Business & Tech
Unemployment Rate Climbs To 4.4% In June In San Diego County
The region's rate of unemployment compares with 5.2% for California and 4.4% for the nation during the same period.
SAN DIEGO, CA — The unemployment rate in San Diego County increased to 4.4% in June, up from a revised 3.9% in May, and below the year-ago estimate of 4.7%, according to data released Friday by the state Employment Development Department.
The region's rate of unemployment compares with 5.2% for California and 4.4% for the nation during the same period.
Between May 2026 and June 2026, total nonfarm employment increased from 1,584,100 to 1,584,300, a rise of 200 jobs. Agricultural employment lost 100 jobs.
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Leisure and hospitality saw the largest month-over gains in employment with 2,500 jobs added. Accommodation and food services provided more than 60% of those, while the arts, entertainment, and recreation subsector added 900.
Manufacturing, other services, financial activities, and construction also saw month-over increases gaining a combined total of 1,300 jobs.
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Conversely, four industry sectors lost employment June, a combined 3,600 jobs lost. Government jobs saw the largest loss, declining by 2,600 jobs, with the bulk stemming from local government educational services, as summer break began. Private education and health services, professional and business services, and trade, transportation, and utilities saw the remainder of the decline.
Between June 2025 and June 2026, total nonfarm employment increased by 16,700, while farm employment decreased by 300.
Private education and health services led all year-over gains with 17,700 jobs, 17,400 of which came in the health care and social assistance subsector. Private educational services provided the remaining job advancements.
An additional three sectors posted a combined total of 13,800 jobs gained over the year. Leisure and hospitality accounted for 7,300 of these, while professional and business services and other services made up the remainder.
A total of six sectors lost employment over the year for a combined decrease of 14,800 jobs. Government represented the most losses with a decline of 8,500 jobs, most of which came from federal government -- down 7,000. Construction and information saw the next largest declines, reducing employment by 3,700 jobs.
— City News Service
