California’s statewide unemployment rate held steady at 5.3% in May 2025, but this average masks significant variation across its 58 counties. While many regions enjoy relatively low unemployment, a handful of counties continue to struggle with rates far above the state average. This article examines the counties with the highest unemployment in California, based on the most recent data available.
Counties with the Highest Unemployment Rates (May 2025)
The following counties report the highest unemployment rates in California as of May 2025:
| County | Unemployment Rate (%) |
|---|---|
| Imperial | 16.0 |
| Colusa | 14.2 |
| Merced | 10.4 |
| Tulare | 10.3 |
| Kings | 9.3 |
| Kern | 8.9 |
| Sutter | 8.8 |
| Fresno | 8.4 |
| Plumas | 8.1 |
| Madera | 7.9 |
| Monterey | 7.7 |
Imperial County continues to top the list with a staggering 16.0% unemployment rate, followed by Colusa County at 14.2%. These figures are significantly higher than the state average and represent persistent economic challenges in these regions.
Key Trends and Regional Disparities
Imperial County: With its 16.0% unemployment rate, Imperial County not only leads California but also ranks among the highest in the nation. The area has long faced structural unemployment issues, largely due to its reliance on seasonal agricultural work and limited diversification in its economy.
Colusa County: At 14.2%, Colusa’s high unemployment is also tied to its agricultural base, which is susceptible to seasonal fluctuations and drought conditions.
Central Valley Counties: Merced, Tulare, Kings, Kern, and Fresno counties all report unemployment rates above 8%, reflecting ongoing economic struggles in California’s agricultural heartland.
Other Notable Counties: Sutter, Plumas, Madera, and Monterey round out the top 11, each with rates well above the state average.
Comparison with Statewide and National Averages
California Statewide: 5.3% (May 2025)
National Average: California’s rate is among the highest in the country, with only Michigan and Nevada reporting higher state-level rates as of May 2025.
Lowest County Rates: In contrast, counties like Mono (3.2%), San Mateo (3.4%), and San Francisco (3.6%) report some of the lowest unemployment rates in the state, highlighting the stark regional disparities.
Broader Labor Market Measures
The official unemployment rate (U-3) does not capture all aspects of labor underutilization. Broader measures, like the U-6 rate, which includes discouraged workers and those working part-time for economic reasons, are often significantly higher. In California, the U-6 measure recently reached 8%, its highest since October 2021.
Conclusion
California’s overall labor market remains robust compared to the pandemic era, but persistent high unemployment in counties like Imperial and Colusa underscores deep regional and structural challenges. These areas, heavily dependent on agriculture and lacking economic diversification, are especially vulnerable to economic downturns and seasonal fluctuations.
Addressing these disparities will require targeted policy interventions, investment in workforce development, and efforts to diversify local economies. As of May 2025, the gap between California’s most and least prosperous counties remains a critical issue for policymakers and communities alike.
Source:
[1] https://edd.ca.gov/en/about_edd/news_releases_and_announcements/unemployment-may-2025/
[2] https://www.bls.gov/web/laus/laumstrk.htm
[3] https://www.californiacountynews.org/news/2025/06/california%E2%80%99s-unemployment-snapshot-may-2025
[4] https://labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/file/lfmonth/sanf$pds.pdf
[5] https://rosevilletoday.com/news/roseville/placer-county-rank-california-unemployment-rate-2025/
[6] https://keyt.com/news/california/stacker-california/2025/02/27/counties-with-the-highest-unemployment-in-california-2/
[7] https://fred.stlouisfed.org/release/tables?rid=116
[8] https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2025/unemployment-rates-under-3-0-percent-in-77-metropolitan-areas-in-april-2025.htm