Los Angeles County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased over the month to 5.6% in December, below the rate of 6.1% a year ago, according to figures released Friday by the state Employment Development Department.
In Orange County, the December unemployment rate was 3.9%, down from a revised 4.2% in November.
Statewide, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.5% in December, down from 5.6% in November, and the same as a year ago in December 2024.
The comparable estimates for the nation were 4.4% in December, 4.5% in November, and 4.1% a year ago.
Between November and December, total nonfarm employment in Los Angeles County decreased by 3,400 to 4.65 million jobs.
In Los Angeles County, trade, transportation and utilities led the five industry sectors that gained jobs over the month, adding 4,700 payroll positions. Gains were made in retail trade, wholesale trade and transportation, warehousing, and utilities. The retail trade gains were mainly in clothing, clothing accessories, shoes, and jewelry retailers, and general merchandise retailers.
Private education and health services employment fell by 4,300 jobs, the largest of six industry sectors losing employment between November and December.
In Orange County, government payrolls decreased by 2,200 jobs, the most of any sector over the month. Meanwhile, five industry sectors expanded from November and December. The largest increase was in trade, transportation, and utilities.