News release: “Unemployment rates were lower in August than a year earlier in 262 of the 372 metropolitan areas, higher in 84 areas, and unchanged in 26 areas, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Nine areas recorded jobless rates of at least 15.0 percent, while 10 areas registered rates of less than 5.0 percent. Two hundred thirty-eight metropolitan areas reported over-the-year increases in nonfarm payroll employment, 127 reported decreases, and 7 had no change. The national unemployment rate in August was 9.1 percent, not seasonally adjusted, down from 9.5 percent a year earlier. Metropolitan Area Unemployment (Not Seasonally Adjusted) In August, 100 metropolitan areas reported jobless rates of at least 10.0 percent, down from 119 areas a year earlier, while 74 areas posted rates below 7.0 percent, up from 55 areas in August 2010. El Centro, Calif., and Yuma, Ariz., recorded the highest unemployment rates in August 2011, 32.4 and 29.4 percent, respectively. All of the remaining seven areas with jobless rates of at least 15.0 percent were located in California. Bismarck, N.D., registered the lowest unemployment rate, 3.0 percent. The areas with the next lowest rates were Lincoln, Neb., and Fargo, N.D.-Minn., 3.6 and 3.9 percent, respectively. A total of 217 areas recorded August unemployment rates below the U.S. figure of 9.1 percent, 149 areas reported rates above it, and 6 areas had rates equal to that of the nation.”