These SC counties have the lowest average weekly wage, latest federal data says
South Carolina has seen a significant increase in its average weekly wage since last year, but many counties’ average weekly wages aren’t very sustainable.
Between 2024 and 2025, SC’s average weekly wage increased to $1,198, which is a 4.9% increase, according to a report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a federal agency under the U.S. Department of Labor that measures labor market activity.
As a result, SC’s average weekly wage is one of the fastest-growing, ranking 11th in the country for its increase. The report only shows the percentage change increase of average weekly wages for each state and SC’s seven largest counties.
The nation’s average weekly wage is $1,469, and SC’s average weekly wage is the 38th highest in the nation. All SC counties have average weekly wages less than the national average.
Without having any children, a single adult in SC, on average, would need to earn around $894 a week to support themselves, according to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator. Out of the 46 counties in SC, five have average weekly wages below $894.
Here is the list of the SC counties with the lowest average weekly wage:
10 SC counties with lowest average weekly wage
#1. McCormick County
McCormick County’s average weekly wage is $807, which is the lowest is the state. You would need an average weekly wage of $769 to support just yourself. With a child, you would need $1,269 a week.
#2. Clarendon County
Clarendon County’s average weekly wage is $830. You would need an average weekly wage of $749 to support yourself. With a child, you would need $1,233 a week.
#3. Dillon County
Dillon County’s average weekly wage is $865. You would need $761 a week to support yourself. With a child, you would need $1,216 a week.
#4. Barnwell County
Barnwell County’s average weekly wage is $876. You would need $744 a week to support yourself. With a child, you would need $1,190 a week.
#5. Marion County
Marion County’s average weekly wage is $888. You would need $724 a week to support yourself. With a child, you would need $1,204 a week.
#6. Bamberg County
Bamberg County’s average weekly wage is $900. You would need $750 a week to support yourself. With a child, you would need $1,232 a week.
#7. Orangeburg County
Orangeburg County’s average weekly wage is $918. You would need $736 a week to support yourself. With a child, you would need $1,199 a week.
#8. Lee County
Lee County’s average weekly wage is $946. You would need $738 a week to support yourself. With a child, you would need $1,228 a week.
#9/10. Colleton County
Colleton County’s average weekly wage is $947. You would need $750 a week to support yourself. With a child, you would need $1,240 a week.
#9/10. Georgetown County
Georgetown County’s average weekly wage is $947. You would need $837 a week to support yourself. With a child, you would need $1,497 a week.
You can find the SC counties that have the highest average weekly wage here.