Santa Clarita’s jobless rate fell to 5.5 percent in January, according to data released this month by the state. Year-over-year, Santa Clarita’s jobless rate improved by 1.2 percent.

Across Los Angeles County, joblessness fell to 8.9 percent in January from 10.3 percent in January 2013; California’s rate fell to 8.1 percent from 9.5 percent, and the nation’s rate fell to 6.6 percent from 7.9 percent a year earlier.

There were 2.3 more non-farm jobs in Los Angeles County during January 2014 than in January 2013, with business and professional services making the biggest gains (up 27,200). Of those, 13,000 new jobs were created in the administrative, support and waste services fields.

Private education and health care grew by 23,100 jobs, of which 19,300 were in health care and social assistance.

Trade, transportation and utilities added 19,700 jobs, including 13,100 in retail trade. The hospitality industry grew by 16,100 jobs, with 15,400 of those in accommodation and food services.

Year-over-year losers were manufacturing (down 6,900), government (down 2,500) and financial activities (down 1,600)

January’s jobless rates were also an improvement over December numbers in spite of the fact that the job pool was smaller. The county’s labor pool decreased by 3,000 workers as retailers cut their temporary payrolls.

Month-over-month, retail trade in L.A. County shrank by 14,900 jobs and private schools and colleges cut 6,900. Leisure and hospitality fell by 7,300 jobs, mostly in bars and restaurants (down 5,700). Since December, all sectors reported losses except for mining and logging, which was unchanged.

Other selected communities, individually reported (January 2014):

Lebec – 5.7 percent

Acton – 6.5 percent

Val Verde – 7.1 percent

Frazier Park – 10.8 percent

Palmdale – 11.7 percent

Lancaster – 12.7 percent

Pine Mountain Club – 13.2 percent

Piru – 13.3 percent

Lake Los Angeles – 13.5 percent