L.A. County Jobless Rate Held Steady in February, Before COVID-19 Shutdowns

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Los Angeles County held steady at 4.3% in February, compared to the previous month, the state Employment Development Department reported Friday, although the numbers predate the massive shutdowns that have occurred since due to coronavirus.

The February unemployment rate was below the February 2019 rate, which was 4.7%, according to the EDD.

In Orange County, where seasonally adjusted numbers were not available, the February jobless rate was 2.8%.

Statewide, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.9% in February, the same rate as January, but below the 4.3% rate in February 2019.

According to the EDD, total nonfarm employment in Los Angeles County increased by 41,200 between January and February to reach more than 4.6 million. The information sector led the way by adding 12,600 job