Manufacturing remains the primary growth source in Pickens County particularly in the Easley, Liberty and Pickens areas. Over the last two decades, the textile industry has remained a strong element in the local economy, even though it has seen a decline.

A wide variety of products are now produced in Pickens County, ranging from computer components, motors, nylon fibers, kayaks, and plastic components.

From 1995 through 1999, the county attracted more than $160 million in industrial investments resulting in the creation of more than 1,200 jobs as more and more businesses realize the advantages of locating in Pickens County. In the decade prior to 1995, industrial capital investments totaled more than $392 million resulting in more than 2,600 new jobs.

With the continued population growth and a low residential tax rate, Pickens County expects the trend toward growth to continue. To prepare for the planned growth, the county has completed major expansions of its wastewater treatment facilities, and a 331-acre Industrial Park being developed provides an ideal for a number of expected industries.

The new industrial park, located near the intersection of Highways 123 and 78, will be complete with sewer, water, street lighting, curbs and gutters, and fiber optic cable.

The county is traditionally among the most successful in the state in providing employment for its residents. In 1999, the annual average labor force was about 56,000, with an unemployment rate that averaged less than 2.5 percent and at times dipped below 2 percent.

Despite the low unemployment numbers, however, Pickens County has a large available workforce, as almost 20,000 residents currently work in adjacent counties. Job training facilities are also first-class, with Clemson University, Tri-County Technical College and Greenville Technical College providing training in a wide variety of specialties.

The non-manufacturing areas of the county - the mountainous north and the lake area to the west - promote tourism rather than industry. The county's scenic mountain and lake resources offer visitors and abundance of recreational opportunities.

The development of the South Carolina Heritage Corridor, a 14-county historical tour that takes one from the mountains of Pickens County to the coast and Charleston, has helped put an emphasis on tourism in the area, as has the continued emphasis on the natural beauty and recreational opportunities along scenic SC Highway 11.

State parks, private resorts and an excellent highway system invite visitors. In turn, the county benefits.

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