In early 1993, the economy of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina was greatly hurt by the closure of the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. This meant more than 5,100 people lost their jobs as the unemployment rate reached 20%. There was 15% less students attending the local schools and 1,500 homes had to be sold. Loss of revenue from payrolls, taxes and other earnings was estimated at $91 million when the Base shut down.