Overview

Los Angeles County's unemployment rate remained unchanged at 5.5% in February, consistent with January's figures. This rate is an improvement compared to 5.8% recorded in the same month last year, according to the state Employment Development Department.

In comparison, the statewide unemployment rate for California was reported at 5.4% for February, matching both January's rate and that of February 2025. Nationally, the unemployment rate was lower at 4.4% in February.

Key details

  • LA County's unemployment rate: 5.5% in February.
  • Unemployment rate in January: also 5.5%.
  • Unemployment rate a year ago (February 2022): 5.8%.
  • Statewide unemployment rate: 5.4% in February.
  • Statewide unemployment rate in January: 5.4%.
  • Statewide unemployment rate in February 2025: 5.4%.
  • National unemployment rate: 4.4% in February.
  • National unemployment rate in January: 4.3%.
  • National unemployment rate a year ago (February 2022): 4.2%.
  • Total nonfarm employment in LA County increased by 9,700 jobs to over 4.58 million.
  • Professional and business services sector added 7,600 jobs.
  • Professional, scientific and technical services added 4,400 jobs, particularly in accounting and payroll services.
  • Trade, transportation and utilities sector experienced a decline, losing 7,900 jobs.

Context

The employment landscape in Los Angeles County reflects a mixed performance across various sectors, with significant job growth in professional services contrasted by losses in trade and transportation.

What happens next

As the economy continues to evolve, further monitoring of employment trends in Los Angeles County will be essential to understand the implications for local job seekers and businesses.

What we don't know yet

Details regarding the specific reasons for job losses in the trade, transportation and utilities sector are not confirmed.