“Unemployment rates were lower in September than a year earlier in 212 of the 372 metropolitan areas, higher in 143 areas, and unchanged in 17 areas, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Thirteen areas recorded jobless rates of at least 15.0 percent, while 10 areas registered rates below 5.0 percent. The national unemployment rate in September was 9.2 percent, not seasonally adjusted, compared with 9.5 percent a year earlier. In September, 104 metropolitan areas reported jobless rates of at least 10.0 percent, down from 120 areas a year earlier, while 74 areas posted rates below 7.0 percent, up from 71 areas in September 2009. El Centro, Calif., again recorded the highest unemployment rate, 30.4 percent, followed by Yuma, Ariz., 27.2 percent. These two adjacent areas are highly agricultural and experience extreme heat during summer months. Among the 13 areas with jobless rates of at least 15.0 percent, 9 were located in California. Bismarck, N.D., registered the lowest unemployment rate in September 2010, 2.8 percent. The areas with the next lowest rates were Fargo, N.D.-Minn., 3.3 percent, and Grand Forks, N.D.-Minn., 3.5 percent. Of the 10 areas with jobless rates under 5.0 percent, 8 were located in the West North Central census division. Overall, 238 areas recorded unemployment rates below the U.S. figure of 9.2 percent, 133 areas reported rates above it, and 1 area had a rate equal to that of the nation.”