Metropolitan Area Employment and Unemployment (Monthly) News Release — 2015-07-01

Unemployment rates were lower in May than a year earlier in 346 of the 387 metropolitan areas, higher in 36 areas, and unchanged in 5 areas, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Twelve areas had jobless rates of less than 3.0 percent and nine areas had rates of at least 10.0 percent. Nonfarm payroll employment increased over the year in 319 metropolitan areas, decreased in 63 areas, and was unchanged in 5 areas. The national unemployment rate in May was 5.3 percent, not seasonally adjusted, down from 6.1 percent a year earlier. Lincoln, Neb., and Ames, Iowa, had the lowest unemployment rates in May, 2.2 percent and 2.3 percent, respectively. Yuma, Ariz., and El Centro, Calif., had the highest unemployment rates, 23.1 percent and 21.3 percent, respectively. A total of 183 areas had May unemployment rates below the U.S.