Newly released preliminary August 2026 labor market data from the California Employment Development Department (EDD) reveals a shifting employment landscape across Northern California’s northeastern quadrant. While the statewide unemployment rate stood at 5.4%, neighbor counties Lassen, Modoc, Plumas, and Sierra experienced vastly different economic conditions heading into the fall season.
According to the report, Sierra County recorded the strongest job metrics in the four-county area, while Lassen County continues to face higher joblessness rates relative to the rest of the state.
Regional Labor Force Breakdown (August 2026 Preliminary)
| County | Statewide Rank | Labor Force | Employed | Unemployed | Unemployment Rate |
| Sierra | #6 | 1,560 | 1,490 | 70 | 4.4% |
| Plumas | #30 | 8,080 | 7,620 | 460 | 5.7% |
| Modoc | #36 | 3,110 | 2,920 | 190 | 6.1% |
| Lassen | #43 | 8,070 | 7,540 | 540 | 6.6% |
Key Local Takeaways
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Sierra County Leads Stability: With a 4.4% unemployment rate, Sierra County ranked 6th lowest among California’s 58 counties. Its tight workforce of 1,560 individuals saw only 70 reported job seekers looking for employment during August.
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Plumas County Holding Near State Average: Plumas County posted a 5.7% unemployment rate across a labor force of 8,080 workers, maintaining steady seasonal employment numbers in recreation, services, and local infrastructure projects.
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Modoc County Sits Mid-Pack: Modoc recorded a 6.1% joblessness rate, with 2,920 employed out of a 3,110-person labor pool.
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Lassen County Lags Regionally: Lassen County registered the highest unemployment rate among the four counties at 6.6%, ranking 43rd statewide. Out of 8,070 labor force participants, 540 residents remained out of work in August.
Local economists point out that rural Northern California counties often experience slight seasonal volatility late in the summer due to shifts in agriculture, forestry, construction schedules, and tourism-related services across the Sierra Nevada and Cascade ranges.
Monthly Labor Data by Counties.
