January 2026 County Labor Market Information
Unemployment Rate for San Luis Obispo County saw a decrease in December 2025
The San Luis Obispo County Monthly Employment Report (December 2025) shows decreases in the civilian labor force, civilian employment, and civilian unemployment.
Unemployment
The California Employment Development Department (EDD) reported the unemployment rate was 4.3% in December 2025, which is a decrease from the revised 4.6% November rate. SLO County ranks as the 8th lowest Unemployment Rate in the state. The unadjusted Unemployment Rate in California was 5.1% and 4.1% in the nation during the same period.
Month-over Job Changes
The Private Education and Health Services industry experienced the only gains in December, adding 100 jobs.
The Mining, Logging, and Construction, Manufacturing, Trade, Transportation, and Utilities, Information, Financial Activities, Leisure and Hospitality, and Government saw no changes in job loss or growth during the month of December.
The Professional and Business Services and Other Services industries each lost 100 jobs in December.
Total Farm experienced a month-over loss of 600 jobs.
During the December reporting period, San Luis Obispo County lost a total of 700 jobs.
Year-over Job Changes
The Private Education and Health Services industry experienced the largest year-over change, adding 800 jobs. The Leisure and Hospitality industry added 400 jobs each over the past year.
The Manufacturing, Financial Activities, and Other Services industries reported no changes since the same time last year.
The Government and Mining, Logging, and Construction industries experienced the most year-over loss, losing 400 jobs each since this same reporting period in 2024. The Trade, Transportation, and Utilities industry experienced a year-over loss of 300 jobs. Information and Professional and Business Services industries lost 100 jobs each over the past year.
Total Farm experienced no year-over change.
Overall, employers in San Luis Obispo County lost 100 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
