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Economy update: Here are the latest Horry County unemployment numbers

Horry County had another week of fewer residents seeking unemployment than the week before as many businesses across industries begin to reopen.

More than 2,500 county residents filed for unemployment benefits in the week ending on May 8. Horry County consistently ranks among the highest in the state for unemployment each week, but fewer residents are applying for benefits each week for the past month.

Since the pandemic began, more than 53,000 Horry County residents sought unemployment benefits, with 2,694 applying over the past week. These numbers represent only those who filed for unemployment, and it’s unclear how many are currently receiving benefits.

South Carolina also saw fewer unemployment applicants last week compared to the week before. More than 30,000 people sought unemployment benefits for the first time. This brings the total of South Carolinians who sought benefits up to 486,149 over the course of the pandemic.

More than $1 billion has been paid out in benefits in the state.

Horry County overall has had the second highest number of residents seek benefits. Greenville County ranks first with 56,315 of its residents applying.

To file an unemployment claim, visit DEW’s website or call 1-866-831-1724.

This story was originally published May 14, 2020 at 8:36 AM.

Tyler Fleming
The Sun News
Development and Horry County reporter Tyler Fleming joined The Sun News in May of 2018. He covers other stuff too, like reporting on beer, bears, breaking news and Coastal Carolina University. He graduated from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2018 and was the 2017-18 editor-in-chief of The Daily Tar Heel. He has won (and lost) several college journalism awards.
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