Orange County’s unemployment rate fell to 3.2% in May 2024 from 3.7% the month before.
That compares to an unadjusted unemployment rate of 4.5% for California and 3.7% for the nation during the same period, according to the state’s Employment Development Department. The May reading for OC is above the 3.1% seen in the same period a year earlier.
Non-farm OC employment increased by 6,000 jobs to just over 1.7 million from April to May.
Leisure and hospitality added the most jobs over the month, up 3,800, with more than half of the gain in accommodation and food services. Arts, entertainment and recreation contributed an additional 1,600 positions.
Five other sectors collectively added 4,100 jobs, including construction, transportation and professional services.
