Metropolitan Area Employment and Unemployment (Monthly) News Release — 2015-06-03

Unemployment rates were lower in April than a year earlier in 344 of the 387 metropolitan areas, higher in 36 areas, and unchanged in 7 areas, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Eleven areas had jobless rates of less than 3.0 percent and 11 areas had rates of at least 10.0 percent. Nonfarm payroll employment increased over the year in 330 metropolitan areas, decreased in 46 areas, and was unchanged in 11 areas. The national unemployment rate in April was 5.1 percent, not seasonally adjusted, down from 5.9 percent a year earlier. Lincoln, Neb., had the lowest unemployment rate in April, 2.1 percent. Yuma, Ariz., and El Centro, Calif., had the highest unemployment rates, 22.2 percent and 21.2 percent, respectively. A total of 201 areas had April unemployment rates below the U.S. figure of 5.1 percent, 173 areas had rates above it, and 13 areas had rates equal to that of the nation.