September Unemployment Drops to Record 5.2%

The onset of a new school year and a rebound in the agricultural economy helped add 2,900 jobs to the local economy last month, and combined with sustained growth in the construction and services industries, pushed Ventura County’s unemployment rate for September to a record low.

The local unemployment rate fell to 5.2%, according to figures released Friday by the state Employment Development Department. That is four-tenths of a percent lower than any September since 1983, when the state instituted its current tracking system.

“We’ve had other months that have been lower, usually April, May and June [which are strong agricultural months],” department labor market analyst Dee Johnson said.

“But when you look at [September], this is the lowest unemployment rate on record.”

The countywide unemployment rate was 5.5% in August and 6.6% last September. Before last month’s record, the lowest September unemployment rate (5.6%) was recorded in 1988 and 1989.

Last month’s gains bring the total number of jobs in Ventura County to an estimated 278,100. Meanwhile, about 379,000 Ventura County residents are employed locally or elsewhere, up from 362,700 the year before, according to the state’s figures. Overall, the county has incurred a 4% across-the-board growth rate since the same period last year.

“In general, Ventura County’s economy is extremely healthy and growing at a good rate,” Johnson said.

The largest employment gains between August and September came in the government sector, which increased by 1,700 jobs, primarily in education. Much of that growth appears to be a seasonal correction, because local schools cut their payrolls during the summer recess.

The service industry gained 800 jobs, primarily in business services. The figures also show farming added 500 jobs, after lagging in recent months. The retail sector increased its payroll by 200. The trade and mining industries each gained 100 jobs.

Although construction jobs were unchanged from August to September, construction is up 19.7% from September 1998.

Finance, insurance and real estate jobs decreased by 200, while transportation and public utilities jobs were cut by 100, according to the figures.

In year-to-year comparisons, Ventura County added 10,800 mostly nonfarm jobs since September 1998. The largest boom has been in the services industry, which has created 4,200 jobs over the past year, followed by the construction industry, which has increased by 2,600 jobs over the same period.

Although federal and state government jobs are on the decline, local government has been growing, particularly in the education sector.