Metropolitan Area Employment and Unemployment (Monthly) News Release — 2014-08-27

Unemployment rates were lower in July than a year earlier in 348 of the 372 metropolitan areas, higher in 16 areas, and unchanged in 8 areas, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Fifteen areas had jobless rates of at least 10.0 percent and 68 areas had rates of less than 5.0 percent. Nonfarm payroll employment increased over the year in 327 metropolitan areas, decreased in 41 areas, and was unchanged in 4 areas. The national unemployment rate in July was 6.5 percent, not seasonally adjusted, down from 7.7 percent a year earlier. Yuma, Ariz., and El Centro, Calif., had the highest unemployment rates in July, 29.2 percent and 24.7 percent, respectively. Bismarck, N.D., had the lowest unemployment rate, 2.4 percent. A total of 193 areas had July unemployment rates below the U.S. figure of 6.5 percent, 169 areas had rates above it, and 10 areas had rates equal to that of the nation.