March 2026 County Labor Market Information
Unemployment Rate for San Luis Obispo County decreased in February 2026
The San Luis Obispo County Monthly Employment Report (February 2025) shows an increase in the civilian labor force and civilian employment, and a decrease in civilian unemployment.
Unemployment
The California Employment Development Department (EDD) reported the unemployment rate was 4.4% in February, down from the revised 4.6% January rate. SLO County ranks 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
The Private Education and Health Services and the Leisure and Hospitality industries reported the most gains in February, each adding 200 jobs during the report period.
The Mining, Logging, and Construction, Manufacturing, Information, Financial Activities, Professional and Business Services, Other Services, and Government industries all saw no change in job loss or growth during February.
The Trade, Transportation, and Utilities industry saw the only month-over-month losses, losing 200 jobs in February.
Total Farm reported a gain of 700 jobs during the month of February.
In the February 2026 reporting period, San Luis Obispo County lost a total of 1,00 jobs.
Year-over Job Changes
The Private Education and Health Services industry experienced the largest year-over change, adding 600 jobs. The Leisure and Hospitality industry reported a year-over-gain of 200 jobs. The Professional and Business Service industries each gained 100 jobs over the past year.
The Financial Activities industry had no year-over-year job losses or gains.
The Government industry experienced the most year-over-year losses, losing 2,200 jobs. The Mining, Logging, and Construction industry lost 400 jobs over the past year. Manufacturing experienced a year-over-year loss of 300 jobs, and the Trade, Transportation, and Utilities, Information, and the Other Services industries each experienced a year-over-year loss of 100 jobs.
Total Farm reported a gain of 300 jobs since last year at this time.
San Luis Obispo County employers reported a year-over-year loss of 1,900 jobs.
This report is written by the San Luis Obispo County Workforce Development Board Staff.
Data Source: http://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov
