local
LA County unemployment holds steady in May
By KNBC at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC)
· June 20, 2026
· 1 min read
Los Angeles County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 5.5% in May, the same rate as April, according to figures released on Friday by the state Employment Development Department.
The 5.5% rate was below the 5.7% rate from May 2025, according to the EDD.
In Orange County,...
Key takeaway 5% in May, the same rate as April, according to figures released on Friday by the state Employment Development Department.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The steady unemployment rate in Los Angeles County is a mixed bag for local residents. On one hand, the increase in total nonfarm employment by 9,000 jobs between April and May is a positive sign, with the leisure and hospitality sector driving much of this growth. This could indicate a strong summer season for tourism and local businesses. On the other hand, the loss of 3,300 positions in the information sector may be a concern for the county's tech industry, which has been a significant contributor to the local economy. As the county's economy continues to evolve, it will be crucial to monitor the balance between job growth in sectors like leisure and hospitality and potential declines in other areas. The fact that Los Angeles County's unemployment rate remains higher than the national average also suggests that there is still work to be done to support local job seekers and businesses.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 20, 2026 ·
Source: NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Los Angeles County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 5.5% in May, the same rate as April, according to figures released on Friday by the state Employment Development Department.
The 5.5% rate was below the 5.7% rate from May 2025, according to the EDD.
In Orange County,...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 20, 2026 by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by KNBC at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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