July 2026 — 2026-09-02

Unemployment rates were lower in July than a year earlier in 241 of the 387 metropolitan areas, higher in 128 areas, and unchanged in 18 areas, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. A total of 22 areas had jobless rates of less than 3.0 percent, and 7 areas had rates of at least 8.0 percent. Nonfarm payroll employment increased over the year in 19 metropolitan areas, decreased in 4 areas, and was essentially unchanged in 364 areas. The national unemployment rate in July was 4.4 percent, not seasonally adjusted, little changed from a year earlier. This news release presents statistics from two monthly programs. The civilian labor force and unemployment data are based on the same concepts and definitions as those used for the national household survey estimates. These data pertain to people by where they reside. The employment data are from an establishment survey that measures nonfarm employment, hours, and earnings by industry.