Overall unemployment rate moved down to 2.6% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 400 roles, based on the most recently available information published in November 2021.

Total employment in the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Beaufort, SC market declined by 1,343 jobs in September and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 100 bps to 2.6%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 72 bps over the same time to 4.6%.

  • Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Beaufort, SC unemployment rate is 196 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 140 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in September versus prior month by 7.1% and are up compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Beaufort, SC Unemployment September 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 3.4% . Key sectors include:

  • Government: 12,000; +400
Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Beaufort, SC Unemployment by Industry September 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through September 2021 (Data published November 2021 and reports created on November 3, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.