California Jobless Dips, Still Above U.S. Average

California's unemployment rate has dipped slightly but still remains far higher than the national average.

The state Employment Development Department on Friday reported that California's jobless rate was 12.4 percent in January. That was down slightly from 12.5 percent in December.

The state's jobless rate has been at or above 12 percent for 17 months. Also Friday, the U.S. Labor Department reported that the national unemployment rate had fallen to 8.9 percent, the lowest level since April 2009.

At 10.3%, San Diego County’s jobless rate is better than the state’s average. Imperial County and Riverside County are higher with 25.1% and 14.3% job rate respectively.

California added 12,500 non-farm jobs in January, bringing the state's total to nearly 14 million. Gains were seen in five of 11 sectors surveyed, including construction, manufacturing and government.

Education and financial, health and business services reported job losses. About 2.2 million Californians remain out of work still.

The counties posting the most promising numbers are San Mateo, Mono, Marin and San Francisco

If you are/were unemployed would you leave San Diego County to find work? Comment below, send us your thoughts via Twitter @nbcsandiego or add your comment to our Facebook page.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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