Unemployment in the North Bay drops in May

May unemployment rates fell across the six-county North Bay and California region, according to state data released Friday.

California’s 5.2% interest rate dropped to 5.3% after three consecutive months, according to the state Employment Development Department.

Marin County had the lowest unemployment rate in the North Bay at 3%, according to the state Employment Development Department.

This was followed by a 3.1% unemployment rate in Napa County and a 3.3% unemployment rate in Sonoma County. Last month, Mendocino County’s unemployment rate was 4.1% and Solano County’s was 4.4%. The rate of 4.9% was highest in the North Bay, according to EDD.

In May, California employers added the most jobs since October, according to EDD, and the leisure and hospitality industry saw the largest month-over-month growth. The agency also reported above-average job growth since April in the trade, transportation and utilities sectors.

The data showed that the biggest month-over-month employment decline was in information services, a decline lasting four months.

Marin County

Marin County’s unemployment rate was 3% in May, down from a revised 3.5% in April. The unemployment rate in the district in May 2023 was 2.9%.

The county added construction jobs; trade, transport and utilities; professional and business services; leisure and hospitality; and the government. No decline in employment was observed in other sectors.

Napa County

Napa County’s unemployment rate was 3.1% in May, down from a revised 3.8% in April. The unemployment rate in the district in May 2023 was 2.9%.

The county added jobs in trade, transportation and utilities; leisure and hospitality; and the government. No decline in employment was observed in other sectors.

Sonoma County

Sonoma County’s unemployment rate was 3.3% in May, down from a revised 3.9% in April. The unemployment rate in the district in May 2023 was 3.2%.

The county added construction jobs; trade, transport and utilities; leisure and hospitality; and the government. There were fewer job offers in professional and business services.

Mendocino County

Mendocino County’s unemployment rate in May was 4.1%, down from a revised 5.1% in April. In May 2023, the unemployment rate in the district was 3.9%.

The county added jobs in mining, logging and construction; production; trade, transportation, warehousing and utilities; the retail trade; professional and business services; private education and health services; leisure and hospitality; and the federal and state governments. There were fewer jobs in wholesale trade; and local government.

Solano County

Solano County’s unemployment rate was 4.4% in May, down from a revised 5% in April. In May 2023, the unemployment rate in the district was 4.1%.

The county added construction jobs; trade, transport and utilities; private education and health services; leisure and hospitality; and the government. No decline in employment was observed in other sectors.

Lake County

Lake County’s unemployment rate was 4.9% in May, down from a revised 6% in April. In May 2023, the rate was 5.2%.

The county added jobs in mining, logging and construction; production; the retail trade; financial activities; private education and health services; leisure and hospitality; and the federal government.

Fewer jobs were available in transportation, warehousing, and utilities; information services; professional and business services; and local government.