Metropolitan Area Employment and Unemployment (Monthly) News Release — 2012-08-29

Unemployment rates were lower in July than a year earlier in 305 of the 372 metropolitan areas, higher in 52 areas, and unchanged in 15 areas, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Seven areas recorded jobless rates of at least 15.0 percent, while 18 areas registered rates of less than 5.0 percent. Two hundred seventy-six metropolitan areas reported over-the-year increases in nonfarm payroll employment, 93 reported decreases, and 3 had no change. The national unemployment rate in July was 8.6 percent, not seasonally adjusted, down from 9.3 percent a year earlier. In July, 67 metropolitan areas reported jobless rates of at least 10.0 percent, down from 112 areas a year earlier, while 94 areas posted rates below 7.0 percent, up from 68 areas in July of last year. Yuma, Ariz., and El Centro, Calif., recorded the highest unemployment rates in July 2012, 31.2 and 29.9 percent, respectively.