LAKE COUNTY — The county”s unemployment rate decreased slightly last month, according to the preliminary February data provided by the state”s Employment Development Department (EDD).
Lake County”s rate of 19.2 percent for February is a 0.6-percent decrease from January”s revised jobless rate.
Employment countywide increased by 200 jobs during the month, mostly because of significant hires in the farm industry.
Several industries had minor job losses, including construction and government. The manufacturing, information and financial activities fields reported no changes during the month.
The 19.2-percent rate for last month matches Lake County”s February 2010 rate. The EDD reported that government jobs in Lake County have decreased by 100 during the year.
California”s preliminary February rate is 12.3 percent, a 0.4-percent decrease from January. Likewise, the national unemployment rate decreased slightly, dropping to 9.5 percent.
Lake County now ranks 49th out of 58 California counties.
The rates for neighboring counties include Mendocino at 12.1 percent, Napa at 10.3 percent and Sonoma at 10.2 percent. Two nearby counties also represent the best and worst of California.
Marin County”s 7.8-percent rate is the lowest in the state while Colusa County”s 27.1-percent rate is the highest.
