Metropolitan Area Employment and Unemployment (Monthly) News Release — 2015-12-07

Unemployment rates were lower in October than a year earlier in 337 of the 387 metropolitan areas, higher in 38 areas, and unchanged in 12 areas, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Twenty-four 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 300 metropolitan areas, decreased in 78 areas, and was unchanged in 9 areas. The national unemployment rate in October was 4.8 percent, not seasonally adjusted, down from 5.5 percent a year earlier. Bismarck, N.D., and Fargo, N.D.-Minn., had the lowest unemployment rates in October, 1.8 percent each. Yuma, Ariz., and El Centro, Calif., had the highest unemployment rates, 23.2 percent and 21.8 percent, respectively. A total of 185 areas had October unemployment rates below the U.S.