LA County Unemployment Rate Holds Steady At 8.1 Percent
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — The unemployment rate in Los Angeles County held steady at 8.1 percent in August, compared to the previous month, the state Employment Development Department reported Friday.
But comparing year-over-year numbers, this year's seasonally adjusted 8.1 percent rate was a big improvement over the 9.9 percent unemployment rate reported for August 2013.
In Orange County, where seasonally adjusted numbers were not available, the unemployment rate was 5.4 percent, down from 5.7 percent in July.
Statewide, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 7.4 percent in August, the same as July, but below the 8.9 percent rate reported in August 2013. The comparable estimates for the nation were 6.1 percent in August, 6.2 percent in July and 7.2 percent a year ago.
According to the EDD, total nonfarm employment increased in Los Angeles County by 17,600 jobs between July and August, to reach more than 4.17 million.
The education and health services sectors posted the biggest month-over-month gain by adding 7,400 jobs.
About 405,000 people were unemployed in August in Los Angeles County, which has a workforce of about 5 million.
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