Sumter jumped from 193rd to 17th in a national small metro ranking for job growth, driven by manufacturing, rising wages, and strong public-private partnerships.

NOTE: Since this story aired, new data shows Sumter in 7th place, with 4.5% growth. 

SUMTER, SC – Sumter is making national headlines for its surge in job growth, climbing from 193rd to 17th place in the latest Metro Economic Scorecard. The report ranks 277 small metro areas across the country, and Sumter’s jump is turning heads locally and beyond.

Employment in the region has grown nearly 3 percent over the past year, a rise that city leaders and economic development officials say is no coincidence.

“Being almost 6,000 people employed in manufacturing, that’s where a lot of the job growth is,” said Brian Rauschenbach, Economic Development Project Manager for Sumter. “But as manufacturers come in, so does retail and hospitality that follows, which also creates jobs. And with BJ’s Wholesale and other establishments open, it’s fantastic.”

City and county officials credit strong public-private partnerships and teamwork across sectors for the positive momentum. They say coordinated efforts between local government, business leaders, and the military community — particularly Shaw Air Force Base — are fueling not only job creation but also housing development and downtown revitalization.

For existing businesses, wages increased by more than 9.5 percent over the past year, which leaders say has empowered companies to expand and hire more workers.

“It should be encouraging to those that are looking for opportunities because it’s exciting to be a part of that growth and to see the expansion,” said Darlene Sparks, Investor and Stakeholder Manager. “Like, why wouldn’t you want to come here and want more for your business or want more for your family?”

That optimism is resonating with local entrepreneurs as well. Owners of new businesses like Bee Tree Books & Print and The Juice Box say Sumter’s growth was a major factor in their decision to open up shop.

“To have job availability that is without a degree and just straight out of high school — young people that are committed and willing to work — I’m happy it’s being recognized and open in our hometown,” said Torrie Chapman, owner of The Juice Box.

“My fiancé and I moved down here from Baltimore, and just the fact that we were surprised that everything we needed we found here — and I think that’s a testament to that growth, that Sumter really is self-sufficient,” said Mac Atkinson, owner of Bee Tree Books & Print.

Looking ahead, city leaders say their focus is on maintaining sustainable growth and continuing to build on current momentum with future projects already in the works.