SD County unemployment rate rises to 8% as 5,300 jobs lost

SAN DIEGO (CNS) - The unemployment rate in San Diego County area rose to 8% in December 2021, up from 6.6% in November and well above the year-ago unemployment rate of 2.8%, according to figures released today by the state Employment Development Department.

The statewide unadjusted unemployment rate was 8.8%, up from 7.9% in November. The rate is 6.5% for the nation, up from 6.4% during the same period.

According to the EDD, total non-farm employment in San Diego County decreased by 5,300 jobs month-over-month — from 1,424,900 to 1,419,600 — while farm employment contracted from 9,200 to 8,600.

The region lost 105,600 non-farm jobs and 400 agricultural jobs over the year.

The region's unemployment rate rose to 15% in May during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to EDD data, while data from the San Diego Association of Governments showed rates of nearly 30% unemployment in May.

Leisure and hospitality experienced the largest month-over decline with a reduction of 9,600 jobs. Accommodation and food services — down 10,300 — accounted for all of the employment reduction, with the majority of the decrease concentrated in food services and drinking places — down 8,800. Arts, entertainment, and recreation posted an increase of 700 jobs.

Five other industries reported a reduction in employment including other services, down 1,700 jobs; government, with 1,500 jobs lost; manufacturing with 800; educational and health services, with 200; and financial activities, down 100. Mining and logging remained unchanged.

Construction led all month-over job growth, with an addition of 3,200 jobs. Specialty trade contractors contributed the bulk of additions, with 2,200, primarily in foundation, structure and building exterior contractors, with 1,200 jobs added.

Trade, transportation and utilities increased by 2,800 jobs. Retail trade boosted the overall sector with a 1,900-job increase. Transportation, warehousing and utilities, up 700, and wholesale trade, up 200, completed the payroll gain.

Leisure and hospitality reported the largest year-over-year decline with a loss of 53,000 jobs. The majority — 82% percent of the cutback was concentrated in accommodation and food services with a loss of 43,700 jobs, specifically in food services and drinking places, down 30,100. Arts, entertainment and recreation reported a loss of 9,300.

Government declined by 16,700 jobs year-over-year, trade, transportation and utilities lost 12,000, education and health services 11,400, other services 10,000, manufacturing 8,500, information 3,400 and financial activities 2,900.

Professional and business services and construction are the only industries to report year-over job additions with 9,100 and 3,200 jobs gained respectively.