San Diego County’s unemployment rate increased slightly in August, up to 5% from a revised 4.9% in July, and above the year-ago rate of 4.4%, according to figures released Friday by the state Employment Development Department.
August’s rate compares to 5.9% for California and 4.4% for the nation during the same month.
Between July 2024 and August 2024, total nonfarm employment increased from 1,556,900 to 1,558,500 — a gain of 1,600 jobs. Agricultural employment lost 400 jobs month-over.
Private education and health services led gains over the month with 1,900 jobs gained. The government also posted gains with 1,100 and construction with 300.
On the other hand, five sectors lost jobs between July and August, led by trade, transportation, and utilities, which decreased by 600. Also losing employment was manufacturing, information, leisure hospitality, and other services, posting a combined loss of 1,100.
Mining and logging, professional and business services, and financial activities all remained unchanged over the month.
Compared to last year, total nonfarm employment increased by 10,800. Agricultural jobs were unchanged between August 2023 and August 2024.
In the year-over numbers, private education and health services saw the biggest gains with 12,800 — 11,300 of which came from the health care and social assistance subsector.
Another four industries saw gains of 7,600 jobs, 4,400 of which came from the government. The remainder came from leisure and hospitality, construction, and other services.
Conversely, five sectors posted a combined job loss of 9,600. The largest decrease came through manufacturing, with 3,800, and professional and business services, with 3,300. The remaining 2,500 jobs lost came from information, trade, transportation and utilities, and financial activities.
–City News Service