San Diego, January 10, 2026
San Diego County’s unemployment rate has decreased to 4.6%, a notable drop from 4.9% in September. The area added 11,100 nonfarm jobs, particularly in the trade, transportation, and utilities sectors. Year-over-year comparisons show a net gain of 11,800 jobs, highlighting growth in private education and health services. The fluctuations in the unemployment rate reflect ongoing economic adjustments in the region.
San Diego County’s Unemployment Rate Declines to 4.6% in November 2025
San Diego County’s unemployment rate decreased to 4.6% in November 2025, down from 4.9% in September 2025, according to data released by the California Employment Development Department (EDD). This marks a significant improvement from the 5.2% rate recorded in August 2025. The national unemployment rate during the same period was 4.3%, while California’s rate stood at 5.4%.
Job Gains and Sector Performance
In November 2025, San Diego County added 11,100 nonfarm jobs, increasing total nonfarm employment from 1,573,300 to 1,584,400. The trade, transportation, and utilities sector led the growth with an addition of 5,400 jobs, followed by government with 3,000 jobs, and private education and health services with 2,700 jobs. However, the construction sector experienced a decline, losing 1,000 jobs, and manufacturing saw a reduction of 400 jobs.
Year-Over-Year Employment Trends
Comparing November 2025 to November 2024, the county’s total nonfarm employment increased by 11,800 jobs. The private education and health services sector experienced the most significant growth, adding 17,100 jobs, with 16,700 of those in the health care and social assistance sub-sector. The government sector also saw an increase of 4,100 jobs, all within local and state government. Conversely, six sectors experienced job losses over the year, totaling 13,200 jobs, with professional and business services leading the decline with a loss of 6,200 jobs.
Historical Context
San Diego County’s unemployment rate has shown fluctuations over the past year. In August 2025, the rate was 5.0%, down from 5.2% in July 2025. The highest rate in recent months was 5.2% in July 2025, while the lowest was 4.3% in May 2025. These variations reflect the dynamic nature of the local labor market and the ongoing economic adjustments in the region.
Conclusion
The decline in San Diego County’s unemployment rate to 4.6% in November 2025 indicates positive momentum in the local economy. Continued growth in sectors such as trade, transportation, utilities, and government, along with the resilience of the private education and health services sector, contribute to this trend. Monitoring these developments will be essential to understanding the region’s economic health and employment landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was San Diego County’s unemployment rate in November 2025?
San Diego County’s unemployment rate decreased to 4.6% in November 2025, down from 4.9% in September 2025.
Which sectors experienced job growth in November 2025?
In November 2025, the trade, transportation, and utilities sector led job growth with an addition of 5,400 jobs, followed by government with 3,000 jobs, and private education and health services with 2,700 jobs.
How does the November 2025 unemployment rate compare to previous months?
The unemployment rate in San Diego County has fluctuated over the past year, with a high of 5.2% in July 2025 and a low of 4.3% in May 2025. The rate stood at 4.9% in September 2025 before declining to 4.6% in November 2025.
What were the year-over-year employment trends in November 2025?
Comparing November 2025 to November 2024, the county’s total nonfarm employment increased by 11,800 jobs. The private education and health services sector added 17,100 jobs, with 16,700 in the health care and social assistance sub-sector. The government sector increased by 4,100 jobs, all within local and state government.
What is the significance of the November 2025 unemployment rate decline?
The decline in San Diego County’s unemployment rate to 4.6% in November 2025 indicates positive momentum in the local economy, reflecting growth in key sectors and a strengthening labor market.
Key Features of San Diego County’s Unemployment Report
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Unemployment Rate in November 2025 | 4.6%, down from 4.9% in September 2025 |
| Job Gains in November 2025 | 11,100 nonfarm jobs added, with significant growth in trade, transportation, and utilities; government; and private education and health services sectors |
| Year-Over-Year Employment Trends | Increase of 11,800 nonfarm jobs from November 2024 to November 2025, with notable growth in private education and health services and government sectors |
| Historical Unemployment Rates | Fluctuations over the past year, with a high of 5.2% in July 2025 and a low of 4.3% in May 2025 |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.


