Unemployment Rate Drops Sharply In The Silicon Valley

Unemployment plummeted in the South Bay last month, led by a surge in seasonal toursim-related jobs and farm labor.

The jobless rate in the South Bay—that's Santa Clara and San Benito counties—decreased from 7.4 percent in March to 6.6 percent in April. A year ago, the rate was 8.8 percent, according to the state Economic Development Department.

The unemployment rate for Santa Clara County also fell from 7.2 percent in March to 6.5 in April. 

Cities around the Silicon Valley experienced similar dips in their unemployment rate.

In Los Altos, the jobless rate 3.2 percent last month. It was 4.6 percent in March. 

Nearby, the unemployment rate decreased to 4.2 percent in Los Gatos, 4.1 percent in Cupertino, 5.5 percent in Campbell, 4.8 percent Mountain View, 3.4 percent in Palo Alto and 3.2 percent in Saratoga.

Overall, the South Bay added 200 in April for a total labor force of 926,300. That jobs figure is 23,900 higher than April 2012.

Leisure and hospitality increased by 900 jobs seasonally, primarily within food services and drinking places, while farm labor expanded by 700 jobs. The construction industry in the South Bay and the financial activities sector each gained 300 jobs in April.

But private educational and health services recorded a much larger-than-usual seasonal decrease. Private colleges, universities, and professional schools, as well as private health care establishments, each shed 700 jobs in April.