Metropolitan Area Employment and Unemployment (Monthly) News Release — 2014-12-30

Unemployment rates were lower in November than a year earlier in 341 of the 372 metropolitan areas, higher in 27 areas, and unchanged in 4 areas, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Twelve areas had jobless rates of at least 10.0 percent and 147 areas had rates of less than 5.0 percent. Nonfarm payroll employment increased over the year in 313 metropolitan areas, decreased in 55 areas, and was unchanged in 4 areas. The national unemployment rate in November was 5.5 percent, not seasonally adjusted, down from 6.6 percent a year earlier. Yuma, Ariz., and El Centro, Calif., had the highest unemployment rates in November, 23.1 percent and 22.6 percent, respectively. Lincoln, Neb., had the lowest unemployment rate, 2.1 percent, followed by Fargo, N.D.-Minn., and Mankato-North Mankato, Minn., 2.2 percent each. A total of 200 areas had November unemployment rates below the U.S.