The unemployment rate in San Diego County last month was 6.2 percent, down from 6.6 percent the month before, and below the 7.7 percent recorded in August 2013, the state Employment Development Department reported Friday.
The drop ended a short trend in which the unemployment rate in the region climbed two months in a row.
The local figure compares to 6.3 percent for the nation as a whole and 7.4 percent for California. The U.S. and state figures are not seasonally adjusted.
The EDD said the county gained 3,500 nonfarm jobs between July and August, with the biggest gains in professional, scientific and technical services.
The gains were partially offset by job losses in the food services and drinking places sector, down 1,700 positions; and arts, entertainment and recreation, with 1,000 fewer positions.
More than 34,000 jobs have been added in San Diego County over the past year, according to the EDD.
The agency said 99,800 San Diegans were unemployed in August, out of a civilian labor force of just over 1.6 million people. The jobless total is more than 22,000 less than August of last year.
