South Carolina leaders discuss wage gaps and poverty amid state growth

Business leaders attended a roundtable discussion in Florence, South Carolina, held as part of the South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development's 27th annual Opportunity SC Conference. Participants discussed the future of South Carolina, noting that while the state was the fastest-growing in the U.S. in 2025, low-wealth communities face challenges. One participant noted that a living wage for a parent with two children in South Carolina is about $43 an hour, significantly higher than the state's minimum wage of $7.25.

The discussion highlighted that economic growth alone may not alleviate poverty, as low wages can lead to health care complications and loss of housing assistance. Leaders suggested that attracting companies and jobs helps combat poverty, but questioned what the state might have overlooked in its growth strategy.