News Summary
Myrtle Beach is experiencing significant economic growth, with rising wages and a decrease in unemployment rates. The Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development Corporation reports that average wages have soared from $14.50 in 2014 to $25.52 today. The number of industries has doubled, and major projects like an Amazon facility and a new craft brewery are expected to create new jobs, enhancing the job market and overall economic landscape in Horry County.
Myrtle Beach Thrives with Exciting Economic Growth
Myrtle Beach is buzzing with good news as its economy shows impressive signs of growth! The Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development Corporation (MBREDC) recently held its annual meeting, and the results are fantastic for Horry County, South Carolina. People in the community are starting to feel the positive changes, and it’s time to dive into the details!
Rising Wages and Dropping Unemployment
Just to give you an idea of how things have shifted, back in 2014, the average wage in Horry County was only $14.50 per hour. Fast forward to now, and that figure has jumped to an incredible $25.52 per hour. Yes, you read that right! It’s a clear indicator that more people are earning better paychecks these days.
The unemployment situation isn’t looking too shabby either. The rate dropped from 7.2% in 2014 to a much healthier 5% today, and that’s excluding those seasonal jobs that often fluctuate during the tourism peak. It’s a win-win for local job seekers!
Growth Across Industries
Horry County isn’t just seeing growth in income and jobs; the number of industries has nearly doubled! From 79 in 2014 to a whopping 162 today, this diversification is super important for the local economy. MBREDC is determined to keep this trend going, aiming to attract at least $10 million in capital investment and create 100 new jobs annually. And guess what? They’re hitting their targets, achieving about $22 million in actual investment this year alone.
All Eyes on Amazon
One of the most exciting developments is the upcoming $14 million Amazon same-day delivery facility that’s slated to open its doors in Myrtle Beach in 2024. This new facility will create over 100 jobs and is strategically located in the Palmetto Coast Industrial Park, which is perfect for speeding up deliveries. Imagine receiving your packages within just five hours of placing the order—talk about convenience!
Amazon has been a huge player in South Carolina, investing more than $7 billion and creating over 6,500 jobs across the state. They’re even hiring 2,000 seasonal workers for the upcoming holiday season, with wages starting at $18 per hour. That’s bound to be a great opportunity for many!
Brewery on the Horizon
If you’re a fan of local brews, you’ll be excited to know that a new craft brewery named 357 Brewers is coming to the Grand Dunes Marina. With a projected investment of over $6 million, this brewery is set to create 35 new jobs by summer 2026, adding to the local flavor—literally!
Future Prospects and Clean-Up Projects
The MBREDC is currently juggling 42 active projects with various companies looking to set up shop in the area’s industrial parks. There are also 11 brownfield sites in Horry County that need cleanup before they can be redeveloped. In fact, South Carolina has around 765 brownfield sites mapped out for potential redevelopment.
A Bright Future Ahead!
With the new Amazon facility and the growth of businesses like 357 Brewers, Myrtle Beach is not just a seasonal town anymore. Over the years, the goal has been to diversify the local economy to avoid fluctuations during different seasons, and it looks like that strategy is paying off.
Residents can look forward to the continued expansion of job opportunities and economic prosperity in the area. It’s an exciting time for Myrtle Beach, and everyone is eagerly anticipating what’s next in this vibrant coastal city!
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Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
