La Mesa Jobless Rate Edges Up to 8.8 Percent—But Lowest in East County

La Mesa’s unemployment rate inched up slightly in July but remains below the state and national average, according to recently released figures.

The city’s jobless rate rose to 8.8 percent after hitting 8.7 percent in June.

About 3,000 La Mesans were unemployed last month, an increase of 100 people, according to data released by the state Employment Development Department. The city boasts 31,200 employed people.

La Mesa continues to fare better than nearby cities, including Lemon Grove (13.1 percent) and El Cajon (14.3 percent). The Mount Helix-Case de Oro area posted a 9.9 percent jobless rate.

Santee’s jobless rate in July, which has been the same as La Mesa’s over the last few months, edged ahead to 8.9 percent.

San Diego’s jobless rate matched the county rate of 10.5 percent, while the state went up to 12 percent. That’s down from the 12.4 percent a year ago, but up from 11.8 percent in June.  The national unemployment rate is 9.1 percent.

National City continues to have the highest unemployment rate in the county at 19.9 percent, followed by Imperial Beach at 16.7 percent. Valley Center has the lowest rate at 5.2 percent with Del Mar at 5.5 percent and Poway at 6.3 percent.

Statewide, eight categories (mining and logging, construction, manufacturing, information, professional and business services, educational and health services, leisure and hospitality; and other services) added jobs over the month, gaining 12,600 jobs.

Educational and health services posted the largest increase over the month, adding 4,200 jobs. Three categories (trade, transportation and utilities; financial activities; and government) reported job declines over the month, down 8,100 jobs.

Government posted the largest decline over the month, down 5,800 jobs, according to the state.

This summer, the EDD started a new payment system. Benefits are paid via a new EDD Debit Card instead of by check. The practice began July 8 and 22,500 cards are now being issued daily.

Customers will receive their cards automatically over the next few months and will be notified by letter during the week they are switched from check to card, according to the news release.