Metropolitan Area Employment and Unemployment (Monthly) News Release — 2018-05-30

Unemployment rates were lower in April than a year earlier in 305 of the 388 metropolitan areas, higher in 63 areas, and unchanged in 20 areas, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Eighty-eight areas had jobless rates of less than 3.0 percent and three areas had rates of at least 10.0 percent. Nonfarm payroll employment increased over the year in 312 metropolitan areas, decreased in 70 areas, and was unchanged in 6 areas. The national unemployment rate in April was 3.7 percent, not seasonally adjusted, down from 4.1 percent a year earlier. In April, Ames, IA, had the lowest unemployment rate, 1.5 percent. Yuma, AZ, had the highest unemployment rate, 15.7 percent. A total of 204 areas had April jobless rates below the U.S. rate of 3.7 percent, 167 areas had rates above it, and 17 areas had rates equal to that of the nation.