ABJ - June 5 - Unemployment rates were lower in April than a year earlier in 342 of the 372 metropolitan areas, higher in 25 areas, and unchanged in five areas, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

According to the report, 10 areas recorded jobless rates of at least 15 per cent, while 32 areas registered rates of less than five per cent. Meanwhile, 246 metropolitan areas reported over-the-year increases in non-farm payroll employment, 115 reported decreases, and 11 had no change. The national unemployment rate in April was 7.7 per cent, not seasonally adjusted, down from 8.7 per cent a year earlier.

In April, 41 metropolitan areas reported jobless rates of at least 10 per cent, down from 79 areas a year earlier, while 163 areas posted rates below seven per cent, up from 100 areas in April of last year. El Centro, Calif. (26.8 per cent) and Yuma, Ariz. (26 per cent) recorded the highest unemployment rates in April. The remaining eight areas with jobless rates of at least 15 per cent were all located in California.

Bismarck, N.D. registered the lowest unemployment rate, at 2.8 per cent, followed by Fargo, N.D.-Minn., and Lincoln, Neb., both at 3.3 per cent.