Metropolitan Area Employment and Unemployment (Monthly) News Release — 2014-07-01

Unemployment rates were lower in May than a year earlier in 357 of the 372 metropolitan areas, higher in 11 areas, and unchanged in 4 areas, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Twelve areas had jobless rates of at least 10.0 percent and 93 areas had rates of less than 5.0 percent. Nonfarm payroll employment increased over the year in 295 metropolitan areas, decreased in 68 areas, and was unchanged in 9 areas. The national unemployment rate in May was 6.1 percent, not seasonally adjusted, down from 7.3 percent a year earlier. Yuma, Ariz., and El Centro, Calif., had the highest unemployment rates in May, 26.5 percent and 21.1 percent, respectively. Bismarck, N.D., had the lowest unemployment rate, 2.2 percent. A total of 204 areas had May unemployment rates below the U.S. figure of 6.1 percent, 156 areas had rates above it, and 12 areas had rates equal to that of the nation.