South Carolina has earned the number two spot in Site Selection Group’s 2025 manufacturing competitiveness rankings. The annual report confirms the state’s continued status as a premier destination for major industrial projects.
The rankings utilize a “GeoCision” model, evaluating states on three pillars: Workforce and Market Alignment (40%), Operating Costs (30%), and Geographic Positioning (30%). South Carolina’s impressive standing was driven by a first-place finish in the Workforce and Market Alignment category, which measures labor quality and the synergy between local education and industry needs.
This year’s top five list is dominated by the Southeast and Midwest, with South Carolina joined by Tennessee, North Carolina, Indiana, and Kentucky. The state has shown remarkable consistency in these rankings, holding the overall top spot in three of the last five years.
By averaging the scores of metropolitan areas statewide, the methodology highlights South Carolina’s broad appeal across its various regions. Experts note that the state’s combination of qualified labor, competitive costs, and strategic geography ensures it remains a primary target for global companies seeking optimal manufacturing locations.
Sign up for our Sunday Spectator. Delivered to your inbox every Sunday, with all the news from the week.
