The unemployment rate in Orange County rose to 4.4% in July, from a revised 4% the month before, and above the year-ago estimate of 3.6%.
The July figure for OC  compares with an unadjusted unemployment rate of 5.8% for California and 4.5% for the nation during the same period, according to figures released by the state’s Employment Development Department.
Between June and July, total nonfarm employment in OC decreased from about 1.71 million to  1.7 million, a loss of 2,100 jobs.
Government jobs decreased the most, with a seasonal loss of 9,200 jobs, while information declined by 100 jobs.
Professional and business services led sector gains with 3,600 jobs, while leisure and hospitality was up 1,100 jobs.
