The state's Employment Development Department reported Friday that the unemployment rate fell to its lowest level since December 2008, signaling a continued improvement in the state economy.
The rate fell from 9.8 percent in January after falling below double digits this past winter.
The department reports nonfarm jobs increased by 41,200 during the month, bringing the number to 14.6 million. That's compared to only 4,200 jobs gained in January.
The survey found the greatest job gains came in construction, financial services and leisure and hospitality. Manufacturing, transportation and health services slipped over the month.
The number of people unemployed in California fell below 1.8 million in February. That's down from 2 million last February.
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California Unemployment Rate by County - (PDF) -- EDD Archive
All Data Not Seasonally Adjusted
Fresno County
15.4% (Feb 13) | 16.0% (Jan 13) | 17.2% (Feb 12)
Kings County
15.6% (Feb 13) | 16.6% (Jan 13) | 16.9% (Feb 12)
Madera County
13.2% (Feb 13) | 13.8% (Jan 13) | 15.4% (Feb 12)
Mariposa County
11.7% (Feb 13) | 12.6% (Jan 13) | 13.8% (Feb 12)
Merced County
17.8% (Feb 13) | 18.4% (Jan 13) | 19.9% (Feb 12)
Tulare County
15.9% (Feb 13) | 16.8% (Jan 13) | 17.6% (Feb 12)
