Metropolitan Area Employment and Unemployment (Monthly) News Release — 2015-10-28

Unemployment rates were lower in September than a year earlier in 353 of the 387 metropolitan areas, higher in 25 areas, and unchanged in 9 areas, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Nineteen areas had jobless rates of less than 3.0 percent, and two areas had rates of at least 10.0 percent. Nonfarm payroll employment increased over the year in 302 metropolitan areas, decreased in 76 areas, and was unchanged in 9 areas. The national unemployment rate in September was 4.9 percent, not seasonally adjusted, down from 5.7 percent a year earlier. Bismarck, N.D., had the lowest unemployment rate in September, 2.0 percent. Yuma, Ariz., and El Centro, Calif., had the highest unemployment rates, 26.0 percent and 21.6 percent, respectively. A total of 192 areas had September unemployment rates below the U.S. figure of 4.9 percent, 186 areas had rates above it, and 9 areas had rates equal to that of the nation.