New jobs could help alleviate a rough job market in Marion County

On Tuesday, Softee Supreme Diapers Corporation announced it will expand and locate some operations in Marion County. As a result, the company expects to create 262 new jobs within four years, and bring a $6 million investment to the area.

This is welcomed news to a county that has consistently had among the highest unemployment rates in the state.
For at least the last year, Marion County has been ranked in the top four counties in South Carolina when it comes to residents not having jobs.

According to the SC Employment Security Commission, the most recent statistics show Marion County’s unemployment rate at 20.9% in August. This is down slightly from July’s rate, of 21.2%.
But these numbers are encouraging for the economy. This is the third month in a row that the county’s unemployment rate has decreased.

August was also an encouraging month for the state. The state’s average unemployment rate dropped from 11.7% to 11.5%.

Most counties in the area also saw a decrease in unemployment rates in August.
They most recently stand at:
Marlboro: 20.4%
Dillon: 17.2%
Chesterfield: 17.1%
Williamsburg: 15.5%
Darlington: 13.3%
Georgetown: 12.1%
Florence: 11.5%

Horry County’s unemployment rate increased 0.2% in August, bringing the rate to 10.5%.

For a complete breakdown of county-by-county numbers, visit the SC Employment Security Commission’s website .