NewsNoticias Tampa Bay (Univision)August 1, 2026Hillsborough
Imperial County Unemployment Update: June 2026
Imperial County's unemployment rate rose slightly to 17.6% in June, representing an increase of about 400 unemployed residents compared to May. Despite this monthly uptick, the current rate is lower than the 18.4% recorded in June 2025, with growth noted in the agricultural, government, and healthcare sectors.
Read the full story at Noticias Tampa Bay (Univision)Why It Matters
The report provides a snapshot of the local labor market, showing that while unemployment remains significantly higher than state and national averages, specific sectors like private education and healthcare are adding jobs.
Key Facts
- The unemployment rate in Imperial County was 17.6% in June, up from 17.1% in May.
- The number of unemployed residents increased by approximately 400 people, totaling 13,000.
- The June 2026 unemployment rate of 17.6% is lower than the 18.4% rate recorded in June 2025.
- California's statewide unemployment rate was 5.2% and the national rate was 4.4% in June.
- The agricultural sector added approximately 200 jobs, reaching 9,800 total positions.
- The government sector added 200 jobs, primarily in federal and local areas.
- Private education and health services added 800 jobs over the past year, a 6.3% increase.
- Private sector employment remained stable at over 40,000 jobs.
- The manufacturing industry experienced a decline in jobs over the past year.
- Calexico has the highest unemployment rate in the county at 28.4%.
- Westmorland has an unemployment rate of 19.9%.
- El Centro has an unemployment rate of 13.8%.
- Calipatria has the lowest unemployment rate among incorporated cities at 10.6%.
Who's Mentioned
locationImperial County“The geographic area covered by the employment report.”other200“Number of jobs added in the agricultural sector and government sector respective”other40“Number of thousands of private sector jobs (40,000).”other13 mil“Total number of unemployed residents in June.”other800“Number of jobs added in private education and health services over the last year”organizationDepartamento de Desarrollo del Empleo de California“The state agency (EDD) that provided the employment data.”other400“Number of additional people unemployed between May and June.”