Metropolitan Area Employment and Unemployment (Monthly) News Release — 2015-09-01

Unemployment rates were lower in July than a year earlier in 359 of the 387 metropolitan areas, higher in 20 areas, and unchanged in 8 areas, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Six areas had jobless rates of less than 3.0 percent and five areas had rates of at least 10.0 percent. Nonfarm payroll employment increased over the year in 322 metropolitan areas, decreased in 54 areas, and was unchanged in 11 areas. The national unemployment rate in July was 5.6 percent, not seasonally adjusted, down from 6.5 percent a year earlier. Bismarck, N.D., had the lowest unemployment rate in July, 2.3 percent. Yuma, Ariz., and El Centro, Calif., had the highest unemployment rates, 26.6 percent and 24.2 percent, respectively. A total of 187 areas had July unemployment rates below the U.S. figure of 5.6 percent, 185 areas had rates above it, and 15 areas had rates equal to that of the nation.