BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Kern County unemployment numbers are on the rise as the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact the economy.
According to the latest data released by the California Employment Development Department, Kern County saw a loss of 10,900 jobs between March 2020 and February 2020. The department said the unemployment rate rose to 12%, compared to February's 9.1%.
The two cities reporting the largest job losses in the county are Bakersfield (12,300 jobs lost) and Delano (9,900 jobs lost).
The unemployment rate for March 2020 also rose 2.4 percent from March 2019.
According to the department, the Bakersfield Metropolitan Statistical Area reported the largest changes in the farm industry, with a loss of 9,300 compared to the 6,000 jobs lost in 2019.
The state in total reported 100,000 jobs lost as the coronavirus pandemic has forced the closure of nonessential businesses. California's unemployment rate hit 5.3% in March.
The job losses are based on a survey taken the week that included March 12.
