ABJ - July 3 - Unemployment rates were lower in May than a year earlier in 331 metropolitan areas, higher in 32 areas, and unchanged in nine areas, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Five areas recorded jobless rates of at least 15 per cent, while 29 areas registered rates of less than five per cent. According to the report, 266 metropolitan areas reported over-the-year increases in non-farm payroll employment, 101 reported decreases, and five had no change. The national unemployment rate in May was 7.9 per cent, non-seasonally adjusted, down from 8.7 per cent a year earlier.

In May, 45 metropolitan areas reported jobless rates of at least 10 per cent, down from 84 areas a year earlier, while 140 areas posted rates below seven per cent, up from 96 areas in May of last year. Yuma, Ariz. (28.9 per cent) recorded the highest unemployment rates in May. Bismarck, N.D. registered the lowest unemployment rate, at 2.5 per cent, followed by Fargo, N.D.-Minn., at three per cent.

The largest over-the-year May unemployment rate decrease was registered in Mansfield, Ohio (-2.4 per cent). An additional 12 areas had decreases of two per cent or more. Kennewick-Pasco-Richland, Wash. reported the largest over-the-year jobless rate increase (1.5 per cent).