Unemployment rates were lower in June than a year earlier in 224 of the 372 metropolitan areas, higher in 127 areas, and unchanged in 21 areas, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. Twelve areas recorded jobless rates of at least 15.0 percent, while nine areas registered rates of less than 5.0 percent. Two hundred seventeen metropolitan areas reported over-the-year increases in nonfarm payroll employment, 143 reported decreases, and 12 had no change. The national unemployment rate in June was 9.3 percent, not seasonally adjusted, down from 9.6 percent a year earlier.
