EDD reports California's unemployment rate (seasonally adjusted) in September reached a new record low of 4.0% as the labor force showed modest gains. Total employment was up 38,000 from the revised August numbers, while total unemployment dropped by 17,400. Total labor force was up 20,700 as the labor force participation rate held steady.

The US unemployment rate reached a 50-year low of 3.5% as nationally the labor force continued to draw in 117,000 new workers.  Employment was up 391,000 and unemployment down 275,000.

Nonfarm wage and salary jobs rose 21,300 (seasonally adjusted) in September, while jobs nationally grew by 130,000. August's gains were revised to 32,000 from the previously reported 34,500. Biggest gains were in Administrative & Support & Waste Services (11,000; $45.4k), Arts, Entertainment & Recreation (5,300; $59.4k), and Manufacturing (4,100; $95.6k). Losses were in 6 industries, led by Accommodation & Food Services (-4,500; $25.0k); Other Services (-2,000; $40.7k), and Information (-1,500; $188.3k). All salary numbers are the latest 4-quarter average from Quarterly Census of Employment & Wages.

While total Nonfarm jobs were up 320,000 over the year, the labor force continues to stall.  California employment dropped by 39,500 over the year ending September 2019 (seasonally adjusted), putting it at the 50th highest gain among the states and above only New York.  On a population-adjusted basis, California’s growth rate was -0.2%, placing it at 46th highest.

Only one county, Imperial, had an unemployment rate at 10% or above. The number with unemployment rates at or below 5% rose to 51, with 19 counties at 3% or below.  San Mateo had the lowest rate at 1.7%, while Imperial had the highest at 20.7%.