Orange County’s unemployment rate fell to 4.4% in September from a revised 4.6% in August and above the 4.0% in September last year, according to the state’s Employment Development Department.
The state’s unemployment rate of 5.6% while the U.S.’s was 4.3%.
The report was delayed by two months because of the federal shutdown in October and November.
Nonfarm OC employment rose 1,900 to 1.69 million jobs.
Government reported the biggest gain, adding 8,100 jobs, led by local government education, up 8,600, as public schools returned from summer recess.
Professional and business services decreased the most, losing 3,400 jobs.
Six other industry sectors reported declines.
Only three of the 11 industry sectors saw job increases.
The state lost 4,500 nonfarm jobs for a total of 18 million.
