County unemployment rate jumps in January

The San Diego County unemployment rate leapt to 7% in January from 6.5% in December, as nonfarm jobs declined by 16,400. However, much of that was seasonal. Retail jobs dropped 8700. Educational and health services jobs declined by 4000, according to the California Employment Development Department.

From January of last year to the same month this year, the county gained 28,300 nonfarm jobs. The unemployment rate was 8.5% in January of last year.