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, marking the highest since September 2021 (with January 2025's rate of 4.5% being a close second). This increase is significant 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 forecast, combined with June's 4.6% unemployment rate and general demographic trends, could signal a contraction in employment opportunities and overall economic activity 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 the nation's unemployment rate for recent college graduates (ages 22-27) is higher than the overall unemployment rate, with the gap widening.
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.