ABJ - September 30 - 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, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Nine areas recorded jobless rates of at least 15 per cent, while 10 areas registered rates of less than five per cent. 238 metropolitan areas reported over-the-year increases in nonfarm payroll employment, 127 reported decreases, and seven had no change. The national unemployment rate in August was 9.1 per cent, down from 9.5 per cent a year earlier.

In August, 100 metropolitan areas reported jobless rates of at least 10 per cent, down from 119 areas a year earlier, while 74 areas posted rates below seven per cent, up from 55 areas in August 2010.

El Centro, Calif., and Yuma, Ariz., recorded the highest unemployment rates in August, 32.4 and 29.4 per cent, respectively. All of the remaining seven areas with jobless rates of at least 15 per cent are in California.

Bismarck, N.D., registered the lowest unemployment rate, at three per cent. The areas with the next lowest rates were Lincoln, Neb., and Fargo, N.D.-Minn., 3.6 and 3.9 per cent, respectively.