LA County Unemployment Rate Increases in September

Los Angeles County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 5.8% in September, up from a revised 5.6% in August, according to figures released Friday by the state Employment Development Department.

The 5.8% rate was above the rate of 5.2% from September 2023.

Meanwhile, the September unemployment rate in Orange County was 4.1%, down from a revised 4.5% in August and topping the 3.8% figure from a year ago.

Statewide, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.3% in September — the same figure as the previous month.

The comparable estimates for the nation were 4.1% in September, 4.2% in August and 3.8% a year ago.

The L.A. County figures released Friday by the state EDD said that, in September, civilian employment increased by 8,000 to 4,785,000, while unemployment increased by 8,000 to 293,000.

The county’s civilian labor force increased over the month to 5,078,000 in September in seasonally adjusted figures, according to the EDD.

The unadjusted unemployment rate for L.A. County was 6.0% in September.

From August to September, total nonfarm employment in L.A. County increased by 6,100 to 4,577,200, EDD data shows.

Private education and health services registered the largest month- over gain in L.A. County — adding 12,600 jobs in September.

Leisure and hospitality registered the largest month-over decline, losing 8,700 jobs, the agency reported.

“Arts, entertainment, and recreation — down 2,900 — contributed to the overall industry employment job losses,” an EDD statement said.