THE JOBLESS rate in Orange County fell from 3.3 percent in April to 3.2 percent in May.

Unemployment continues to fall in Orange County, as the latest report from the state Employment Development Department reveals. On Friday the EDD announced that the jobless rate in the county fell from 3.3 percent in April to 3.2 percent in May.

That figures compares to the year-ago number of 3.7 percent, and latest statewide rate of 4.2 percent and national rate of 4.1 percent.

Total employment increased in Orange County by 1,500 jobs, to push the total number of employed to 1,586,000. The biggest increases came from professional and business services and government, which showed a hike of 900 jobs each. Construction employment also jumped by 800 jobs.

On the negative side, manufacturing employment fell by 900 jobs, and there was a decline of 500 jobs in trade, transportation and utilities.

Between May 2016 and May 2017, Orange County added a net 3,800 jobs.