During the March 11, 2026, State of City event, hosted by Rock Hill Economic Development Corporation (RHEDC), speakers highlighted economic and demographic trends, high growth industries, and stated that Rock Hill is poised to attract significant investment and job creation. 

Industry Growth in Life Sciences & Pharmaceuticals 

Mark Vitner, founder of Piedmont Crescent Capital, discussed issues facing the U.S. economy, forecast that home affordability will continue improving, and pointed out that capital investment totaled its third highest level on record. South Carolina ranks highest in the nation for population growth, with strong job growth across the Carolinas. 

The highest growth industries include aviation, energy and power, automotive and advanced materials. Life science and pharmaceutical manufacturing in particular is primed for expansion, as companies seek to locate operations to the U.S. for ready access to clean water and mitigate overseas shipping issues, industry shortcomings exposed during COVID response. 

Rock Hill Attracts Young Workforce 

Drilling into a more local perspective, Dr. Alex Tsiukes, assistant professor of economics at Winthrop University, explained that Rock Hill’s employment growth is outpacing nearby cities and South Carolina overall. Rock Hill housing affordability is competitive with other markets and median household incomes increased at a far greater rate than South Carolina and the U.S. as a whole. 

Rock Hill continues to build a strong workforce, attracting young, well-educated professionals while retaining long-term residents. With the median age at 35.7, and those age 25-34 accounting for 6.3% of new residents moving here, we’re further strengthening access to a young labor pool. 

Coalition Established to Drive Growth 

Rock Hill Mayor John Gettys shared that local leaders are joining forces to capitalize on the potential in the region. He convened representatives from business, industry, economic development alliances, higher education institutions, and state agencies, along with U.S. Senator Tim Scott, to form the Palmetto Research Region Cabinet. The group will focus on raising the profile and marketability of the I-77 corridor between Charlotte, NC and Columbia, SC, which is prime for investment.  

Mayor Gettys said, “This cabinet is not meant to replace the highly effective economic development alliances that already exist, but to support a long-term vision along the corridor. This impactful group of individuals offers a wealth of talent, knowledge and experience that is fundamental to advising stakeholders to consider lasting value in their decision making.” 

The Cabinet, led by co-chairs Derick Close, CEO of Springs Creative, and Gary Simrill, former SC House Majority Leader, will aim to proactively encourage a wholistic approach to enticing high-wage employers in the fields of advanced manufacturing, life sciences, pharmaceuticals, and corporate headquarters to the corridor.