Inland jobless rate rises

The Inland Empire’s unemployment rate climbed to 5.9 percent in June, up from a revised 4.8 percent the previous month and above the 5.4 prediction of one year earlier.

Also in June, California’s unemployment rate was 5.7 percent, while the nationwide jobless rate was 4.4 percent, according to the state Employment Development Department.

All of the above numbers were unadjusted, meaning they don’t take into account seasonal factors that typically impact the job market. California’s adjusted employment rate last month was 5.4 percent.

Nonagricultural employment in Riverside and San Bernardino counties during the sixth month of the year went from 1,706,200 to 1,706,100, a decline of only 100 jobs. Agricultural employment fell by 600 jobs in that time.

Construction added the most jobs month-over-month (1,700), while specialty trade contractors added the most jobs (1,100) within that sector. Government added 1,100 jobs between May and June.

Professional, scientific, and technical services lost 300 jobs last month within the two-county region, while management of companies and enterprises remained unchanged. Trade, transportation, and utilities declined by 900 jobs, and private education shed 600 jobs.

Between June 2024 and June 2025, nonfarm employment in the Inland Empire increased by 17,700, a one percent change. Agricultural employment fell by 600 jobs, a 4.1 percent year-over-year decline, the EDD reported.