Riverside County unemployment dips slightly as construction and hospitality show gains

Riverside County saw a slight improvement in its job market in February, according to new data from the California Employment Development Department.

The county’s unemployment rate dropped to 5.4 percent, down from 5.5 percent in January, reflecting a modest but positive shift in employment.

The broader Inland Empire region also experienced a small decrease in unemployment, signaling steady—though uneven—progress across the area.

Not all sectors shared in the gains.

Industries such as trade, transportation, and agriculture reported job losses during the month, highlighting ongoing challenges in parts of the local economy.

At the same time, construction and hospitality sectors posted modest improvements, helping offset some of those declines.

Economists say these mixed results are typical during transitional periods, as different industries adjust to seasonal demand and broader economic conditions.

While the overall dip in unemployment is encouraging, officials say continued monitoring will be key to understanding whether the trend holds in the coming months.

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