Unemployment in San Diego County edged down to 4.1% in April, improving from a revised 4.3% in March and falling below the 4.2% rate recorded a year earlier. This rate remains below California’s average of 5% but slightly above the national figure of 4%, according to data released by the state Employment Development Department (EDD).

Employment growth continued as total nonfarm jobs expanded by 7,200 between March and April, reaching 1,580,200 positions. Government jobs led monthly gains, adding 2,000 roles overall—mainly in state government with 1,400 new positions and 800 at the local level—while federal government employment declined by 200.

Six other sectors contributed a total increase of 5,600 jobs. The leisure and hospitality industry showed the strongest growth, adding 1,900 jobs, primarily in accommodation and food services. Private education and health services, professional and business services, other services, construction, and trade, transportation, and utilities also recorded positive job growth during the period.

Despite this, several industries saw employment fall between March and April, including information, manufacturing, and financial activities, which together lost 400 jobs.

Looking at year-over-year trends from April of the previous year to April of the current year, total nonfarm employment rose by 10,000 jobs, although farm employment slightly declined by 100 positions. The private education and health services sector was the standout performer, adding 16,400 jobs. Most of this growth stemmed from health care and social assistance, which increased by 16,100 jobs.

Leisure and hospitality also contributed significantly, gaining 6,000 jobs over the year, while other services and professional and business services combined for an additional 3,500 new positions.

Conversely, six sectors saw overall job losses totaling 15,900 over the past year. The government sector experienced the steepest reduction, dropping 7,900 jobs, driven largely by a 7,300 decrease in federal employment. Job declines were also recorded in construction, manufacturing, information, trade, transportation and utilities, and financial activities.