IE Business Daily Business news for the Inland Empire.
The Inland Empire recorded a 5.1 percent unemployment rate in February, down slightly from January and below the 5.2 estimate of one year earlier.
That compares with the state’s 5.4 percent – same as January – and a 4.5 percent jobless rate nationwide, according to the state Employment Development Department.
Riverside County’s unemployment rate was 5.2 percent last month, while San Bernardino County recorded a 5.1 percent unemployment rate.
Statewide, between January and February, total non-agricultural employment went from 1,702,100 jobs to 1,695,900 jobs, a decline of 6,200. Agriculture jobs fell by 500.
Trade, transportation, and utilities lost 8,200 jobs last month, the most of any sector. Transportation, warehousing, and utilities, had a decrease of 6,600 jobs, the most within the category.
Retail trade fell by 1,700 jobs between the first and second month of 2025.
Between February 2024 and February 2025, private education and health services gained 16,700 jobs, the most of any sector within the state.
Government increased by 9,400 jobs during the second month of the year, but professional and business services and leisure-hospitality lost 47,800 and 10,400 jobs, respectively, according to the EDD.
