Unemployment Down In Santa Monica, But Still Higher Than LA County

SANTA MONICA, CA — The unemployment rate across Los Angeles County decreased last month, including in Santa Monica, according to data from the California Employment Development Department released last week.

For all of Los Angeles County, the unemployment rate lowered to 5 percent in March in comparison to February’s 5.3 percent unemployment rate. The total labor force for the county increased by over 12,000 people last month totaling 5,034,100 with 251,100 people unemployed according to CDD.

The 5 percent rate was slightly below the 5.3% rate in March 2022.

The unemployment rate in Santa Monica also decreased last month to 8.5 percent from 8.7 percent the previous month. Despite the decrease, the city’s unemployment rate still sits above the county’s.

The total labor force in Santa Monica was 56,000 last month with 47,500 people employed and 4,400 people unemployed according to CDD’s data.

Statewide, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.4 percent in March, 4.4 percent in February and 4.4 percent in March 2022. The comparable figures for the nation were 3.5 percent in March, percent in February and 3.6 percent a year ago.

Total nonfarm employment in Los Angeles County increased by 19,800 positions between February and March to reach more than 4.6 million.

The leisure and hospitality sector led the way by adding 7,300 jobs, according to the EDD.

City News Service contributed to this report.