Orange County’s unemployment rate fell to 4.0% in February from a revised 4.1% in January and above the 3.9% in February last year, according to the state’s Employment Development Department.
The state’s unemployment rate was 5.5% while the U.S.’s was 4.7%.
Nonfarm OC employment fell to 1.68 million, down 2,100 jobs.
Trade, transportation and utilities fell the most, 2,400, mostly in retail trade, off 1,500 jobs. Three other sectors reported decreases: construction, 1,300; private education and health services, 700; and information, 300.
Five sectors increased, led by government and leisure and hospitality sectors, adding 900 each.
The state declined 19,900 jobs for a total of 18.1 million.
