Unemployment rate 5.9 percent in San Diego County, close to a six-year low

SAN DIEGO - The unemployment rate in San Diego County last month was 5.9 percent, close to a six-year low, the state Employment Development Department announced today, Fri., Oct. 17.

Aside from a 5.8 percent rate recorded in May, the September figure was the lowest since June 2008, according to EDD data.

The unemployment rate was 6.2 percent in August, and 7.3 percent in September 2013. Statewide, the unemployment rate in September was 6.9 percent, and the nationwide rate was 5.7 percent.

According to the EDD, the greatest local job gain over the past year was in the professional, scientific and technical sector, which added 9,300 positions. Trade, transportation and utilities added 6,400 jobs in the same period, while construction created 6,300 new positions.

The past month's job losses and gains were typical for the season, as hotels, bars and restaurants cut back on their workforce while schools added positions for the new academic year.

Last month, 93,800 San Diegans were unemployed out of a civilian labor force of nearly 1.6 million.