Los Angeles County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dipped slightly to 5.9% in March, down from a revised 6% in February, according to figures released Friday by the state Employment Development Department.
The 5.9% rate was above the rate of 5.5% a year ago.
The March unemployment rate in Orange County was 3.8%, down from a revised 3.9% in February, and up slightly from 3.7% a year ago.
Statewide, California’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.3% in March, down from 5.4% in February but up from 5.1% in March 2024. The comparable estimates for the nation were 4.2% in March, 4.1% in February, and 3.9% a year ago.
Total non-farm employment in Los Angeles County declined by 2,300 jobs between February and March to reach more than 4.75 million.
The trade, transportation and utilities sector showed the largest decline, shedding 5,700 positions. The government sector posted the largest month-over-month gains, adding 5,100 jobs.
In Orange County, non-farm employment fell by 600 jobs to reach 1.68 million. The construction and trade, transportation and utilities sectors both posted 1,900 job losses.