L.A. County Unemployment Rate Drops Slightly

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The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Los Angeles County dropped to 10.6 percent in September, down from 11 percent in August, the state Employment Development Department announced.

The 10.6 percent unemployment rate was below the 12.4 percent rate in September 2011, according to the EDD.

The unemployment index in Baldwin Park was at 13.9 percent for August (Latest local data available), a decrease from the 14.8 percent reported in July. according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

California's jobless rate was 10.2 percent in September, down from 10.6 percent in August and down from September 2011, when the rate was 11.7 percent, according to the EDD.

The comparable estimates for the nation were 7.8 percent in September, 8.1 percent in August and 9 percent a year ago.

Total nonfarm employment increased by 37,100 jobs in Los Angeles County between August and September to reach 3.84 million. The government sector saw the largest gain, adding 11,900 jobs.

A total of 510,000 people were unemployed in September in Los Angeles County, which has a labor force of about 4.8 million.

Statewide, about 1.88 million people were out of work, down slightly from 1.94 million the previous month.

- City News Service and Patch Staff.