LAKE COUNTY — The county”s unemployment rate continued its recent rising trend, reaching 19.7 percent in January, according to the state”s Employment Development Department (EDD).
County industries decreased 170 total jobs between December and January, accounting for the 0.4-percent increase compared to December”s revised jobless rate, the EDD said.
The most significant sources of job loss were in the following industry categories, according to the EDD: trade, transportation and utilities; mining, manufacturing and construction; and private educational and health services.
The farming industry added 60 jobs, while professional and business services, government and other services added 10 jobs each, the EDD said. The information and financial activities industries showed no change during the month, the EDD said.
The state”s rate, based on preliminary January figures, is 12.7 percent and the national rate is 9.8 percent. Both state and national rates have decreased compared to January 2010, but Lake County”s 19.7 percent rate is a 0.3-percent increase compared to January 2010, according to the EDD.
Lake County improved its statewide ranking for the second consecutive month, as the county now currently ranks 49th out of 58 California counties, the EDD said.
Rates for nearby counties include Mendocino at 12.3 percent, Napa at 10.7 percent and Sonoma at 10.5 percent. Marin County has the best unemployment rate in the state at 8.2 percent while Colusa County”s 27.8-percent rate is the worst.
