Metropolitan Area Employment and Unemployment (Monthly) News Release — 2015-07-29

Unemployment rates were lower in June than a year earlier in 351 of the 387 metropolitan areas, higher in 28 areas, and unchanged in 8 areas, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Six areas had jobless rates of less than 3.0 percent and five areas had rates of at least 10.0 percent. Nonfarm payroll employment increased over the year in 317 metropolitan areas, decreased in 61 areas, and was unchanged in 9 areas. The national unemployment rate in June was 5.5 percent, not seasonally adjusted, down from 6.3 percent a year earlier. Lincoln, Neb., and Fargo, N.D.-Minn., had the lowest unemployment rates in June, 2.6 percent and 2.8 percent, respectively. Yuma, Ariz., and El Centro, Calif., had the highest unemployment rates, 22.6 percent and 21.1 percent, respectively. A total of 189 areas had June unemployment rates below the U.S.