News release: “Unemployment rates were lower in February than a year earlier in 308 of the 372 metropolitan areas, higher in 52 areas, and unchanged in 12 areas, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Fifteen areas recorded jobless rates of at least 15.0 percent, while 7 areas registered rates of less than 5.0 percent. Two hundred eighty-four metropolitan areas reported over-the-year increases in nonfarm payroll employment, 77 reported decreases, and 11 were unchanged. The national unemployment rate in February was 9.5 percent, not seasonally adjusted, down from 10.4 percent a year earlier. In February 138 metropolitan areas reported jobless rates of at least 10.0 percent, down from 188 areas a year earlier, while 49 areas posted rates below 7.0 percent, up from 42 areas in February 2010. El Centro, Calif., recorded the highest unemployment rate, 26.9 percent in February 2011. Three other areas had rates above 20.0 percent. Among the 15 areas with jobless rates of at least 15.0 percent, 12 were located in California. Lincoln, Neb., registered the lowest unemployment rate, 4.2 percent. The next lowest rates were posted in Bismarck, N.D., 4.6 percent; and Ames, Iowa; Fargo, N.D.-Minn.; and Iowa City, Iowa, 4.7
percent each. All of these areas are located in the West North Central census division. A total of 208 areas recorded February unemployment rates below the U.S. figure of 9.5 percent, 159 areas reported rates above it, and 5 areas had rates equal to that of the nation.”