GDP
South Carolina produced roughly $320 billion in output in 2023, led by automotive and aerospace manufacturing, tourism and logistics.
Real GDP (chained 2017 dollars)
1997–2025BEA, chained 2017 dollars (FRED SCRGSP).
| Indicator | South Carolina | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| GDP (USD B) | 320 | 29200 |
- •BMW’s Spartanburg plant is the largest vehicle exporter in the United States.
- •Boeing assembles the 787 Dreamliner in North Charleston.
GDP Growth
South Carolina's real GDP grew about 3.6% in 2023, outpacing the national growth rate.
Real GDP growth
1998–2025Annual % change in BEA real GDP (SCRGSP).
| Indicator | South Carolina | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Real GDP Growth | 3.6 | 2.9 |
- •South Carolina has been one of the top five fastest-growing state economies in the country for multiple consecutive years.
Personal Income
Per capita personal income in South Carolina reached $54,916 in 2023, still below the national average.
Per capita personal income
1970–2025BEA, current dollars (FRED SCPCPI).
| Indicator | South Carolina | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Per Capita Personal Income | 54916 | 65423 |
- •South Carolina's per-capita income has grown faster than the national average in recent years due to industrial recruitment success.
Median Household Income
Median household income in South Carolina is about $67,804, below the national median, with living costs slightly under average.
Median household income (CPS)
1984–2025Census CPS ASEC, current dollars (FRED MEHOINUSSCA646N).
| Indicator | South Carolina | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income (USD) | 67804 | 78538 |
Poverty Rate
About 14.6% of South Carolinians lived below the poverty line in 2023, above the national rate.
Poverty rate, all ages (SAIPE)
1989–2024Census Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates (FRED PPAASC45000A156NCEN).
| Indicator | South Carolina | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Poverty Rate | 14.6 | 12.5 |
- •Several rural counties in South Carolina's 'Corridor of Shame' along I-95 have poverty rates exceeding 20%.
Inflation
South-region consumer prices covering South Carolina rose about 2.8% year over year.
CPI inflation, U.S.
2007–2024BLS CPI-U U.S. city average, annual average change (CPIAUCNS).
CPI inflation, South region
2007–2025BLS CPI-U all items, South region, annual average change (CUUR0300SA0).
| Indicator | South Carolina | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Inflation (%) | 2.8 | 2.9 |
Economic Output
South Carolina's economy produced about $294 billion in gross domestic product in 2023.
Nominal GDP (current dollars)
1997–2025BEA, current dollars (FRED SCNGSP).
| Indicator | South Carolina | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| GDP per Capita | 54700 | 73000 |
- •South Carolina builds more BMWs than any other single production plant in the world at its Spartanburg County facility.
Industry Breakdown
Manufacturing, especially automotive and aerospace, anchors about 17% of South Carolina's economic output.
Government jobs
1990–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, annual average (FRED SCGOVT).
Manufacturing jobs
1990–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, annual average (FRED SCMFG).
Construction jobs
1990–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, annual average (FRED SCCONS).
- •Boeing's only 787 Dreamliner final assembly line outside Washington state is located in North Charleston.