LA County Jobless Rate Drops To 4.8% In September

LOS ANGELES, CA — Los Angeles County's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 4.8% in September, down from a revised 5% in August and 5.6% a year earlier, according to figures released Friday by the state Employment Development Department.

The 4.8% rate compared with 5.1% for California, according to the EDD. The statewide unemployment rate in September was the same as August, but down from 5.5% in September 2025.

The comparable estimates for the nation were 4.2% in September, 4.1% in August and 4.4% a year ago.

Total nonfarm employment in Los Angeles County decreased by 4,100 jobs between August and September to reach just over 4.5 million, according to the EDD.

The leisure and hospitality sector reported the largest month-over- month drop, shedding 6,800 positions. Private education and health services posted the largest job gains between August and September, adding 14,200 positions. But it was one of only two industries to report gains.

Over the year, total nonfarm employment in Los Angeles County increased by 20,300 jobs, or 0.4%, from September 2025 to September 2026.

City News Service