SC jobless rate falls to lowest level since November 2000

South Carolina’s unemployment rate fell to 3.9 percent in July, its lowest level since November 2000.

The rate matched June’s revised rate of 3.9 percent, according to the state Department of Employment and Workforce.

The number of unemployed people edged lower by 141 to 91,486. The number of individuals working across the state fell by 2,217 to 2,228,354 people in July, resulting in the labor force decrease by 2,358 to 2,319,840 people.

Since July 2016, employment gains totaled 40,958, and the labor force has grown by 22,848 people. The level of unemployed people decreased by 18,110.

Nationally, the unemployment rate decreased from 4.4 percent in June to 4.3 percent in July.

The largest gains in employment in July were in the in the professional and business services category, up 2,800; government, up 2,200; manufacturing, up 1,900; and leisure and hopsitality. up 1,700. The trade, transportation, and utilities lost 3,100 jobs.

Locally, the rates in Kershaw, Lexington and Richland counties held steady from June, with Lexington at 3.6 percent; Richland at 4.2 percent; and Kershaw at 4.5 percent.

This story was originally published August 18, 2017 at 9:27 AM with the headline "SC jobless rate falls to lowest level since November 2000."