Comprehensive Analysis of Kershaw County's Labor Force

Comprehensive Analysis of Kershaw County's Labor Force
This comprehensive analysis examines Kershaw County's labor force dynamics, participation characteristics, demographic composition, employment trends, and industrial structure. With a growing population and expanding labor force, the county faces both opportunities and challenges in workforce development and economic growth.
Labor Force Size and Growth Trends
31,356
Labor Force (Aug 2024)
Showing continued growth from previous years
29,644
Employed Individuals
As of August 2024, reflecting positive job creation
18%
Population Growth
In the surrounding region over the past decade
Kershaw County's labor force has shown a general upward trend in recent years, with figures increasing from 29,163 in 2021 to 31,356 in August 2024. This growth aligns with the region's significant population increase of over 18% in the last decade, contributing to an expanding labor pool available to local industries.
Labor Force Participation Rate
County Participation
Kershaw County exhibited an average labor force participation rate of 58.8% between 2019 and 2023, slightly higher than South Carolina's rate of around 57.6% in late 2024.
However, this falls below the national participation rate of approximately 62.4-62.6% during the same period, indicating potential room for growth in workforce engagement.
Female Participation
Women in Kershaw County had a labor force participation rate of 54.8% during 2019-2023, with females constituting 51.4% of the county's population.
This gender-specific data provides important context for understanding workforce dynamics and potential targeted initiatives to increase participation.
Demographic Profile of the Labor Force
Age Distribution
Median age in Kershaw County was 40.3 years in 2023, comparable to South Carolina (40.5) and slightly higher than the U.S. (39.2).
The population aged 65+ experienced the most significant growth (46.8%) between 2010 and 2022.
Racial Composition
66.8% White (non-Hispanic)
23.06% Black or African American (non-Hispanic)
5.6% Hispanic/Latino (showing largest percentage increase 2010-2022)
Gender Balance
51.4% Female
48.6% Male
Kershaw County's demographic profile reveals a maturing population with increasing racial and ethnic diversity. The significant growth in the 65+ age group may impact future labor force participation as more individuals transition to retirement.
Employment and Unemployment Landscape
Kershaw County's unemployment rate has fluctuated in recent years, generally hovering around 4% in late 2024 and early 2025. This moderate unemployment rate, combined with the growing number of employed individuals (increasing from 28,000 in 2021 to 29,700 in 2023), suggests a relatively stable labor market with some seasonal variations.
South Carolina's unemployment rate was 4.7% in December 2024, with county rates ranging from 3.2% to 7.3%, placing Kershaw County in a relatively favorable position within the state.
Key Industry Sectors in Kershaw County
Manufacturing
The largest employment sector with 4,425 people in 2022 and 4,221 in 2023.
Notable concentration in motor vehicle parts manufacturing, which is 6.3 times more concentrated in the region than the national average.
Health Care & Social Assistance
Second largest sector employing 3,832 people in 2022 and 3,911 in 2023.
Showed significant growth, increasing from 3% of employment in May 2022 to 22% by August 2024.
Retail Trade
Third largest sector with 2,748 employees in 2022 and 2,766 in 2023.
Represented 15% of employment in May 2022, decreasing slightly to 13% by August 2024.
Major Private Employers
Target Distribution Center
A significant employer in the transportation and logistics sector, providing numerous jobs for Kershaw County residents.
INVISTA
A major manufacturer in the nonwovens/textiles sector, contributing to the county's strong manufacturing base.
MUSC Health Kershaw
A key employer in the healthcare sector, providing essential medical services to the community.
These major employers, along with others like Hengst, Canfor Southern Pine, and GE Appliances, form the backbone of Kershaw County's economy, providing stable employment opportunities across various sectors.
Occupational Analysis
Management Occupations
2,916 people (2022), 2,927 (2023)
Office & Administrative Support
3,118 people (2022), 3,577 (2023)
Production Occupations
2,727 people (2022), 2,708 (2023)
The occupational breakdown reflects Kershaw County's diverse economy, with significant numbers employed in office and administrative support, management, and production roles. These occupational patterns align with the county's major industry sectors, particularly manufacturing and healthcare.
Educational programs in the county, such as Mechatronics Integrated Technologies and Health Science, suggest potential areas of future job growth as the local workforce develops skills in these fields.
Seasonal Employment Patterns
1
Retail
Seasonal hiring increases around holidays and back-to-school periods, with job listings at retailers like Walmart, Dollar General, and various specialty stores.
2
Agriculture
Seasonal positions like spray drivers are advertised during growing seasons, reflecting the agricultural component of the county's economy.
3
Recreation
Facilities like the YMCA may have seasonal hiring needs during summer months when demand for recreational activities increases.
4
Education
The Kershaw County School District hires Food Service Technicians for the school year, creating seasonal employment tied to the academic calendar.
Commuting Patterns
Resident Workers
Only 32.9% of employed Kershaw County residents both live and work within the county (12,730 residents).
Out-Commuters
67.1% commute outside the county for work (25,766 residents).
Primary destinations: Richland County (60%), Lexington County (12%), Sumter County (10%).
In-Commuters
18,162 workers commute into Kershaw County from other areas.
Primary origins: Richland County (45%), Sumter County (25%), Lee County (13%).
Commute Times
Average commute time of 29.5 minutes, longer than the national average of 26.6 minutes.
Most commuters drive alone (82.6% in 2023), with 8.12% carpooling and 7.5% working from home.
The significant out-commuting pattern, particularly to Richland County, highlights the interconnectedness of Kershaw County with the broader regional economy and the importance of transportation infrastructure for economic development.
Income and Economic Indicators
Median Household Income
$64,343 (2019-2023), slightly below South Carolina's average of $66,818 and significantly below the national average of $80,610.
Per Capita Income
$34,250 (2019-2023), positioned between the state average of $38,097 and below the national average of $43,313.
Housing Values
Median value of owner-occupied housing units at $191,900, lower than both state ($272,900) and national ($340,200) averages.
Poverty Rate
12.6% to 14.1%, with significant geographic variations (Elgin: 4.78%, Town of Kershaw: 16.96%).
Educational Attainment and Future Outlook
High School Graduation
89.2% of persons 25+ are high school graduates or higher
Higher Education
22.8% hold a bachelor's degree or higher
Future Development
Growing technical college developing strong worker pipeline
Kershaw County's educational attainment levels show strong high school completion rates but lag behind in bachelor's degree attainment compared to state and national averages. Efforts to enhance educational opportunities and workforce development will be crucial for the county's continued economic growth.
With its strategic location, growing population, and diverse industrial base, Kershaw County is positioned for continued economic development. Addressing challenges such as out-commuting, educational attainment gaps, and income disparities will be key to maximizing the potential of its labor force.