The unemployment rate in Orange County fell to 4.1% last month, down from a revised 4.5% in August, and above the year-ago estimate of 3.8%.
This compares with an unadjusted unemployment rate of 5.3% for California and 3.9% for the nation during the same period.
Between August and September 2024 total nonfarm employment in OC increased by 5,400 jobs to nearly 1.71 million.
Government reported the largest gain, adding 8,000 jobs in Orange County, while private education and health services increased by 2,000 payroll jobs.
Seventy-five percent of the local expansion was in private educational services, up 1,500 jobs. Health care and social assistance added 500 slots.
Six employment sectors had declines. Leisure and hospitality decreased the most, losing 2,200 jobs. Arts, entertainment, and recreation dropped by 500 positions.
