Unemployment
The California Employment Development Department (EDD) reported the unemployment rate was 4.4% in January 2025, up from the revised 3.9% December 2024 rate.  SLO County ranks 7^th lowest Unemployment Rate in the state. The unadjusted Unemployment Rate in California was 5.5% and 4.4% in the nation during the same period.

Month-over Job Changes
The Government industry reported the only gains in January, adding 900 jobs. 

The Manufacturing, Information, and Other Services industries all saw no changes in job loss or growth during the month of January. 

The Leisure and Hospitality industry experienced the greatest month-over loss, losing 500 jobs during the report period. Trade, Transportation, and Utilities lost 400 jobs and the Professional and Business Services industry lost 300 jobs. The Mining, Logging, and Construction industry lost 200 jobs and the Financial Activities and Private Education and Health Services industries each saw a month-over loss of 100 jobs in January.  

Total Farm reported a gain of 500 jobs during the month of January.

In the January 2025 reporting period, San Luis Obispo County lost a total of 200 jobs.

Year-over Job Changes
The Government industry experienced the largest year-over change, adding 1,000 jobs. The Private Education and Health Services industry reported a year-over-gain of 400 jobs and the Manufacturing industry gained 200 jobs.

The Mining, Logging and Construction and Professional and Business Service industries had no year-over job losses or gains.

The Trade, Transportation, and Utilities, Financial Activities, Leisure and Hospitality, and Other Services industries all had year over losses, losing 200 jobs each. Information experienced a year-over loss of 100 jobs.

Total Farm reported a gain of 500 jobs since last year at this time.

San Luis Obispo County employers reported a year-over gain of 1,200 jobs.

This report is written by the San Luis Obispo County Workforce Development Board Staff.

Data Source: http://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov