Metropolitan Area Employment and Unemployment (Monthly) News Release — 2014-05-28

Unemployment rates were lower in April than a year earlier in 357 of the 372 metropolitan areas, higher in 12 areas, and unchanged in 3 areas, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Fourteen areas had jobless rates of at least 10.0 percent and 118 areas had rates of less than 5.0 percent. Nonfarm payroll employment increased over the year in 302 metropolitan areas, decreased in 63 areas, and was unchanged in 7 areas. The national unemployment rate in April was 5.9 percent, not seasonally adjusted, down from 7.1 percent a year earlier. Yuma, Ariz., and El Centro, Calif., had the highest unemployment rates in April, 23.8 percent and 21.6 percent, respectively. Midland, Texas, had the lowest unemployment rate, 2.3 percent. A total of 214 areas had April unemployment rates below the U.S. figure of 5.9 percent, 148 areas had rates above it, and 10 areas had rates equal to that of the nation.