Solid Employment in Palo Alto: Latest Jobs Report

The unemployment rate in the South Bay is on a downward trend, according to data released Friday by the state Employment Development Department.

Santa Clara County's unemployment rate came in at 7.4 percent, well below the average for all of California (9.7 percent) and the national average of 8.1 percent.

Between January 2013 and February 2013, combined employment in South Bay counties of San Benito and Santa Clara grew by 6,600 jobs to reach 919,200, according to the EDD.

Palo Alto reported an unemployment rate of 3.9 percent while the worst showing was in Gilroy.

Check out the PDF above for more details about local job trends.

Statewide, California’s unemployment rate decreased to 9.6 percent in February. That's down 0.2 percent from January. The year-over-year change (February 2012 to February 2013) shows an increase of 293,800 jobs, or up 2.1 percent.

The unemployment rate is derived from a federal survey of 5,500 California households.

How is the job market in the Silicon Valley? Were you looking for work in February? Did you find a job? Tell us in the comment section below.

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