Greenwood County

Unemployment in Greenwood County has risen to 4.9% — a 36.1% increase from its December 2025 low of 3.6% — and climbed for three consecutive data releases through August 2026. The trend marks a sustained directional shift after six months of volatility that saw the rate peak at 5.0% in January before declining through spring. Current unemployment now sits near its highest point in the tracked period, suggesting renewed labor market weakness in a county of roughly 5,900 residents.

Concurrent with employment softening, home values have declined for two straight readings after peaking at $109,243 in July 2026. Values have since dropped to $107,113 as of late September — a 1.9% decline from peak. The home value arc shows gains from March through July followed by consecutive monthly losses, a pattern sometimes associated with broader market correction in smaller counties.

The simultaneous movement in both metrics — rising unemployment coinciding with declining home values — suggests economic headwinds that may warrant closer examination. Local reporters should investigate what employment sectors are driving the unemployment increase and whether any major employers have announced layoffs or reduced hiring in recent months.