WASHINGTON: Fresno County’s unemployment rate last month was 8.7 percent, down from 9.3 percent in July and 9 percent a year ago, according to new data from the state Employment Development Department. Despite the drop in unemployment, total industry employment fell by a net 1,300 jobs month-over-month. Government employment had the greatest dip with 2,000 jobs as schools recessed for the summer. Manufacturing had the largest month-over increase with 700 jobs. On a year-over-year basis, total industry employment was up by 9,200 jobs.
In Kings County, the August unemployment rate was 8.9 percent, down from 9.6 percent in July and unchanged from a year ago. Month-over-month total industry unemployment was unchanged. Year-over-year, farms added 400 jobs while nonfarm industries shed 600 positions.
Madera’s unemployment rate last month was 8.3 percent, down from 9.4 percent in July and 9.2 percent last year. Farms added 2,100 jobs and nonfarm industries added 400 jobs month-over-month. On the year-over basis, farms added 600 jobs while nonfarm industries added 2,500 jobs, led by government with 1,100 positions.
In Visalia County last month, the unemployment rate was 10. 7 percent, down from 11.2 percent in July and unchanged from one year ago. Month over month, farms shed 2,000 jobs while nonfarm industries added 2,200. Year-over-year, farm employment was unchanged while nonfarm industries added 2,900 jobs, led by government with 1,000 jobs. California’s unemployment rate for August was 5.5 percent, unchanged from the month prior. The state’s unemployment rate a year ago was 6 percent.
