South Carolina Veterans Recorded 1.7% Unemployment Rate in 2024
Lainey Stalnaker, Data Analytics Writer
South Carolina has committed to helping veterans transition to the civilian workforce following the end of their service, and these efforts are paying off. In 2024, veterans in the state had an unemployment rate of 1.7 percent,[1] down from 3.4 percent in 2023.[2]
South Carolina’s veteran population totaled 399,000 in 2024, the 15th largest in the country despite being the 23rd most populous state. 176,000 veterans were in the labor force, meaning they were employed or actively seeking employment.
Just 3,000 veterans in the state were unemployed. The unemployment rate was significantly lower than the national average of 3.0 percent and was tied for 7th lowest in the country. Across all 50 states, the veteran unemployment rate ranged from 0.2 percent in New Hampshire to 7.2 percent in Kansas. In neighboring Georgia and North Carolina, the veteran unemployment rates were 3.7 percent and 2.6 percent, respectively, as shown in Figure 1.
South Carolina’s nonveterans, in comparison, had an unemployment rate of 4.3 percent in 2024, up from 3.0 percent in 2023 and 2.6 points higher than the veteran unemployment rate.[3] Veterans are now less likely to be unemployed than nonveterans.
A number of state and federal workforce initiatives exist with the goal of reducing veteran unemployment. Some of these programs are listed in Figure 2 below, though this is not a comprehensive list. Despite these efforts, veteran unemployment remains a complex issue, and there are many reasons why the unemployment rate may fluctuate. Regardless, South Carolina is committed to creating opportunities for our former service members.
Figure 2. Veteran Employment Programs | ||
Program | Description | Administering Agency |
| STAYS Program | Encourages veterans to live and work in South Carolina after service by offering five interview opportunities to veterans who use the SC Works system. | SC Department of Employment and Workforce |
| Veterans Portal | A collection of resources for veterans, transitioning service members, and eligible spouses to use in obtaining employment. | SC Department of Employment and Workforce |
| SC Works Centers | Located throughout the state, SC Works Centers connect jobseekers with employment opportunities and resources. Veterans receive priority service at all locations. | SC Department of Employment and Workforce |
| Ready to Hire | Highlights jobs open to or specifically for veterans. | SC Department of Veterans Affairs |
| SkillBridge | Connects service members with industry training, apprenticeship, or internship programs during the last 180 days of service. | U.S. Department of Defense |
| Warrior Training Advancement Course (WARTAC) | Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) training program open to transitioning servicemembers. Completion of the course leads to an employment opportunity at one of 55 VBA offices. | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs |
| VOW Act | Provides resources for veterans transitioning to the civilian workforce, education and training opportunities for veterans, and tax credits for employers who hire veterans disabled during service. | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs |
| Transition Assistance Program (TAP) | A three-day series of workshops that provide veterans with information and resources for obtaining employment. | U.S. Department of Defense, Department of Labor, and Department of Veterans Affairs |
| Operation Palmetto Employment | A statewide initiative to help veterans obtain employment. | Multiple South Carolina state agencies |
[1] https://www.bls.gov/news.release/vet.t06A.htm
[2] https://www.bls.gov/news.release/archives/vet_03202024.htm