Unemployment rates were lower than a year earlier in 226 of 387 U.S. metropolitan areas in September, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on October 28.
Rates increased in 138 areas and were unchanged in 23. Forty-eight areas recorded unemployment below 3%, while five had rates of at least 8%, according to the agency's monthly release.
The report separately measured nonfarm payroll employment. Jobs increased over the year in 11 metropolitan areas, decreased in three and were essentially unchanged in 373.
Dallas–Fort Worth–Arlington recorded the largest numerical employment gain, adding 43,900 jobs. Charlotte–Concord–Gastonia added 25,400, and Salt Lake City–Murray added 22,400.
Washington–Arlington–Alexandria recorded a decline of 61,000 jobs, or 1.8%. Bloomington, Indiana, lost 3,800, and Flagstaff, Arizona, lost 2,800.
Las Cruces, New Mexico, and Myrtle Beach–Conway–North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, had the largest percentage gains, at 3.6% each.
These figures describe September conditions released in October. The employment comparisons are year over year and not seasonally adjusted; they do not measure job changes occurring on the publication date.
Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics September metropolitan employment and unemployment release.