Both Stanislaus and Merced counties recorded relatively stable labor markets for the month of February, according to the latest data from the Employment Development Department.
Stanislaus County's unemployment rate for February 2025 remained at 7.3%, and Merced County’s was at 11.4%, reflecting a steady labor market as the region continues to experience economic growth, according to the latest data from the Employment Development Department.
The February rate aligns with Stanislaus County’s January 2025 unemployment rate and represents a slight improvement compared to February 2024, when the rate stood at 7.4%.
Merced County saw just a slight increase in unemployment from January to February. It was at 11.4% in February 2025, up from a revised 11% in January 2025, and below the year-ago estimate of 11.9%
Stanislaus County's employment landscape showed mixed trends across various industries. Total employment in February 2025 reached 204,400, marking an increase of 600 jobs from January 2025 and a significant year-over-year gain of 6,300 jobs. The agricultural sector led the way, with Total Farm employment rising by 900 jobs from January to February 2025, reaching 12,200 jobs—a 1,600-job increase compared to February 2024.
The February employment summary reveals further details about other industries. Professional and Business Services saw a slight dip, shedding 100 jobs from January, reducing employment to 14,100. Conversely, Private Education and Health Services added 300 jobs month-over-month, reaching 40,000—representing a substantial increase of 1,600 jobs compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, Leisure and Hospitality, Other Services, and Government remained steady month-over-month, with Government showing an impressive year-over-year growth of 1,100 jobs, totaling 33,100.
However, not all sectors experienced growth. The Total Nonfarm sector saw a slight decline, losing 300 jobs from January to February 2025, though it still posted a year-over-year gain of 4,700 jobs. Manufacturing and Trade, Transportation, and Utilities also faced minor job losses month-over-month but showed positive growth compared to the previous year.
Newman recorded an unemployment rate of 11.7 percent for the same time period. According to the EDD data, the city had an estimated labor force of 6,600 with approximately 5,800 employed and 800 unemployed.
The civilian labor force in Merced County grew to 123,600 in February, reflecting a 1.1% increase from January. Employment also saw a modest rise, with 109,500 individuals employed, up from 108,800 the previous month. However, the number of unemployed residents increased slightly to 14,000. Year-over-year, the county has made progress, with unemployment decreasing by 1.4% since February 2024. This indicates gradual improvement in the local job market, even as challenges persist.
Industry-specific data reveals a mixed picture for Merced County. The total nonfarm employment rose by 500 jobs from January to February, with notable gains in private education and health services, which added 200 jobs, and government employment, which also increased by 200 positions. The manufacturing sector remained stable, while the leisure and hospitality sector saw a slight recovery, adding 100 jobs. However, trade, transportation, and utilities experienced a decline, losing 100 jobs during the same period. These fluctuations underscore the complexity of the county's economic landscape.
Gustine had an unemployment rate of 20.3% for the same time period, which was the highest rate in Merced County. The city has an estimated labor force of 2,500, with 2,000 employed and 500 unemployed.
California’s unemployment rate held steady at 5.4 percent despite California’s nonfarm payroll jobs decreasing by 7,500 jobs in February 2025, according to the latest Employment Development Department data coming from two separate surveys. February’s job reduction follows a downward revised job loss of 21,400 for January 2025.
The job market expansion reached 58 months in February 2025. California gained 3,083,700 jobs since April 2020, averaging 53,167 jobs per month. Year-over, California’s total nonfarm jobs increased by 78,200 between February 2024 and February 2025.
Three of California's 11 industry sectors gained jobs in February with Private Education and Health Services (+18,400) showing gains for the 37th straight month with above average gains in private elementary and secondary schools, and large gains in outpatient care services on the health services side.
Government (+3,600) also showed a month-over job gain with the largest gains in Local Government (+5,000). Both Federal (-1,200) and State (-200) Government posted job losses. This was the largest loss in Federal Government since February 2021.
Professional & Business Services (-7,700) posted the State’s largest month-over loss with most of the losses coming from Computer Systems Design and Related Services as well as with Legal Services and Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting.
