THE JOBLESS rate in Orange County rose from 2.9 percent in December 2017 to 3.1 percent in January 2018.

Joblessness in Orange County ticked up from 2.9 percent in December to 3.1 percent in January, according to the state Department of Employment Development.

The county lost 29,100 jobs over the month, most of them due to the loss of seasonal holiday workers.

The latest figures were still below the estimate of 4 percent for January 2017 and compare with a statewide number of 4.6 percent for California and 4.5 percent for the U.S. during the same period.

Trade, transportation and utilities accounted for the largest monthly decrease in the employed, an overall drop in Orange County of 8,800 jobs. Over 80 percent were tied to holiday losses in stores and other seasonally-affected commerce.

A decline of 8,200 jobs was reported in professional and business services. The only increase in employment was in financial services, up 300 jobs.

Compared to January 2017, Orange County has gained 39,100 jobs.