Riverside residents will see a higher local unemployment rate after preliminary state figures show the county's jobless rate rose to 5.4% in June, up from 4.7% in May.
What changed for workers
The California Employment Development Department's latest non-seasonally adjusted estimates indicate payroll losses in several areas outweighed hiring elsewhere in the regional economy. Overall, Riverside County's June rate remained slightly below its year-ago level of 5.8% but marks a meaningful uptick month to month for households tracking job stability.
State data show the combined unemployment rate for Riverside and San Bernardino counties — the Inland Empire — climbed to 5.3%, an increase from 4.6% in May. For Riverside County alone, the month-to-month rise reflects breadth of change across industries rather than a single-source shock.
Where joblessness is highest in the county
Census-area estimates within Riverside County show substantial variation. The highest unemployment rates reported for June were:
- Cherry Valley: 10.0%
- Blythe: 9.9%
- Coachella: 8.9%
- Rancho Mirage and March Air Reserve Base: 7.9%
- Cabazon: 7.5%
| Area | June Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|
| Cherry Valley | 10.0% |
| Blythe | 9.9% |
| Coachella | 8.9% |
| Rancho Mirage / March ARB | 7.9% |
| Cabazon | 7.5% |
Which sectors gained and which lost jobs
The EDD's estimates show payrolls declined most sharply in the public sector, with about 1,800 positions recorded as lost. The analysis attributes that decline largely to summer inactivity on campuses, which typically reduces education hiring.
Additional payroll reductions occurred in finance, hospitality and miscellaneous unclassified industries — together subtracting roughly 700 jobs.
On the hiring side, several private sectors showed gains. Collectively, agricultural jobs, construction, health services, information technology, manufacturing, professional business services and warehousing added about 2,800 positions in June. The mining sector remained unchanged in the preliminary report.
Local implications and context
For Riverside residents, the net effect is a modest but noticeable softening in the labor market this month. Families in areas with the highest rates may face greater difficulty finding work, while those employed in education should anticipate typical summer reductions. Employers in expanding sectors such as warehousing and health services continue to hire, which may present opportunities for displaced workers with transferable skills.
Statewide, California's non-seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for June was reported at 5.2%, slightly lower than Riverside County's.
Officials and job-seekers looking for more detailed breakdowns and tools for employment assistance can consult the California Employment Development Department's local labor market reports and county workforce resources.
— Reporting based on preliminary estimates released by the California Employment Development Department and regional analysis of payroll changes.
