Fresno County’s unemployment rate dropped to 7.4% in September from 7.8% in August, while California’s unemployment rate held steady at 5.1%, according to figures released Friday by the state Employment Development Department.

The number of unemployed Fresno County residents fell by 1,700, from 36,900 in August to 35,200 in September. Meanwhile, the number of employed residents increased by 8,300 to 443,200.

Fresno County’s civilian labor force also grew, reaching 478,400 in September, compared with 471,900 in August.

The county figures are not seasonally adjusted, meaning they do not account for regular seasonal changes in employment.

Unemployment Declines Across Central Valley

Several neighboring Central Valley counties also recorded decreases in unemployment during September.

Tulare County’s unemployment rate fell to 9.8% from 10.4% in August, while Kern County’s rate declined to 7.9% from 8.4%.

Merced County recorded an 8.1% unemployment rate, down from 8.9%, while Kings County’s rate decreased to 8.1% from 8.5%.

Madera County’s unemployment rate fell to 7%, compared with 7.4% in August.

California Loses 9,300 Jobs

Despite the lower unemployment rates in several Central Valley counties, California lost 9,300 nonfarm payroll jobs in September, according to the EDD.

The state’s unemployment rate remained unchanged at 5.1% for the third consecutive month, down from 5.5% in September 2025.

California had approximately 18.15 million nonfarm payroll jobs in September, a decline from 18.16 million in August.

However, the state added 129,300 jobs over the past year, representing an increase of 0.72%.

Nationally, nonfarm payroll employment increased by 496,000 jobs, or 0.31%, over the same period.

The number of unemployed Californians decreased by 5,400 in September to 987,600, marking the 10th consecutive month of declines.

Industries Report Mixed Employment Changes

Four of California’s 11 major industry sectors added jobs in September, while five reported losses and two remained unchanged.

Private education and health services led employment growth, adding 8,000 jobs. Professional and business services followed with 4,000 additional positions.

Other services added 900 jobs, while trade, transportation, and utilities gained 300.

Leisure and hospitality recorded the largest decline, losing 9,600 jobs. Manufacturing followed with a loss of 4,000 positions.

Financial activities lost 3,800 jobs, information services declined by 3,200, and construction shed 1,900 positions.

Government employment and mining and logging remained unchanged.

Agricultural employment, reported separately from nonfarm payroll jobs, increased by 1,100 positions to 409,600 statewide in September.

Unemployment Benefit Claims Decline

The EDD also reported fewer Californians receiving unemployment insurance benefits in September.

Approximately 310,167 people certified for benefits during the September reporting week, compared with 332,382 in August and 359,565 in September 2025.

The state processed 35,070 initial unemployment insurance claims during the September sample week, a decrease of 262 from August and 2,390 from the same period last year.

The EDD also revised August’s statewide payroll job gains downward by 16,300, bringing the month’s total increase to 23,100 jobs.

The next statewide employment report, covering October, is scheduled for release Nov. 20.

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