Job Market Tracker

Q2 Highlights

1. Unemployment Rate: The quarterly average unemployment rate in Sonoma County decreased to 4.1% in the second quarter (Apr-Jun) from 4.3% in the first quarter (Jan-Mar) and has been trending downward throughout 2025. However, the rate spiked to 4.6% in June, the highest since September 2021 (with January 2025's rate of 4.5% being a close second). This spike is concerning as both California and nationwide rates have remained relatively flat year-to-date (see page 4), potentially indicating a sudden shift in labor market conditions specific to Sonoma County.
2. Job Projections: The total number of jobs projected to be added over the next five years has been revised down to 6,294, an 18% decrease from the first quarter projection of 7,712. This revised forecast, combined with June's 4.6% unemployment rate and general demographic trends, could signal a contraction in employment opportunities and broader economic growth in the county.
3. Job Postings: On a positive note, there were 16,889 unique job postings in the second quarter, a modest 2% increase from the first quarter's 16,555. However, it's important to note that job postings do not always translate to jobs added.
4. Education Requirements: The second quarter job posting data shows a larger share of postings with no education requirements (60% compared to Q1's 57%), with slight decreases in every other education requirement category (High School or GED, Bachelor's, Associate's, Master's, PhD). This is notable as recent reports indicate that recent college graduates have a higher unemployment rate than the national average for the first time in U.S. history.
5. Top Job Posting Cities: Santa Rosa continues to be the center for employment opportunities in Sonoma County, with 8,659 unique postings or 51% of total unique postings in the second quarter.