L.A. County Unemployment Rate Dips in Latest Report

Los Angeles County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dipped to 11.5% in February, down from a revised 12.6% in January, according to figures released Friday by the state Employment Development Department.

The 11.5% rate was still well above the pre-pandemic rate of 5% in February 2020.

In Orange County, where seasonally adjusted numbers were not available, the February jobless rate was 6.8%, down from 7.4% in January.

Statewide, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 8.5% in February, down from 9% in January, but also well above the 4.3% rate from February 2020. The comparable estimates for the nation were 6.2% in February, 6.3% in January and 3.5% in February 2020.

According to the EDD, total nonfarm employment in Los Angeles County increased by 47,900 jobs between January and February to reach about 4.06 million. The leisure and hospitality sector led the way with 39,300 jobs.