FRESNO METROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREA (MSA)
(FRESNO COUNTY)
Government employment leads month-over growth

The unemployment rate in the Fresno County was 16.4 percent in February 2009, up from a revised 15.6 percent in January 2009, and above the year-ago estimate of 10.7 percent. This compares with an unadjusted unemployment rate of 10.9 percent for California and 8.9 percent for the nation during the same period.

Between January 2009 and February 2009, total wage and salary employment decreased by 1,600 jobs (down 0.5 percent) to total 330,400. Nonfarm employment expanded by 1,700 jobs (up 0.6 percent), while farm employment declined by 3,300 jobs (down 8.5 percent).

•Government posted the largest gain with the addition of 2,600 jobs over the month. Federal government accounted for 69 percent of the gain due to the impending tax season.

•Educational and health services increased by 600 jobs, primarily in educational services.

•Trade, transportation, and utilities reported the largest month-over decline, down 500 jobs. The losses were recorded in all subsectors: wholesale trade and retail trade each decreased by 200 jobs, while transportation, warehousing, and utilities fell by 100 jobs.
Between February 2008 and February 2009, total wage and salary employment declined by 6,300 jobs (down 1.9 percent). Farm employment increased by 1,100 jobs (up 3.2 percent), and nonfarm employment receded by 7,400 jobs (down 2.4 percent).

•Educational and health services recorded the only nonfarm year-over gain. This sector increased by 200 jobs.

•Construction posted a net loss of 2,600 jobs. Specialty trade contractors declined by 2,000 jobs and general and heavy construction dropped by 600 jobs.

•Leisure and hospitality employment contracted by 1,200 jobs, with losses scattered throughout the industry.

•Manufacturing reduced payrolls by 1,100 jobs, with the majority of the losses in durable goods (down 800 jobs). Nondurable goods posted a loss of 300 jobs.