Metropolitan Area Employment and Unemployment (Monthly) News Release — 2010-04-28

Unemployment rates were higher in March than a year earlier in 321 of the 372 metropolitan areas, lower in 41 areas, and unchanged in 10 areas, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Twenty- eight areas recorded jobless rates of at least 15.0 percent, while 3 areas registered rates below 5.0 percent. The national unemployment rate in March was 10.2 percent, not seasonally adjusted, up from 9.0 percent a year earlier. In March, 164 metropolitan areas reported jobless rates of at least 10.0 percent, up from 108 areas a year earlier, while 46 areas posted rates below 7.0 percent, down from 89 areas in March 2009. Three areas in California again registered the highest unemployment rates: El Centro, 27.0 percent; Merced, 22.1 percent; and Yuba City, 21.7 per- cent. Among the 28 areas with jobless rates of at least 15.0 percent, 15 were located in California and 5 were in Michigan.