Labor Demographic Characteristics For Horry County and South Carolina Total Civilian Population (2006) Horry County: 231,890 South Carolina: 4,321,249 Distribution by Age 2006, Horry County | South Carolina 15-19 5.4% 6.6% 20-24 6.9% 6.7% 25-34 14.6% 14.3% 35-44 14.7% 14.8% 45-54 13.5% 14.5% 55-59 5.7% 6.2% Distribution by Sex 2006, Horry County | South Carolina Male 49.4% 48.3% Female 50.6% 51.7% Education (Age 18+) 2006, Horry County | South Carolina High School Graduates 86.1% 82.0% 1-3 Years of College 26.9% 28.1% College Graduates 28.7% 21.3% Post Graduates 6.2% 7.9% Employment: The total non-agricultural wage-and-salary employment for the county was 115,666 (2006). Employment data includes all full- and part-time wage and salaried workers employed in the county. Employment statistics are based only on people who work in the county or study area. These people may or may not reside in the county or study area. Work Force Levels: Overall, South Carolina boasts a higher per capita percentage of craftsmen, operatives, and laborers than the average percentage for the nation or the Southeastern states. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics figures indicate that 29.6% of the employees in South Carolina were craftsmen, operatives, or laborers in 2005 compared with a 24.1% national average. Unemployment Rate: Over the years, Horry County has increased the number of employment opportunities and has seen a growth in population. In 2006, the average annual unemployment rate increased to 4.9% (South Carolina unemployment rate = 6.6%), a 1.3% increase from the 2000 rate of 3.6%. The unemployment rate reflects number the individuals who are seeking work. The unemployment rate should be used in conjunction with other labor force data to obtain a more comprehensive picture of the availability of qualified recruitable labor. The rate does not include those persons who have chosen not to participate in the labor force. Underemployed: In the 30-mile draw area, 18.6% of the labor force has individual gross earnings of $16,640 or less per annum in tax year 2005. This is equal to approximately $8.00 per hour based on a 2,080 hour work year common to business and industry and represents some 23,350 residents. Workers from this relatively low earnings group are among the first to respond to more rewarding job opportunities and are a valuable source of experienced, recruitable workers to new and expanding industry and business. Commuting Patterns: Approximately 9,000 workers from Horry County commute daily to jobs outside the county. Experience has shown that workers in this group will usually respond to comparable or better employment opportunities closer to home. Persons Reaching Employment Age (18): A continuing increase in the number of high school graduates who choose not to go to college, combined with an already youthful population will provide large numbers of entry-level candidates in the future. An estimated 21,000 persons in a 30-mile radius will reach employment age between 2000 and 2017. Slightly more than 51% are male. Of those graduating from high school, about 61% will continue on their education. The bulk of the remainder will enter the work force. SOURCE: US Census Bureau, US Bureau of Labor and Statistics South Carolina Employment Security Commission, Labor Market Information.