SLO County unemployment rate increases
August 21, 2026
By KAREN VELIE
For a second month in a row, unemployment rates increased in San Luis Obispo County, the state Employment Development Department reported Friday. The county unemployment rate rose from 4.3% in June to 4.5% in July.
During July, job losses were seen in the state and local government sector which lost 1,500 jobs. The accommodations and food services sector lost 200 jobs.
In the jobs gained category, the retail trade sector garnered 100 jobs in July.
San Luis Obispo County is ranked 11th out of 58 California counties for lower numbers of unemployed workers. SLO County’s unemployment rate is lower than the national average of 4.4% and the state’s 5.3% rate.
In California, San Mateo County at 3.8% has the lowest unemployment rate and Imperial County comes in on the bottom with an unemployment rate of 19.7%.
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