Los Angeles County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 5.3% in May, the same rate as April, according to figures released Friday by the state Employment Development Department.
The 5.3% rate was above the rate of 4.8% rate from May 2023.
The May 2024 unemployment rate in Orange County, where seasonally adjusted rates were not immediately available, was 3.2%, down from 3.7% in April.
Statewide, California’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.2% in May, down slightly from 5.3% in April, but above the 4.5% rate in May 2023, the EDD reported. The comparable estimates for the nation were 4% in May, 3.9% in April and 3.7% a year ago.
Total non-farm employment in Los Angeles County increased by 11,100 jobs between April and May to reach nearly 4.6 million.
The leisure and hospitality sector posted the largest gains, adding 8,200 jobs.