March 2026 — 2026-05-19

Unemployment rates were higher in March than a year earlier in 174 of the 387 metropolitan areas, lower in 172 areas, and unchanged in 41 areas, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. A total of 25 areas had jobless rates of less than 3.0 percent and 10 areas had rates of at least 8.0 percent. Nonfarm payroll employment increased over the year in 8 metropolitan areas, decreased in 8 areas, and was essentially unchanged in 371 areas. The national unemployment rate in March was 4.3 percent, not seasonally adjusted, little changed from a year earlier. This news release presents statistics from two monthly programs. The civilian labor force and unemployment data are based on the same concepts and definitions as those used for the national household survey estimates. These data pertain to people by where they reside. The employment data are from an establishment survey that measures nonfarm employment, hours, and earnings by industry.