Summer breaks at schools drove up the unemployment rates in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, according to state data released Friday.
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in LA County increased to 5.5% in July from a revised 5.3% in June, according to the state Employment Development Department. LA County’s rate was 4.9% a year ago.
Civilian employment rose by 13,000 jobs totaling 4,767,000 in July, while unemployment increased by 9,000 to 275,000 lost positions, the EDD reported. The civilian labor force added 22,000 positions to 5,042,000 between June and July.
LA County’s unadjusted unemployment rate was 6.5% in July, the EDD said.
California’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.2% in July 2024, 5.2% in June and 4.7% in July 2023.
National unemployment estimates were 4.3% in July, 4.1% in June and 3.5% one year ago.
Between June and July, total nonfarm jobs in LA County decreased by 30,800 to 4,558,000.
“The academic summer recess drove government job levels down by 35,000 for the largest month-over decline,” according to an EDD statement.