La Mesa Jobless Rate Takes U-Turn, Heads Back Up to 8.7 Percent

After a steady decline in unemployment since March, La Mesa’s joblessness rate climbed back up to where it was in January–8.7 percent. San Diego County’s rate also rose—from 9.6 percent in May to 10.4 percent in June.

While the city’s labor force increased by 300 people to approximately 33,900,  200 additional people joined the ranks of the unemployed for a total of 2,900, according to the state Employment Development Department.

The state’s jobless rate increased to 11.8 percent in June, and nonfarm payroll jobs increased by 28,800 during the month, according to data released this week. The year-over-year change (June 2010 to June 2011) shows an increase of 156,800 jobs, up 1.1 percent.

The U.S. unemployment rate also increased in June to 9.2 percent.

Again this month, Santee shared La Mesa’s jobless rate. Neighboring communities also had increased rates in June, including Mt. Helix-Casa de Oro (9.7 percent), El Cajon (14) and Lemon Grove (12.9), according to state figures

In the county, National City still posted the county’s highest jobless rate at 19.6 percent. With 2,300 people unemployed, Imperial Beach’s rate rose to 16.4 percent. Bostonia and El Cajon had rates of 14.1 and 14 percent, respectively.

With 200 jobless residents, Valley Center remains the county’s lowest rate at 5.1 percent, up  from 4.7 in May.

According to the state data, seven categories (manufacturing; information; financial activities; professional and business services; educational and health services; leisure and hospitality; and other services) added jobs over the month, gaining 40,900 jobs.

Professional and business services posted the largest increase over the month, adding 16,400 jobs. Two categories (construction and trade, transportation and utilities) reported job declines over the month, down 12,100 jobs.

Trade, transportation and utilities posted the largest decrease over the month, down 11,000 jobs.

In related data, the EDD reported that there were 528,919 people receiving regular unemployment insurance benefits during the June survey week.

This compares with 553,041 last month and 643,428 last year. At the same time, new claims for unemployment insurance were 74,944 in June 2011, compared with 65,115 in May and 75,866 in June of last year.