Central Coast Unemployment Rises in January

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

After months of delays, the California Employment Development Department has released unemployment data for January 2026, showing a significant increase in the jobless rate across the Central Coast region. All three counties - Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo - saw their unemployment rates climb, with the overall regional rate reaching 5.03%, up from 4.63% in December. This came as the state's unemployment rate actually declined to 5.4% for the month.

Why it matters

The rise in unemployment across the Central Coast, despite a statewide decline, highlights the uneven economic recovery happening in different parts of California. This could have implications for consumer spending, tax revenues, and the overall economic health of the tri-county region.

The details

Santa Barbara County had the highest unemployment rate in the region at 5.5% in January, up from 4.7% the prior month. Ventura County's rate climbed to 5% from 4.7%, while San Luis Obispo saw an increase to 4.6% from 4.3%. Overall, the Central Coast lost 9,900 non-farming jobs in January, with the biggest losses in the trade, transportation, utilities, and professional/business services sectors.

• The unemployment data for January 2026 was released on April 3, 2026.
• The Central Coast's unemployment rate was 4.63% in December 2025 and 4.73% in November 2025.