JOBLESSNESS in Orange County was 3.1 percent in August, down from 3.2 percent in July.

Unemployment in Orange County continues to slide downward. According to a report issued Friday by the state Employment Development Department, the jobless rate fell from 3.2 percent in July to 3.1 percent in August.

The figures showed that 1,554,600 people out of a labor force of 1,604,200 were employed, leaving 49,500 people jobless. That translated into 5,500 more jobs.

Statewide, the rate is 4.3 percent, while the national jobless figure is 3.9 percent.

In Orange County, the biggest increases were in education and health service (3,100) and health care and social assistance (1,800).  Declines were indicated in manufacturing (down 900 jobs) and leisure and hospitality (down 400).

The jobless rates for local cities are:

• Garden Grove: 3.5 percent, down from 3.4 percent.
• Huntington Beach: 3 percent, down from 3.1 percent.
• Stanton: 3.4 percent, down from 3.7 percent.
• Westminster: 3.6 percent for both months.