Charleston, SC Economic Development

Charleston sixth in nation for job growth

Apr. 15, 2008
Charleston Regional Business Journal
Charleston and other S.C. cities are among those still posting significant job growth in a time of economic slowdown, according to a new report released by Colliers Keenan, a real estate firm with offices in Columbia, Charleston and Greenville.

While job growth in the United States dipped from 1.0% six months ago to a 0.4% year-over-year growth for the year ending February 2008, Charleston ranked sixth in the nation for job growth, posting a growth rate of 2.1% as of the end of February.

The top three cities for job growth for the year ending February 2008 were Raleigh, N.C. (3.9%), Houston, Texas (3.4%), and Greenville (2.9%). Columbia ranked ninth in the nation for job growth, with a growth rate of 1.9% for the year ending February 2008.

During the same time period, the total number of unemployed in South Carolina decreased by 6,900, resulting in a decrease in the rate of unemployment from 6.2% to 5.8%.

“With job growth continuing in our three major markets, South Carolina seems to be somewhat sheltered from the effects of the national economy,” said Ryan Hyler, director of research and marketing for Colliers Keenan.

The Colliers Keenan report is based on data released in March by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Colliers Keenan is a member of Colliers International, a global real estate services firm with more than 10,171 employees in 57 countries.
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