Tulare & Kings Unemployment Falls
Central Valley counties reported the most dramatic decline in the number of jobless in April after years of persistent rising jobless rates. The state EDD reported a consistent 2 full point drop in April in the unemployment rate in a number of counties year over year.
The unemployment rate in the Tulare County was 13.7 percent in April 2013, down from a revised 15.7 percent in March 2013, and below the year-ago estimate of 16.2 percent. There were 2600 more jobs in the county in April 2013 compared to April 2012 – almost all in the non-farm sector.
More jobs translated to a 15% decline in people looking for work in a years time – 5000 fewer people – down from 33,400 in April 2012 to 28,400 in April of this year.
Likewise in Kings County where the unemployment rate was 13.8 percent in April 2013, down from a revised 15.3 percent in March 2013, and below the year-ago estimate of 15.7 percent. Kings reported 400 more jobs than a year ago.
These rates compare with an unadjusted unemployment rate of 8.5 percent for California and 7.1 percent for the nation during the same period.California’s nonfarm payroll jobs increased by 10,400 during the month for a total gain of 756,900 jobs since the recovery began in February 2010
In Kern County the unemployment rate was a Valley best 12.1 percent in April 2013, down from a revised 13.6 percent in March 2013, and below the year-ago estimate of 14.2 percent. EDD reports there were 6800 more jobs than a year ago.
10,000 Fewer Jobless in Fresno County
In Fresno County the EDD reported the agriculture season began with a gain of 4,700 jobs. The unemployment rate in the Fresno County was 13.4 percent in April 2013, down from a revised 14.9 percent in March 2013, and below the year-ago estimate of 15.8 percent.
The number of unemployed dropped by 10,000 in Fresno County year over year.
The last time the jobless rate in Fresno County in April was this low was in April 2008 when it was 9.7% before the Big Recession. By April 2009 April’s unemployment rate was up over 14.4% and jumped to 16.9% in April 2010 and 16.7% in April 2011 in the county.
The EDD said between March 2013 and April 2013 ,total wage and salary employment increased by 6,300 jobs (up 2.0 percent) to total 328,200. The month-over gain was concentrated in farm employment, which grew by 4,700 jobs (up12.8 percent), while nonfarm employment expanded by 1,600 jobs (up 0.6 percent).
Also in Fresno County
• Farm employment posted a normal seasonal increase, rising by 4,700 jobs. Strawberries
are being harvested and sold at roadside stands. Harvest of asparagus continued; as broccoli and spring lettuce wrapped-up for the season.
•Professional and business services expanded by 700 jobs and educational and health
services added 400 jobs.
•Major industries that edged up by 200 jobs each included: trade, transportation, and utilities, manufacturing, and leisure and hospitality.
Between April 2012 and April 2013 , total wage and salary employment increased by 5,200 jobs (up 1.6 percent). Nonfarm employment added 5,100 jobs (up 1.8 percent) and farm employment rose by 100 jobs (up 0.2 percent).
•Professional and business services reported the largest year-over increase with the addition of 2,300 jobs. Gains were in professional, scientific, and technical services (up 1,200 jobs) and administrative and support and waste services (up 1,100 jobs).
• Trade, transportation, and utilities added 1,500 jobs. Wholesale trade increased by
800 jobs, transportation, warehousing, and utilities added 500 jobs, and retail trade grew
by 200 jobs.
• Construction netted 900 jobs to reach its highest April total since 2009.
•Leisure and hospitality grew by 800 jobs. Food services and drinking places accounted
for the majority of the job gain (up 500 jobs).
•In contrast, educational and health services scaled back by 500 jobs. Educational
services decreased by 400 jobs and health care and social assistance fell by 100 jobs.