Metropolitan Area Employment and Unemployment (Monthly) News Release — 2014-12-09

Unemployment rates were lower in October than a year earlier in 354 of the 372 metropolitan areas, higher in 14 areas, and unchanged in 4 areas, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Eight areas had jobless rates of at least 10.0 percent and 144 areas had rates of less than 5.0 percent. Nonfarm payroll employment increased over the year in 318 metropolitan areas, decreased in 46 areas, and was unchanged in 8 areas. The national unemployment rate in October was 5.5 percent, not seasonally adjusted, down from 7.0 percent a year earlier. Yuma, Ariz., and El Centro, Calif., had the highest unemployment rates in October, 24.7 percent and 23.7 percent, respectively. Bismarck, N.D., had the lowest unemployment rate, 2.0 percent, followed by Fargo, N.D.-Minn., 2.2 percent. A total of 194 areas had October unemployment rates below the U.S.