San Francisco unemployment rate nears 6 percent

California’s unemployment rate rose to 7.7 percent in August, while San Francisco experienced a 5.9 percent unemployment rate for the same period.   The city's was the third lowest of Bay Area counties. 

Marin had the lowest rate, 4.9 percent,  followed by San Mateo county, 5.5 percent.

Other area counties:

Sonoma county - 6.1%

Santa Clara county - 6.5%

Contra Costa county - 6.7%

Alameda county - 6.9%

In the last major downturn in early decade,  Alameda county weathered better than other Bay Area counties.  This cycle Alameda county is suffering job losses in trade, transportation and construction.

Statewide, the California Development Department job reported increases in three major job categories:  information; educational and health services; and leisure and hospitality -- all strong job categories in San Francisco.

Seven categories reported declines: construction; manufacturing; trade, transportation and utilities; financial activities; professional and business services; other services; and government.   Trade, transportation and utilities posted the largest decline over the month, down by 6,400 jobs.