The unadjusted jobless rate in Orange County was 3.8% last month, down slightly from a revised 3.9% in February, and above the year-ago estimate of 3.7%.
The OC figure for March is lower than the unadjusted unemployment rate of 5.3% for California and 4.2% for the nation during the same period.
Between February and March total non-farm employment in Orange County fell to 1.68 million, for a loss of 600 jobs.
Construction and trade, transportation, and utilities decreased the most, losing 1,900 jobs each.
Private education and health services increased by 2,100 jobs, the most of any sector.
