The unemployment rate in Stanislaus County stayed at a steady 17.3 percent for the month of June, according to the latest numbers from the Economic Development Department.

The 17.3 percent unemployment represents about 41,800 people out of work in the county.

In Merced County the unemployment rate stayed even at 18.1 percent and San Joaquin County recorded an unemployment rate for June of 16.5 percent, slightly higher than they had in May at 16.2 percent.

California's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 12.3 percent in June, down 0.1 percentage point from May, and up 0.7 percentage point from one year ago. In comparison, the U.S. unemployment rate was 9.5 percent in June, down 0.2 percentage point from May, and unchanged from one year ago.

There were 13,880,700 jobs in total nonfarm industries in June, down 27,600 jobs from last month, the EDD reported. Within nonfarm industries, six sectors saw month-over job gains and five sectors saw month-over job declines. The sectors with increased employment in June were: manufacturing (7,300); trade, transportation and utilities (5,600); professional and business services (1,500); educational and health services (800); mining and logging (600); and leisure and hospitality (400). Sectors that lost jobs in June, in order of job loss magnitude, were: Government (28,900); Construction (8,500); Other services (4,500) Financial activities (1,700); and Information (200).

The unemployment rate, while still high in Stanislaus County, is remaining even because of seasonal hiring that takes place during harvest times.

To contact Sabra Stafford, e-mail sstafford@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2002.