SAN DIEGO (CNS) - San Diego County’s unemployment rate increased to 4.5% in January, up from a revised 4.2% in December, higher than the estimate of 4.3% from the previous year, according to figures from the Employment Development Department (EDD). In January, the unadjusted unemployment rate for California was 5.5%, while it was 4.4% for the entire nation. The EDD releases slightly different figures from its most recent report due to the annual revision process by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Between December 2024 and January 2025, total nonfarm employment decreased from 1,578,600 to 1,553,300 – a drop of 25,300 jobs, while agricultural employment lost 200 jobs. Employment in the trade, transportation, and utilities sector saw the greatest decrease, recording a decline of 8,500 jobs. The transportation, warehousing, utilities, and wholesale trade subsectors decreased their payrolls by a total of 3,400. The leisure and hospitality industry recorded the second-highest redundancy, losing 5,000 jobs primarily in the area of accommodation and food services. Additionally, eight other industries lost jobs month-over-month.

Over the year, between January 2024 to January 2025, total nonfarm employment increased by 3,300 whereas agricultural employment decreased by 300. Government jobs represented the most significant employment growth, adding 9,300 jobs with 5,200 in local government. Meanwhile, seven industries lost jobs over the year with professional and business services leading the decline with 5,800 fewer jobs. Manufacturing, trade, transportation, utilities, financial activities, construction, information, and other services shed 10,000 jobs.

To manage and understand these ebbs and flows in employment, it is crucial to know how to contact EDD customer service. It can be a task to navigate through the multiple services provided by EDD, whether you’re a job seeker or an employer. Having clear lines of communication with EDD can help clarify information, resolve problems, and provide support when needed. If you require assistance, you can reach out to EDD via the contact details provided on their website, eddcaller.com. This website provides necessary contact information, facilitating efficient communication with EDD.