April 2026 — 2026-06-03

Unemployment rates were higher in April than a year earlier in 200 of the 387 metropolitan areas, lower in 152 areas, and unchanged in 35 areas, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. A total of 70 areas had jobless rates of less than 3.0 percent and 8 areas had rates of at least 8.0 percent. Nonfarm payroll employment increased over the year in 4 metropolitan areas, decreased in 4 areas, and was essentially unchanged in 379 areas. The national unemployment rate in April was 4.0 percent, not seasonally adjusted, little changed from a year earlier. This news release presents statistics from two monthly programs. The civilian labor force and unemployment data are based on the same concepts and definitions as those used for the national household survey estimates. These data pertain to people by where they reside. The employment data are from an establishment survey that measures nonfarm employment, hours, and earnings by industry.