February 2026 County Labor Market Information
Unemployment Rate for San Luis Obispo County saw an increase in January 2026
The San Luis Obispo County Monthly Employment Report (January 2026) shows a decrease in the civilian labor force, a decrease in civilian employment, and an increase in civilian unemployment.
Unemployment
The California Employment Development Department (EDD) reported the unemployment rate was 4.6% in January 2026, which is an increase from the revised 4.3% December 2025 rate. SLO County ranks as the 8th lowest Unemployment Rate in the state. The unadjusted Unemployment Rate in California was 5.5% and 4.7% in the nation during the same period.
Month-over Job Changes
No job gains were reported in January 2026.
Only the Other Services industry saw no changes in job loss or growth during the report period.
The Trade, Transportation, and Utilities industry experienced the greatest loss, shedding 800 jobs. The Professional and Business Services and Government industries each lost 400 jobs. The Mining, Logging, and Construction industry and the Leisure and Hospitality industry also lost 200 jobs each. Lastly, the Manufacturing, Information, Financial Activities, and Private Education and Health Services industries each lost 100 jobs in January.
Total Farm experienced a month-over-month gain of 300 jobs.
During the December reporting period, San Luis Obispo County lost a total of 2,100 jobs.
Year-over Job Changes
The Private Education and Health Services industry experienced the largest year-over-year change, adding 800 jobs. The Leisure and Hospitality industry added 300 jobs each over the past year. Financial Activities and Professional and Business Services each added 100 jobs year-over-year.
The Trade, Transportation, and Utilities industry reported no changes since the same time last year.
The Government industry experienced the most year-over-year loss, losing 2,100 jobs since this same reporting period in 2025. The Mining, Logging, and Construction industry experienced a year-over-year loss of 500 jobs. Manufacturing saw a year-over-year loss of 200 jobs, and the Information and Other Services industries lost 100 jobs each over the past year.
Total Farm experienced no year-over-year change.
Overall, employers in San Luis Obispo County lost 1,700 jobs over the past year.
This report is written by the San Luis Obispo County Workforce Development Board Staff.
Data Source: http://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov
