South Carolina reported $9.12 billion in industry recruitment for 2025, with more than 8,100 new jobs announced across the state. The figures, released by Governor Henry McMaster and the South Carolina Department of Commerce, mark the third-highest year on record for capital investment. Notably, rural areas accounted for over 40% of both total capital investment and new jobs—percentages not seen since 2010.
Governor McMaster stated, “South Carolina continues to bring in record years in economic development, and this third-highest year for industry recruitment is further proof that our strategy is working. Our success in rural communities shows that opportunity exists in every corner of our state. By investing in our workforce and supporting pro-business laws and policies, we continue to bring in thousands of jobs that benefit South Carolina families and strengthen our entire state.”
Rural projects contributed $4.25 billion or 46% of total capital investment and over 3,500 or 44% of new jobs announced statewide. These projects span sectors such as agribusiness, automotive, energy, and wood and paper products.
Of the 82 projects announced during the year, 34 were located in rural communities classified as county development Tiers III and IV by the S.C. Department of Revenue.
Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III commented on the results: “Rural success is deliberate – driven by strong collaboration among state leadership, local economic developers and committed partners – and fuels economic growth in every corner of the state. South Carolina’s milestone in rural recruitment in 2025 underscores our commitment to bolstering the potential of these communities and supporting the diverse growth that strengthens every part of the economy and every region of the state.”
The Office of Governor Henry McMaster oversees South Carolina operations through proclamations and executive orders designed to support economic growth along with other initiatives such as educational programs and public safety measures (official website). The office also engages with conservation efforts, historical preservation, community programs (official website), workforce training initiatives, healthcare recognition activities, environmental conservation efforts (official website), partnerships with local governments (official website), cultural heritage preservation efforts (official website), government administration tasks (official website), all led by Governor Henry McMaster based in South Carolina (official website).
More details about South Carolina’s economic activity for 2025 are available through S.C. Commerce’s newsroom or its data hub listing projects since 2011.
