LA County Unemployment Drops to 5% with 38K New Jobs

Los Angeles County just hit its lowest unemployment rate in over a year, dropping to 5% in August as employers added 38,000 new jobs across the region.

The county's 5% unemployment rate marks a significant improvement from 5.3% in July and 5.6% a year ago. More than 4.7 million people are now employed across LA County, with 13,000 fewer residents looking for work compared to the previous month.

Schools reopening for the new academic year created the biggest wave of hiring. Local government added 31,000 positions in August, with 32,500 of those jobs in educational services as teachers and staff returned to classrooms.

Healthcare continues to be a bright spot for job seekers. The sector added 2,400 positions in August and has grown by 28,900 jobs over the past year, with particularly strong growth in social assistance and ambulatory health services.

Private education and health services combined have created 32,600 new jobs since last August. Social assistance programs alone added 14,300 positions, helping more families access the support they need.

Leisure and hospitality businesses are also bouncing back, adding 1,700 jobs in August and 11,700 over the past year. Professional services, manufacturing, and construction sectors all contributed additional gains during the month.

The Ripple Effect

These employment gains mean real stability for thousands of LA County families. Each new job represents someone who can pay rent, buy groceries, and contribute to their local economy, creating a positive cycle that benefits entire neighborhoods.

The healthcare expansion particularly matters for communities that have historically lacked access to medical and social services. As these sectors grow, more residents can find care closer to home while their neighbors find meaningful work.

Over 4.6 million people now have jobs in LA County, the highest employment level the region has seen. That's 33,900 more people working compared to last year, representing steady progress even as the national economy faces uncertainty.

The recovery shows that targeted growth in education, healthcare, and public services can create opportunities while meeting genuine community needs.