LAKE COUNTY — The county”s unemployment rate rose 0.5 percent during June despite industry employment increasing by 680 jobs, according to preliminary data released by the state”s Employment Development Department.
Lake County”s civilian labor force increased by more than 800 people during the month, contributing to the jobless rate rise. The county”s June unemployment rate was 17.3 percent.
Eight fields gained jobs or reported no change during June. Significant growth occurred in the farming sector, which added 600 jobs. The government sector decreased by 50 jobs and the financial activities field also reported loss.
The state and national unemployment rates also increased during June, with the California rate rising 0.7 percent to 12.1 percent and the U.S. rate rising 0.6 percent to 9.3 percent.
Lake County”s rate ranked 51st out of 58 California counties. The rates for neighboring counties include Mendocino at 10.9 percent, Napa at 9.2 percent, Sonoma at 10.1 percent and Colusa at 19.1 percent.
Marin County remained the county with the lowest rate, which now sits at 8 percent, while Imperial County has the highest rate at 28.5 percent.
