Unemployment Levels Still Higher On The Rise In Orange County

ORANGE COUNTY, CA — The November numbers are in, and across Orange County, the unemployment rate fell slightly from October to November, though that number is still higher than one year ago.

According to the California Employment Development Department, the latest November numbers for unemployment in Orange County hovered at 4.0%, down from a revised 4.2% in October. The year-ago estimate was 3.8%.

In Los Angeles County, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 6.0% in November, up from a revised 5.9% in October, according to figures released Friday by the EDD.

The 6.0% rate was above the rate of 5.3% from November 2023.

Statewide, California's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.3% in November and 4.0% for the nation during the same period, the EDD reported.

Total non-farm employment in Los Angeles County increased by 14,900 jobs between October and November to reach 4.62 million.

Private education and health services had the largest increase over the year with 42,600 jobs, advancing to a total 981,200 positions. The growth was mainly driven by a surge in health care and social assistance, according to EDD.