May 2026 — 2026-07-01

Unemployment rates were lower in May than a year earlier in 191 of the 387 metropolitan areas, higher in 164 areas, and unchanged in 32 areas, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. A total of 47 areas had jobless rates of less than 3.0 percent and 7 areas had rates of at least 8.0 percent. Nonfarm payroll employment increased over the year in 8 metropolitan areas, decreased in 4 areas, and was essentially unchanged in 375 areas. The national unemployment rate in May was 4.1 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.