Anderson Jobless Rate Increase "Seasonal Adjustment"

Anderson County’s unemployment rate jumped by more than half a percent in June, rising from 4.6 to 5.3 percent. Meanwhile, the overall jobless rate in South Carolina was unchanged from May, holding at 5.3 percent when adjusted, but rose to 5.7 percent statewide unadjusted. 

Anderson’ rate rose, as did that of every other county in the state except York and Aiken (Horry was unchanged), due to the greater demand in labor due to schools being out for the summer, according to Anderson County Government Affairs Liaison Steve Newton.

“This happens every year at this time because more people - students, 9-month wage employees at schools, etc. - are seeking work during the summertime,” Newton said.  He said from May to June of last year, for example, the labor force increased by 751 persons and unemployment rate went from 6.9 to 7.6 for the very same reason.  

“This year, the labor force increased by 869 from May to June, causing the unemployment rate to go from 4.6 to 5.3 even though we added 246 jobs during the month,” Newton said. “Nonetheless, Anderson County's unemployment rate is the 8th lowest in the state.”

Newton added that while the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for S.C. remained unchanged at 5.3 percent, the non-seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for the state was 5.7 percent.