February 2026 — 2026-04-29

Unemployment rates were higher in February than a year earlier in 236 of the 387 metropolitan areas, lower in 110 areas, and unchanged in 41 areas, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. A total of 10 areas had jobless rates of less than 3.0 percent and 13 areas had rates of at least 8.0 percent. Nonfarm payroll employment increased over the year in 8 metropolitan areas, decreased in 7 areas, and was essentially unchanged in 372 areas. The national unemployment rate in February was 4.7 percent, not seasonally adjusted, up from 4.5 percent 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.