to Berkeley County, so our residents can not only live here, but also work here.”

Governor Nikki Haley also issued the following statement Friday in response to South Carolina’s unemployment rate declining to 5.2 percent in July from 5.4 percent in June.

“When we talk about priorities like workforce training and investments in education and students, there’s a reason we do it – it’s paying off as July’s unemployment rate dropped to 5.2 percent. We are excited to celebrate another month of record-low unemployment, that includes three straight months of decline, and we look forward to keeping up the momentum.”

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