Latest Guides

Business News

Unemployment Rate in LA County Holds Steady

Published on Friday, April 17, 2026 | 12:14 pm
 

Los Angeles County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 5.5% in February compared to January, but was below the 5.8% rate from the same month a year earlier, according to figures released Friday by the state Employment Development Department.

Statewide, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.4% in February. That was the same rate as January and the same as February 2025. The comparable estimates for the nation were 4.4% in February, 4.3% in January and 4.2% a year ago.

Between January and February, total nonfarm employment in Los Angeles County increased by 9,700 to reach more than 4.58 million jobs.

The professional and business services sector led the way in the county by adding 7,600 positions, while professional, scientific and technical services added 4,400 jobs, particularly in accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping and payroll services.

The trade, transportation and utilities sector saw the biggest decline, shedding 7,900 jobs.

Get our daily Pasadena newspaper in your email box. Free.

Get all the latest Pasadena news, more than 10 fresh stories daily, 7 days a week at 7 a.m.