Empire region loses jobs in January

The Inland Empire recorded a 5.4 percent unemployment rate in January, up from a revised 5.1 percent in December, according to the state Employment Development Department.

Non-agricultural employment in Riverside and San Bernardino counties fell by 23,600 jobs during the first month of 2025, while agriculture lost 700 jobs, the department reported.

Trade, transportation, and utilities lost the most jobs – 17,200 – between December and January. Most of that drop happened in transportation, warehousing, and utilities, which shed 9,300 jobs.

Professional and business services lost 3,600 jobs between the end of 2025 and the start of 2026, while government added 100 jobs.

Year-over-year, the numbers were more encouraging. Total non-agricultural employment in the Inland region increased by 15,100, a 0.9 percent change. Agricultural employment increased by 1,000 jobs, a change of nearly eight percent, the department reported.