Rural employment accounts for nearly half of 2025 $9B capital investment

Taking the ranking of the third highest year for the state, South Carolina industries in 2025 committed to a total capital investment of $9.12 billion that will lead to more than 8,100 new jobs.  

The South Carolina Department of Commerce’s 2025 industry recruitment results also reported that rural job recruitment accounts for more than 40% of the total new employment. According to a news release, that is the highest percentage since 2010. 

“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,” Secretary of Commerce Harry Lightsey, said in the release. “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.” 

Additionally, rural recruitment accounted for $4.25 billion, almost half of the total capital investment. According to the release, 3,500 of the total new jobs were rural which include agribusiness, automotive, energy, and wood and paper products. 

The state had 82 projects announced, 34 of which were in rural counties in Tiers III and IV, according to the South Carolina Department of Revenue.  

“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,” Gov. Henry McMaster said in the release. “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.”