Central Valley unemployment rates continue to decline, according to the latest data from the state Employment Development Department.

The unemployment rate for Fresno County in May was 7.4 percent, down from 8.7 percent in April and below 8.7 percent last year.

Month over month, total industry employment jumped by 10,100 jobs, concentrated in farm employment with 7,200 jobs. Nonfarm employment rose by 2,900 jobs, led by educational and health services with 900 jobs.

On a year over basis, employment increased again by 10,100 jobs, led by nonfarm employment with 8,500 jobs and farm employment with 1,600 jobs.

In Kings County, the May unemployment rate was 7.9 percent, down from 9.4 percent in April and below 8.8 percent a year ago.

Month over month, Kings County farms added 1,100 jobs and nonfarm industries added 700 jobs, led by manufacturing with 600 positions.

Year over year, farms shed 100 jobs while nonfarm industries added a net 200 positions.

In Madera, the unemployment rate was 7.2 percent in May, down from 8.3 percent in April and below 8.5 percent a year ago.

Farms in Madera added 1,200 on a monthly basis, with nonfarm industries adding 500 jobs.

Year over year, farms added 100 jobs while nonfarm industries netted 1,400 jobs, with government leading the charge at 700 jobs.

The May unemployment rate for Tulare County was 8.6 percent, down from 9.9 percent in April and below 9.6 percent last year.

Farms added 2,100 jobs last month, while nonfarm industries added 1,000 jobs.

Year over year, Tulare County farms added 300 jobs, while nonfarm industries added 3,400 jobs, led by educational and health services with 1,300 jobs.

California’s unemployment rate for May was 4.7 percent