Metropolitan Area Employment and Unemployment (Monthly) News Release — 2015-04-08

Unemployment rates were lower in February than a year earlier in 366 of the 387 metropolitan areas, higher in 18 areas, and unchanged in 3 areas, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Three areas had jobless rates of less than 3.0 percent and 16 areas had rates of at least 10.0 percent. Nonfarm payroll employment increased over the year in 355 metropolitan areas, decreased in 29 areas, and was unchanged in 3 areas. The national unemployment rate in February was 5.8 percent, not seasonally adjusted, down from 7.0 percent a year earlier. Lincoln, Neb., had the lowest unemployment rate in February, 2.4 percent, followed by Ames, Iowa, 2.7 percent, and Midland, Texas, 2.8 percent. El Centro, Calif., and Yuma, Ariz., had the highest unemployment rates, 20.0 percent and 19.4 percent, respectively. A total of 199 areas had February unemployment rates below the U.S.