The People That Power Prosperity

WORKFORCE DATA

We’re a region of nearly one million entrepreneurs, educators, and legislators, skilled workers and craftspeople, farmers, and scientists driven by curiosity, courage, and a can-do spirit.

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Population Data

We are a region of nearly 1 million people in the heart of South Carolina

RANKED #3

among Growth States

U-Haul, 2022

Top 5city for Millennial & Gen Z migration

Columbia, SC

38.3 yrs oldmedian age

Central SC Region

LOWEST

private and total unionization rates in the U.S.

S.C., 2021

2nd largest

concentration of military Veterans in S.C.

SCDVA, 2022

Racial Diversity

378,619

Racial diversity is high in Columbia, SC. The national average for an area this size is 341,116 racialy diverse people, while there are 378,619 here.

Veterans

62,185

Columbia, Sc Has 62,185 Veterans. The National Average For An Area This Size Is 45,871

Area Stats

Average Hourly Wages
$22.96 All Occupations $36.31 Architecture & Engineering $32.57 Business & Financial Operations $38.27 Computer & Mathematical $23.44 Installation, Maintenance & Repair $19.56 Production

Average Hourly Wages

$22.96
All Occupations

$36.31
Architecture & Engineering

$32.57
Business & Financial Operations

$38.27
Computer & Mathematical

$23.44
Installation, Maintenance & Repair

$19.56
Production

Population Drive Time
Drive Time	Labor Force
30min	315,864
45min	397,290
60min	490,388

Prosperity powered by education

Central SC is home to more than 12 colleges and universities and anchored by the University of South Carolina’s main campus. Our international business program is the highest ranked in the nation, and more than 80 manufacturing and manufacturing-related degree programs are offered at our four technical colleges. All are committed to educating, enlightening, and training our regional workforce, propeling technological innovation, driving next-gen research, and strengthening our global competitiveness.

Most educated MSA in the state

Wallet Hub, 2017

Nearly 70K enrolled in higher education

13,000+post-secondary completions annually

34.4% of population 25+ has a Bachelor’s Degree or Higher

Colleges & universities in CSCA award 2X as many Science & Engineering degree’s relative to US average

Region produces 20% more Software & Computer Science degrees relative to the national average

USC

International Business program & ranked among the best for engineering, first-year experience, & veterans

U.S. News & World Report

Prosperity Powered by EducationCentral SC Region Home to 12 Regional Institutions

Training & Resources

Start Central SC

Start Central is a comprehensive website where job seekers from inside and outside the Central SC Region can search for career opportunities, access resources on training programs to boost their skills, and learn about the benefits of living in the Region. A project by the Central SC Alliance.

Learn More