UNEMPLOYMENT

What Was Measured?
The annual average unemployment rate from 1985 to 1995 for San Mateo County, California, and the United States is shown.

Unemployment comprises all civilians 16 years and over who did not work during the survey week, who made specific efforts to find a job within the past four weeks and who were available for work.  It also includes those waiting to be recalled to a job and those who had a job beginning within 30 days.  The rates do not reflect discouraged workers who have given up looking for work, or part-time workers who want full-time employment.

Why Is It Important?
Work is basic to meet needs for most individuals and families. While there will always be some unemployment as people make the transition from one job to another, it is generally assumed that a tow unemployment rate is best for society as a whole.  Being jobless brings both financial and emotional stress to the individuals and families affected.  High unemployment can bring familial discord, an increase in crime, and the need for additional costly social services.

What Was Found?
San Mateo County's unemployment rate has consistently been below that of California or the nation.  There is, however, a significant variation in the jobless rate from city to city within the county.  In 1993 when some comparison figures were available, the rate varied from 3.4 and 3.5 percent in Burlingame and San Carlos to 6.5 and 6.7 percent in South San Francisco and Daly City.  That same year San Mateo and Marin Counties had the lowest unemployment rates in the state.  Averages for the state and nation are shown in the graph.  Averages for the County from 1985 to 1995 are: 3.9 percent; 3.8; 3.2; 2.8; 2.7; 2.6; 4.0; 5.i; 5.0, 4.7; and 4.3 percent.

What Is The Trend?
San Mateo County has had a low unemployment rate for the last ten years, declining from 1985 through 1990.  In 1991 and 1992 it rose during recession years and began declining again in 1993.  In 1995 San Mateo County's unemployment rate of 4.3 percent continues to be below the state rate of 7.8 percent and the nation's rate of 5.6 percent.  It is higher. however, than the rate was in 1985.

Sources: Ruth Kavanaugh, EDD; State of CA, Employment Development Dept, Labor Market Information Division. (Data not adjusted for seasonality)

Researcher: Marcia Pagels