Metropolitan Area Employment and Unemployment (Monthly) News Release — 2018-06-27

Unemployment rates were lower in May than a year earlier in 350 of the 388 metropolitan areas, higher in 20 areas, and unchanged in 18 areas, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Ninety-six 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 332 metropolitan areas, decreased in 52 areas, and was unchanged in 4 areas. The national unemployment rate in May was 3.6 percent, not seasonally adjusted, down from 4.1 percent a year earlier. In May, Ames, IA, had the lowest unemployment rate, 1.5 percent. Yuma, AZ, had the highest unemployment rate, 16.0 percent. A total of 191 areas had May jobless rates below the U.S. rate of 3.6 percent, 175 areas had rates above it, and 22 areas had rates equal to that of the nation.