Unemployment Rate Drops Sharply In Marin

The unemployment plummeted in the West Bay last month, led by a surge in construction and entertainment-related jobs.

The jobless rate in the West Bay—that's Marin, San Francisco and San Mateo counties—decreased from 5.8 percent in March to 5.1 percent in April. A year ago, the rate was 7.8 percent, according to the state Economic Development Department.

The unemployment rate for Marin County also fell from 5.2 percent in March to 4.6 in April. 

Cities throughout Marin experienced similar dips in their unemployment rate.

In San Anselmo, the jobless rate fell to 5.8 percent. It was 6.5 percent in March. Fairfax's unemployment rate dropped from 8.8 percent in March to 7.9 percent last month. 

Nearby, the unemployment rate decreased to 3.4 percent in Mill Valley, and 5.5 percent in both Novato and San Rafael.

Overall, the West Bay added 4,100 jobs in April for a total labor force of 1,018,500.   That jobs figure is 28,000 higher than April 2012.

"Other services" had the biggest gains in hiring, expanding by 1,900 positions. Those jobs include personal and laundry services, membership organizations and associations, and auto repair. Leisure and hospitality gained 1,500 jobs, mostly in food services and bars, while construction climbed by 1,100 jobs. That's much better than its usual decline of 100 jobs at this time of year. 

During the same time, the manufacturing industry lost 400 jobs. The financial activities sector and transportation, trade and utilities industry lost about 300 positions each.