Cerritos and Artesia Unemployment Rate Declines in August

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Los Angeles County dropped to 11 percent in August, down from 11.2 percent in July -- a declining trend that was also evident in the unemployment rate in Cerritos and Artesia, according to the state Employment Development Department.

The 11 percent unemployment rate was below the 12.5 percent rate in August 2011, according to the EDD.

In Orange County, where seasonally adjusted numbers were not available, the unemployment rate was 7.7 percent in August.

Unemployment in Cerritos and Artesia in August

In the city of Cerritos, where seasonally adjusted numbers were not available, the unemployment rate was 6.1 percent in August, compared to 6.5 percent in July. 

In the city of Artesia, the unemployment rate was 8.1 percent in August, compared to 8.6 percent rate in July. 

State Jobless Rate Also Decreases 

California's jobless rate was 10.6 percent in August, down from 10.7 percent in July and down from August 2011, when the rate was 11.9 percent, according to the EDD.

The comparable estimates for the nation were 8.1 percent in August, 8.3 percent in July and 9.1 percent a year ago.

Total nonfarm employment decreased by 10,400 jobs in Los Angeles County between July and August to reach 3.8 million. The government sector saw the largest decline, losing 20,500 jobs.

A total of 531,000 people were unemployed in August in Los Angeles County, which has a labor force of about 4.8 million.

Statewide, about 1.93 million people were out of work, down slightly from 1.96 million the previous month.

- City News Service contributed to this report.