Unemployment Rate Plummets to Lowest in Five Years

The unemployment rate in South Carolina fell from 8.4 percent in March to 8.0 in April, according to the latest report from the Department of Employment and Workforce.

The month-to-month decrease is the largest since May of 1987 and the overall unemployment rate is now the lowest it's been since October 2008.

Since April 2012 more than 26,000 jobs have been added to South Carolina's economy.

All 46 counties added jobs in the last month and three counties--Charleston, Greenville and Lexington--now have unemployment rates below 6 percent.

Four counties saw their rates drop a full point since March--Marion, Horry, Barnwell and York. 

"This drop in unemployment is yet another piece of great news for South Carolina," said Governor Nikki Haley. "Our outstanding companies, our loyal and dedicated workforce, and our competitive business environment have our economy turning again. There's no doubt that South Carolina is on the move, and we couldn't be more excited about the great things in store for our state."

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