Unemployment Rates Rise in Most U.S. Metro Areas Compared to Last Year

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that unemployment rates in October were higher than a year earlier in 223 of the 389 metropolitan areas. These figures contrast with the 137 areas where unemployment rates dropped and the 29 areas where they remained unchanged. Notably, only six areas boasted jobless rates below 2.0 percent, while three areas struggled with rates of at least 8.0 percent.

This development comes alongside a relatively static nonfarm payroll employment scenario, with 52 metropolitan areas experiencing a year-over-year increase in employment, while 337 areas saw no significant change. The national unemployment rate stood at 3.6 percent, not seasonally adjusted, marking a slight increase from the previous year's 3.4 percent.

The Bureau's report draws on data from two monthly surveys, focusing on the civilian labor force and unemployment statistics based on residence, as well as employment data from an establishment survey measuring nonfarm employment, hours, and earnings by industry based on establishment locations.

In a detailed breakdown of metropolitan areas, Bismarck, ND, emerged with the lowest unemployment rate at 1.4 percent, followed by Fargo, ND-MN, at 1.5 percent. On the opposite end, El Centro, CA, recorded the highest rate at 19.3 percent. Interestingly, 220 areas reported jobless rates below the national figure of 3.6 percent, while 145 areas exceeded it.