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Top 10 Cities in South Carolina with the Lowest Unemployment Rates in 2026

If you’re feeling unfulfilled in your career but love where you live, you might be on the hunt for a new job within your community. Understanding the local job market is crucial, especially in a rapidly evolving landscape. In this article, we highlight the cities in South Carolina with the most robust job markets, based on current unemployment rates.

Whether you’re relocating for a job, or simply seeking a fresh start in South Carolina, knowing which cities offer the best employment opportunities will be beneficial. In light of recent shifts in work dynamics, including the rise of remote and hybrid roles, job market strength is a paramount factor to consider.

We analyzed demographic data from the U.S. Census Bureau to identify cities with the lowest unemployment rates. We focused on urban areas with populations over 10,000, ensuring our findings reflect the most relevant job markets in the Palmetto State:

For employers, a city with a low unemployment rate is an attractive place to establish or relocate a business, indicating a healthy workforce. Clemson stands out as the city in South Carolina with the lowest unemployment rate.

Continue reading to discover how we identified the cities boasting the strongest job markets in South Carolina.

For more job-related information in South Carolina, check out:

Methodology for Identifying Cities with the Lowest Unemployment Rates

To pinpoint South Carolina’s cities with the lowest unemployment rates, we focused on locations with populations exceeding 10,000. This narrowed our list to 38 cities.

We analyzed unemployment rates sourced from the latest American Community Survey by the Census Bureau, ranking the cities based on their employment statistics. This method provides a clear picture of each city’s job market and its potential for job seekers, whether they are moving within the state or from out of state.

Cities were ranked from one to 38, with the top position awarded to the city with the lowest unemployment rate. In cases of ties, the larger city was prioritized.

If your city isn’t listed among the top ten, scroll to the end of the article for a detailed chart of all cities. Otherwise, let’s explore how the top ten cities achieved their impressive employment rates.

1. Clemson

Population: 14,254
Unemployment Rate: 5.0%
Clemson leads our list with an impressive unemployment rate of just 5.0%, making it the top choice for job seekers in South Carolina.

2. Hilton Head Island

Population: 38,497
Unemployment Rate: 5.1%
Hilton Head Island comes in second with a solid unemployment rate of 5.1%, proving that its picturesque surroundings are complemented by a strong job market.

3. Mount Pleasant

Population: 72,379
Unemployment Rate: 5.3%
Mount Pleasant secures the third spot with an unemployment rate of 5.3%, reflecting its vibrant economy.

4. Lexington

Population: 19,007
Unemployment Rate: 5.4%
Lexington ranks fourth, offering a solid foundation for job seekers with its 5.4% unemployment rate.

5. Hanahan

Population: 18,999
Unemployment Rate: 5.4%
Hanahan shares the same unemployment rate as Lexington at 5.4%, earning it the fifth position on our list.

6. Beaufort

Population: 12,702
Unemployment Rate: 5.9%
Beaufort enters at #6 with a respectable unemployment rate of 5.9%, making it a viable option for job seekers.

7. Fort Mill

Population: 12,068
Unemployment Rate: 6.1%
Fort Mill holds the seventh spot with an unemployment rate of 6.1%, showcasing its strong job market.

8. Greer

Population: 26,626
Unemployment Rate: 6.2%
Greer ranks eighth, attracting individuals with its competitive job opportunities and a 6.2% unemployment rate.

9. Simpsonville

Source: Producerrealty

Population: 19,219
Unemployment Rate: 6.2%
Simpsonville ties with Greer at 6.2%, making it a compelling place for job seekers looking to settle down.

10. Mauldin

Population: 23,985
Unemployment Rate: 6.3%
Finally, Mauldin rounds out our list at #10, boasting an unemployment rate of 6.3% and serving as a solid option for job seekers.

Overview of Unemployment in South Carolina

These ten cities represent the best opportunities for employment in South Carolina, each with strong job markets and low unemployment rates.

If you’re considering a move to South Carolina and are willing to prioritize job opportunities, these cities should be at the top of your list.

For further insights into job markets across the U.S., visit Zippia. If you’re a recent graduate contemplating a relocation, be sure to explore which states college graduates typically favor.

Here’s a quick look at the cities in South Carolina with the highest unemployment rates:

Greenwood
Newberry
Sumter

Detailed List of Cities with the Lowest Unemployment in South Carolina

City	Rank	Unemployment
Clemson	1	5.0%
Hilton Head Island	2	5.1%
Mount Pleasant	3	5.3%
Lexington	4	5.4%
Hanahan	5	5.4%
Beaufort	6	5.9%
Fort Mill	7	6.1%
Greer	8	6.2%
Simpsonville	9	6.2%
Mauldin	10	6.3%
Bluffton	11	6.5%
Port Royal	12	6.8%
Charleston	13	6.8%
James Island	14	6.9%
Aiken	15	7.1%
Cayce	16	7.6%
Irmo	17	7.6%
North Myrtle Beach	18	8.1%
West Columbia	19	8.4%
Forest Acres	20	8.6%
Greenville	21	8.8%
Summerville	22	9.1%
North Augusta	23	9.3%
Easley	24	9.5%
Goose Creek	25	9.6%
Gaffney	26	10.0%
Rock Hill	27	10.2%
Conway	28	10.5%
Columbia	29	10.6%
Florence	30	10.6%
North Charleston	31	10.7%
Anderson	32	10.8%
Myrtle Beach	33	11.1%
Spartanburg	34	11.7%
Orangeburg	35	12.4%
Sumter	36	12.5%
Newberry	37	13.2%
Greenwood	38	14.7%

Never miss an opportunity that’s right for you.

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.

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These Are The 10 Cities In South Carolina With The Lowest Unemployment Rate