Metropolitan Area Employment and Unemployment (Monthly) News Release — 2016-08-31

Unemployment rates were lower in July than a year earlier in 279 of the 387 metropolitan areas, higher in 87 areas, and unchanged in 21 areas, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Eight 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 331 metropolitan areas, decreased in 52 areas, and was unchanged in 4 areas. The national unemployment rate in July was 5.1 percent, not seasonally adjusted, down from 5.6 percent a year earlier. In July, the lowest unemployment rate was in Sioux Falls, S.D., 1.9 percent. Yuma, Ariz., and El Centro, Calif., had the highest unemployment rates, 24.3 percent and 24.2 percent, respectively. A total of 192 areas had July jobless rates above the U.S. rate of 5.1 percent, 178 areas had rates below it, and 17 areas had rates equal to that of the nation.