MoneyBusiness

Actions

California's unemployment rate soars, but worst yet to come

Posted
and last updated

California has lost 100,000 jobs as the coronavirus pandemic has forced the closure of nonessential businesses.

A new report from the California Employment Development Department shows California's unemployment rate hit 5.3% in March. But the numbers are just a glimpse of what is to come. The job losses are based on a survey taken the week that included March 12.

Most of the state's job losses came after that date. Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a mandatory stay-at-home order on March 19.

California had job losses in six of the state's 11 industry sectors. The biggest losses were in the leisure and hospitality industry.

,

Weather

Daily Forecast

View Hourly Forecast

Day

Conditions

HI / LO

Precip

Friday

07/18/2025

Clear

-° / 73°

0%

Saturday

07/19/2025

Clear

101° / 73°

0%

Sunday

07/20/2025

Clear

102° / 72°

0%

Monday

07/21/2025

Clear

97° / 68°

1%

Tuesday

07/22/2025

Clear

94° / 67°

1%

Wednesday

07/23/2025

Clear

94° / 66°

1%

Thursday

07/24/2025

Mostly Clear

93° / 66°

0%

Friday

07/25/2025

Mostly Clear

93° / 66°

1%