SD County unemployment drops slightly to 6.6% in August

SAN DIEGO (CNS) – The unemployment rate in San Diego County fell to 6.6% from 6.9% revised in July, well below the estimate of 10.8% a year ago, according to figures released Friday by the state’s employment development department.

This compares to an unadjusted unemployment rate of 7.5% for California – which fell 7.9% in July – and 5.3% for the nation – down from 5.7% in July – during the same period.

Between July 2021 and August 2021, non-farm employment increased by 5,300, from 1,402,000 to 1,407,300. Agricultural employment remained unchanged.

All government-led industrial sectors recorded monthly job gains of 3,500. Local government – up 3,700 – job increases in local government education services – up 2,500 – and in local government excluding education services – up 1,200. The federal government remained unchanged. The state government reduced the number of jobs by 200.

Construction has pushed up payroll levels by 3,400 people. The majority of job additions were in specialty contractors – up 2,500 – with gains concentrated in building finishing contractors – up 1,400. The number of jobs in heavy construction and civil engineering increased by 700 on the month, followed by building construction which added 200.

Additional employment gains were recorded in leisure and hospitality, with a gain of 2,000, and professional and business services by gaining 200. Employment remained unchanged in information and mining and forestry.

Other services recorded the largest job decline during the month with 1,000 jobs lost, followed by financial activities with 900 jobs.

Between August 2020 and August 2021, non-farm employment increased by 59,200, an increase of 4.4%. Agricultural employment increased by 100, up 1.1%.

Leisure and hospitality dominated the increase for the year, adding 31,000 jobs. Accommodation and food services increased by 24,300 jobs, while food services and drinking places increased by 18,800 jobs. Arts, entertainment and recreation – up 6,700 – made up the remainder of the sector’s employment expansion.

Other services increased by 9,700 jobs. Payrolls increased in personal and laundry services – up 7,200 – religious, grantmaking, civic, professional and similar organizations gained 1,600, and repair and maintenance increased by 900.

Other year-over-year gains include construction, at 8,900; services to professionals and businesses with 6,100; education and health services with 5,300; information with 1200; trade, transport and public services with 1,200; and manufacturing with 400. Employment in mining and logging remained unchanged.

Year-over-year job losses occurred in government – down 2,800 – and financial activities – down 1,800.