Across South Carolina

Census Bureau will hire 600 new workers

COLUMBIA --- The U.S. Census Bureau will hire more than 600 workers in South Carolina this year as the nation gears up for the 10-year count of how many people live here.

The Census will operate offices in Columbia and Charleston in 2009. Columbia office manager James Casey says more offices will open in other parts of the state when the actual count begins next year.

According to the Census Web site, South Carolina jobs start at $11 an hour in Columbia and $11.50 an hour in Charleston.

The decennial count is used to determine lines for congressional and other political districts.

South Carolina is one of several Southern states projected to add a U.S. House member based on increased population.

The count also helps determine where federal dollars are spent.