Workers pour cement at a construction site for an office tower in downtown San Diego. ( REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo)
San Diego County’s unemployment rate increased to 5.2% in July, up from a revised 4.9% in June and above last year’s 4.8%, according to figures released Friday by the state Employment Development Department.
July’s unadjusted unemployment rate was 6.1% for California and 4.6% for the nation during the same period.
Between June 2025 and July 2025, total nonfarm employment decreased from 1,573,100 to 1,557,600, a loss of 15,500 jobs. Agricultural employment fell by 100 jobs.
The largest decline in the month-over-month statistics was in the government industry sector, which saw a decrease of 17,200 jobs. The majority of these losses — more than 83% — were simply due to a summer recess. The state government lost 2,900 jobs, but the federal government remained steady.
Additionally, professional and business services and construction lost a combined 1,300 jobs.
A total of seven industries posted gains in the month-over-month figures for a total of 3,000 jobs gained. Private education and health services saw the most, increasing by 1,400, with all gains stemming from health care and social assistance.
Between July 2024 and July 2025, total nonfarm employment increased by 6,300, while agricultural employment fell by 100 jobs.
Private education and health services also posted gains here, leading all sectors by adding 14,400 jobs. Health care and social assistance were responsible for 13,300, more than 92% of the growth in this sector.
The government added 6,500 jobs over the year, leading the other sectors with growth, which included other services and leisure and hospitality.
However, six industry sectors lost employment over the year for a total of 15,800 fewer jobs. These were led by professional and business services with a decline of 6,800 jobs, while manufacturing lost 3,800. Financial activities, construction, information, trade, transportation, and utilities reported the remainder of the losses.
–City News Service