SAN DIEGO, CA — The unemployment rate in San Diego County increased to 4.7% in July, up from a revised 4.5% in June, and below the year-ago estimate of 5%, according to data released Friday by the state Employment Development Department.
The region's rate of unemployment compares with 5.3% for California and 4.4% for the nation during the same period.
Between June 2026 and July 2026, total nonfarm employment decreased from 1,584,100 to 1,564,100, a decline of 20,000 jobs. Agricultural employment lost 100 jobs.
The government sector saw the most jobs lost, a decline of 17,600 jobs. More than 80% of this loss was seen in local government, due to schools being in summer recess. State government also saw a drop in employment, losing 3,300 jobs. Federal government added 200 jobs.
An additional five industry sectors lost employment over the month, decreasing by a total of 4,200 jobs. Professional and business services, down 1,500; private education and health services, down 1,300; and leisure and hospitality, down 1,100; had the majority of the losses.
Conversely, four sectors gained a combined total of 1,800 jobs from June. Trade, transportation, and utilities represented the largest increase with 1,000 jobs added -- all gains in retail trade and transportation, warehousing and utilities.
Between July 2025 and July 2026, total nonfarm employment increased by 7,900, while farm employment decreased by 300.
The year's largest gaining industry was private education and health services, which saw a gain of 13,900 jobs. Health care and social assistance made up 13,400 of these gains.
Three other sectors reported a combined total of 6,800 jobs gained -- the majority of which (4,100) were in leisure and hospitality, while other services and trade, transportation, and utilities contributed the remainder of the growth.
A total of six sectors lost a total of 12,800 jobs over the year. Government saw the largest decline with 6,000 jobs, with most of these in federal government, down 4,300. Construction and financial activities saw the next largest declines, further reducing employment by 4,700 jobs.
— City News Service
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
San Diego Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.