County labor report

San Diego County's unemployment rate was 4.2 percent in December, down from a revised 4.3 percent in November, and less than the state's 5 percent and nation's 4.5 percent during the same period, according to the California Employment Development Department.

However, the county lost 900 non-farm jobs in the month. This may seem anomalous but is not. Those considered unemployed are people who have no job, have recently looked for one, and are available for work. Thus, the county can lose jobs but have a lower unemployment rate or gain jobs and have a higher rate.

Wholesale and retail employment rose sharply from November to December, as they normally do in the gift-giving season. Over 12 months, the county gained 28,900 jobs.