SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — The unemployment rate in San Diego County for January was 4.7%, up from the month before, according to data released on Friday by the state Employment Development Department.
In December 2025, the unemployment rate in the county was 4.4%. Unemployment numbers for January are also higher in comparison to the same time in 2025, which were 4.5%.
Between December 2025 and January 2026, there was a loss of 16,000 non-agricultural jobs.
The trade, transportation and utility sectors had the highest amount of jobs lost, with retail accounting for 68% of job losses as seasonal workers were let go.
The leisure and hospitality sectors saw the second-largest job losses, with 3,100 jobs cut.
More than 74% of those job cuts were in the in the accomadation and food services industries.
While San Diego’s unemployment rate did slightly increase, it is in line with the national average, which was 4.7% for January.
In comparison, California had a 5.5% unemployement rate the same month.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.