Clayton's Unemployment Rate Continues to Stay Low

The unemployment rate in most of Contra Costa County stayed about the same in February even as jobs slowly returned to the East Bay.

Clayton's unemployment rate, which is the lowest in the county, was steady at 2.7 percent.

Overall, California's unemployment rate edged down to 12.2 percent from the previous reading of 12.4 percent. Contra Costa County's rate was 11.0 percent, slightly higher than the previous mark of 10.9 percent.

The state Economic Development Department reported Alameda and Contra Costa County gained 5,700 jobs last month, bringing the total employed in both counties to  941,700.

Government payrolls grew by 2,000 while schools added 1,700 employees. The professional and business sector increased by 1,800 jobs.

However, the retail sector lost 1,300 jobs due to seasonal layoffs. In addition, trade, transportation and utility industries declined by 1,100.

Here's a look at some other Contra Costa County cities:

Walnut Creek's jobless rate rose slightly to 7.5 percent last month.

Alamo's jobless rate remained the same at 4.1 percent.

Likewise, Danville's jobless figure was 5.8 percent, the same as the previous reading.

And San Ramon's jobless rate held at 4.6 percent, the same as before.