April Unemployment Rate Falls Slightly in LA County

Los Angeles County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dipped slightly over the month to 5.8% in April, from a revised 5.9% the previous month, according to figures released Friday by the state Employment Development Department.

The 5.8% rate was above the rate of 5.6% a year ago.

Statewide, California’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.3% in April, the same figure as the previous month, and 5.2% a year ago. The comparable estimates for the nation were 4.2% in April, the same number as March, and 3.9% a year ago.

Total non-farm employment in Los Angeles County increased by 16,100 jobs between March and April to reach more than 4.59 million.

The trade, transportation and utilities sector showed the largest decline, shedding 2,400 positions. The government sector posted month-over- month gains of 11,400 jobs.

The Pasadena area, which is tracked as part of the “Foothill Consortium” in official state employment statistics alongside Arcadia, Duarte, Sierra Madre and South Pasadena, has shown a year-over-year increase in unemployment. March 2025’s 5.50% rate was higher than the 4.90% recorded in March 2024.