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Picture of a Fireman The array of different occupations within a county significantly impacts its economy in various ways. Here are some key aspects:

  1. Economic Diversification
    • Stability: A diverse range of occupations helps stabilize the economy. If one sector faces a downturn, others can compensate, reducing the risk of economic collapse.
    • Resilience: Counties with a varied occupational base are better equipped to handle economic shocks, such as technological changes or global market fluctuations.

  2. Innovation and Growth
    • Cross-Pollination of Ideas: Different professions bring diverse perspectives, fostering innovation. For example, tech professionals collaborating with healthcare workers can lead to advancements in medical technology.
    • Entrepreneurship: A mix of skills and expertise can encourage entrepreneurial activities, leading to the creation of new businesses and industries.

  3. Employment Opportunities
    • Job Creation: A variety of occupations means more job opportunities for residents, reducing unemployment rates and increasing overall economic activity.
    • Skill Development: Diverse occupations require a range of skills, promoting continuous learning and skill development among the workforce.

  4. Income Levels and Spending
    • Varied Income Streams: Different occupations come with varying income levels, which can lead to a more balanced distribution of wealth.
    • Consumer Spending: Higher and more stable incomes result in increased consumer spending, boosting local businesses and services.

  5. Tax Revenue
    • Diverse Tax Base: A wide range of occupations contributes to a more robust and stable tax base, providing the county with funds for public services and infrastructure.
    • Economic Policies: Varied occupational income levels allow for more nuanced and effective economic policies, such as progressive taxation.

  6. Quality of Life
    • Service Availability: A diverse occupational base ensures the availability of essential services, from healthcare to education, enhancing the overall quality of life.
    • Cultural Vibrancy: Different professions contribute to a rich cultural tapestry, making the county more attractive to residents and tourists alike.

  7. Infrastructure Development
    • Demand for Infrastructure: Various occupations necessitate different types of infrastructure, from tech hubs to industrial zones, driving comprehensive urban development.
    • Public Services: A diverse economy can better support public services like transportation, utilities, and emergency services, improving the county's overall functionality.

  8. Global Competitiveness
    • Attracting Talent: Counties with a wide array of occupations attract a diverse talent pool, enhancing their competitiveness on a global scale.
    • Investment Appeal: A diversified economy is more appealing to investors, as it suggests lower risk and higher potential for returns.

  9. Social Dynamics
    • Community Engagement: Different professions can lead to a more engaged and active community, with various groups contributing to civic life.
    • Social Mobility: A range of occupations provides more pathways for social mobility, allowing individuals to improve their socioeconomic status.

  10. Environmental Impact
    • Sustainable Practices: Diverse occupations can include green jobs and sustainable practices, contributing to environmental sustainability.
    • Resource Management: Varied industries can lead to more efficient resource management and reduced environmental degradation.

In summary, the array of different occupations in a county fosters economic stability, innovation, and growth, while also enhancing the quality of life and global competitiveness. This diversity is crucial for the sustainable development and resilience of urban economies.

A diversification score measures the diversity of the occupations in the county. As the value appoaches 100, occupation diversity decreases and therefore increasing the risk of economic failure for the county should those limited occupations befall a calamity. The occupation diversification score for this county is:

Most common occupation is:

 
DescriptionEm­ployed
16 and
Over
Management/ Business/ Financial Professional/ Specialty/ **See below Healthcare Support Protective Services Food Preparation and Serving Building& Grounds Cleaning& Maintenance Personal
Care and
Services
Sales& Related Occupations Office and Administrative Support Farming/ Fishing/ Forestry Construction/ Extraction Production/ Transportation/ Material Moving

Colleton County17,0521,8522,8446515747688642162,0171,6292672,5992,771
South Carolina (in 000's)2,6604176077455147986227227910232406
National (in 000's)170,84529,72342,2625,6053,6738,7275,7764,25415,93218,14098313,67322,098
Charleston County228,75047,66662,9895,2203,94514,5087,8834,78424,36019,27850616,82520,786
Beaufort County94,36915,24820,7392,2212,2957,2153,8393,06912,5698,3642609,1399,411
Dorchester County89,75115,43920,3711,8402,4584,4482,1972,4358,33310,201418,02113,967
Orangeburg County35,0283,4996,1421,6606451,6181,2769313,7423,2472573,2608,751
Hampton County8,1428931,0114104532559221424259681558011,707
Bamberg County5,513448858225104271154247364647226581,515
Allendale County2,8342646791661117417343303192102125602
 
Per Cent to Total Employed 16 and OverDiversity
Index
 

Colleton County12.0010.8616.683.823.374.505.071.2711.839.551.5715.2416.25
South Carolina13.5315.6822.832.772.075.533.682.3510.2110.500.398.7215.27
National14.0517.4024.743.282.155.113.382.499.3310.620.588.0012.93
Charleston County15.7820.8427.542.281.726.343.452.0910.658.430.227.369.09
Beaufort County12.9016.1621.982.352.437.654.073.2513.328.860.289.689.97
Dorchester County13.9817.2022.702.052.744.962.452.719.2811.370.058.9415.56
Orangeburg County13.869.9917.534.741.844.623.642.6610.689.270.739.3124.98
Hampton County11.8010.9712.425.045.563.1311.321.745.2211.891.909.8420.97
Bamberg County14.608.1315.564.081.894.922.794.486.6011.740.4011.9427.48
Allendale County14.019.3223.965.863.922.616.101.5210.696.773.604.4121.24
 
Comparisons to State Norms % to Total >= 150% % to Total < 50% 

Colleton County 69.2873.04137.89162.9981.38137.7454.01115.8291.00397.76174.74106.42
South Carolina 100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00
National 110.99108.33118.49104.1092.3091.90106.1791.31101.14146.1091.7584.70
Charleston County 132.93120.5982.4283.50114.6093.6889.17104.2780.2856.1984.3259.51
Beaufort County 103.0896.2485.00117.75138.14110.59138.67130.4184.4369.99111.0265.31
Dorchester County 109.7499.4074.04132.6189.5566.54115.6890.91108.2711.60102.46101.91
Orangeburg County 63.7276.79171.1689.1683.4699.03113.33104.6088.30186.38106.70163.60
Hampton County 69.9754.38181.87269.3956.59307.8374.3651.11113.26483.60112.79137.29
Bamberg County 51.8468.16147.4091.3488.8275.94191.0364.65111.80101.37136.83179.96
Allendale County 59.43104.93211.55189.6547.18165.9464.69104.6864.54914.2950.57139.10
 
Comparisons to National Norms % to Total >= 150% % to Total < 50% 

Colleton County 62.4367.42116.37156.5788.17149.8850.87126.8489.97272.25190.44125.64
South Carolina 90.1092.3184.3996.06108.35108.8294.19109.5298.8768.45108.99118.06
National 100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00100.00
Charleston County 119.77111.3269.5580.22124.16101.9483.99114.2079.3738.4691.9070.25
Beaufort County 92.8788.8471.74113.12149.68120.34130.61142.8383.4847.90121.0177.10
Dorchester County 98.8791.7562.49127.3897.0272.41108.9699.56107.057.94111.67120.32
Orangeburg County 57.4270.88144.4585.6590.43107.76106.74114.5687.31127.57116.29193.15
Hampton County 63.0450.20153.49258.7961.31334.9770.0455.97111.97331.01122.92162.09
Bamberg County 46.7162.91124.4087.7496.2382.63179.9370.80110.5369.39149.13212.46
Allendale County 53.5496.85178.54182.1851.12180.5760.94114.6563.81625.8055.11164.23


Notes: Professional/Specialty includes these occupations: Computer, Mathematical, Architure, Engineering, Life Science, Physical Science, Social Science, Education, Legal, Community Service, Arts, Media, Healthcare Practioners, Health Technologists

Sources: STI: PopStats, Circa April 2025

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