Metropolitan Area Employment and Unemployment (Monthly) News Release — 2014-07-30

Unemployment rates were lower in June than a year earlier in 359 of the 372 metropolitan areas, higher in 10 areas, and unchanged in 3 areas, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Ten areas had jobless rates of at least 10.0 percent and 74 areas had rates of less than 5.0 percent. Nonfarm payroll employment increased over the year in 307 metropolitan areas, decreased in 55 areas, and was unchanged in 10 areas. The national unemployment rate in June was 6.3 percent, not seasonally adjusted, down from 7.8 percent a year earlier. Yuma, Ariz., and El Centro, Calif., had the highest unemployment rates in June, 26.9 percent and 22.0 percent, respectively. Bismarck, N.D., had the lowest unemployment rate, 2.6 percent, followed by Midland, Texas, 2.9 percent. A total of 205 areas had June unemployment rates below the U.S.