County Unemployment Decreased To 4.5% In February, Jobs Numbers Find

SAN DIEGO, CA — The unemployment rate in San Diego County decreased to 4.5% in February 2026, down from a revised 4.7% in January 2026, and above the year-ago rate of 4.4%, according to data released Friday by the state Employment Development Department.

The region's rate of unemployment compares with 5.5% for California and 4.7% for the nation during the same period.

Between January 2026 and February 2026, total nonfarm employment increased from 1,563,500 to 1,565,300, a rise of 1,800 jobs. Agricultural employment gained 200 jobs.

Professional and business services saw the largest month-over gain in employment, with an increase of 2,200 jobs. More than 75% of these were in administrative and support and waste management and remediation services -- up 1,700. The remaining 2 sub-sectors also reported gains in employment.

A total of five other sectors reported an increase in employment for a total of 3,100 jobs. Leisure and hospitality increased by 2,000 jobs, with all gains in accommodation and food services. Other services, government, financial activities, and manufacturing also added employment over the month.

Conversely, four industry sectors lost jobs over the month -- a total of 3,500 fewer jobs. Trade, transportation, and utilities (down 1,900) and private education and health services (down 1,300) saw the bulk of the losses.

Between February 2025 and February 2026, total nonfarm employment increased by 8,000, while farm employment decreased by 100.

In the year-over figures, private education and health services led all sectors, boosting its employment by 12,500 jobs. Health care and social assistance gained 12,800 jobs, contributing all the growth in this sector. Private educational services lost 300.

Additionally, three other sectors gained employment for a combined total of 11,700 jobs. Nearly 60% of these jobs were in leisure and hospitality - - 7,000 -- while other services and professional and business services provided the remaining additions.

On the other hand, five sectors lost a total of 16,200 jobs in the year-over numbers. Government posted the largest decline of 7,700 jobs, with the majority of the losses stemming from federal government. Construction, trade, transportation, and utilities, information, manufacturing, and information further reduced employment by 8,500 jobs.

In the past six months, the jobs report has been several months delayed and inconsistent. It is unclear when March's unemployment figures will be released.

— City News Service