LOS ANGELES—Los Angeles County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 5.2 percent in October, up slightly from a revised 5.1 percent in September, according to figures released Nov. 17 by the state Employment Development Department (EDD).

The 5.2 percent rate was above the 4.7 percent rate from October 2022.

The unemployment rate in San Diego County increased to 4.2 percent in October, up from a revised 4.1 percent in September 2023, and above a year ago with an estimate of 3.3 percent.

According to the EDD, between September and October, total nonfarm employment in San Diego County increased by 15,500 jobs to reach 1,582,700.

Seasonal increases drove up government employment by 6,200 for the largest month-over-advance. Most of the gain for October was concentrated in state—up 3,800—and local government—up 2,300—as staffing levels in public educational institutions increased, the EDD data showed.

Additionally, retail gained 2,300 jobs month-over, accounting for around two-thirds of the 3,400 job increase in trade, transportation, and utilities. Private education and health added 3,100 jobs.

Those industries which lost jobs in the month-over-month data include construction (down 1,000), manufacturing (down 500), and other services (down 400).

Construction workers chat in Costa Mesa, Calif., on April 21. 2022. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

Between October 2022 and October 2023, nonfarm employment in San Diego County increased by 26,500 or 1.7 percent.

In Orange County, where seasonally adjusted numbers were not available, the October unemployment rate was 3.7 percent, the same as the previous month.

Statewide, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.8 percent in October, 4.7 percent in September, and 4.1 percent in October 2022. The comparable figures for the nation were 3.9 percent in October, 3.8 percent in September, and 3.7 percent a year ago.

Total nonfarm employment in Los Angeles County increased by 51,900 positions between September and October to reach nearly 4.7 million. The private education and health services sectors led the way, adding a total of 15,500 jobs, according to the EDD.