The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Los Angeles County dropped to 11.4 percent in May, down from 11.6 percent in April, the state Employment Development Department announced Friday.
The 11.4 percent unemployment rate was below the 12.3 percent rate in May 2011, according to the EDD.
California's jobless rate was 10.8 percent in May, down from 10.9 percent in April and down from May 2011, when the rate was 11.9 percent, according to the EDD.
The comparable estimates for the nation were 8.2 percent in May, 8.1 percent in April and 9 percent a year ago.
Total nonfarm employment increased by 11,800 jobs in Los Angeles County between April and May to reach 3.8 million. The leisure and hospitality sector recorded the largest month-over-month climb, adding 9,100 jobs.
A total of 560,000 people were unemployed in May in Los Angeles County, which has a labor force of about 4.9 million.
Statewide, about 2 million people were out of work, down slightly from the previous month.
