Jobless rates rise in York, Chester, Lancaster counties

Unemployment rose in York, Chester and Lancaster counties in June while falling slightly overall in South Carolina, according to the state Department of Employment and Workforce.

The York County unemployment rate went to 6.2 percent in June, from 6 percent in May, while Chester County’s rate rose to 9.2 percent from 9 percent and Lancaster County’s rate was up to 7.2 percent from 7.1 percent.

The state’s jobless rate was 6.6 percent in June, down from 6.8 percent in May.

Nationally, unemployment fell to a seven-year low of 5.3 percent in June.

Year-to-year state data showed employment is outpacing workforce growth in York and Chester counties.

York County’s workforce increased to 124,713 in June, up from 121,554 a year ago, a 2.5 percent rise. The percentage of employed over the same time period increased by 3 percent, to 116,988 workers from 113,508.

In Chester County, the workforce increased to 14,016 from 13,698, a 2 percent gain, while percentage of employed rose 3 percent, to 12,815 from 12,415.

In Lancaster County the workforce increased to 35,655 from 34,716 , a 2.7 percent increase. The percentage of employed increased 1 percent, to 33,112 from 32,807.

Total employment for the state increased again in June, with more than 2.1 million employed. More than 64,000 have found jobs since June 2014, according to state data.

Employment growth statewide was concentrated in the leisure and hospitality sector, which added 8,700 jobs – a typical increase heading into summer. The biggest losers were government, losing 4,000 jobs, and education and health services, which lost 3,200; both typically see summer decreases.

Allendale County had the highest unemployment rate in June, at 11.5 percent. Charleston County had the lowest rate at 5.5 percent.

This story was originally published July 21, 2015 at 11:11 AM with the headline "Jobless rates rise in York, Chester, Lancaster counties."