SoCal Unemployment Rates Dips Again in April: EDD Reports

A help wanted sign hangs in a restaurant in Fountain Valley, Calif., on Jan. 27. 2022. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

Unemployment rates continue to drop in Southern California, according to April 2022 figures released on Friday, May 20, by California’s Employment Development Department (EDD).

Los Angeles County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 5.5 percent in April, down from a revised 5.7 percent in March and well below the 10.4 percent rate a year ago.

According to the EDD, total nonfarm employment in Los Angeles County increased by 13,400 jobs between March and April to reach nearly 4.5 million.

The leisure and hospitality sector led the way by adding 10,200 jobs in the county.

In Orange County, where seasonally adjusted figures were not available, the April unemployment rate was 2.7 percent, down from 3.1 percent in March.

A "now hiring" sign is posted in the window of an ice cream shop in Los Angeles, California on January 28, 2022. Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

San Diego County’s unemployment rate dipped to 3 percent in April, down from a revised 3.4 percent in March and considerably less than the 7.3 percent rate a year ago.

According to the EDD, between March and April, nonfarm employment in San Diego County grew by 7,900 jobs, from 1,499,800 to 1,507,700. Agricultural jobs grew by 400 month-over-month.

Over a 12-month period starting from April 2021, nonfarm employment increased by 88,300—around 6.2 percent. Agricultural employment remained unchanged year-over-year.

In San Diego County, leisure and hospitality registered the most significant month-over-month payroll increase, adding 4,300 jobs. The additions were mainly concentrated in accommodation and food services—up 3,500—followed by arts, entertainment, and recreation with 800 added.

Patrons dine at an outdoor restaurant along 5th Avenue in downtown San Diego, Calif., on, July 17, 2020. (Sandy Huffaker/AFP via Getty Images

Employment advanced by 19,800 in professional and business services, including administrative, support, waste management, remediation services, scientific services, and technical services.

Every sector posted job gains year-over-year with the exceptions of manufacturing and financial activities, which lost 500 and 300, respectively.

Statewide, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.6 percent in April, down from 4.8 percent in March and below the 8.3 percent rate from April 2021.

Nationwide, the comparable estimates were 3.6 percent in April, 3.6 percent in March, and 6 percent in April of last year.

Joyce Kuo contributed to this report.