ABJ - January 6 - Unemployment rates were lower in November than a year earlier in 351 of the 372 metropolitan areas, higher in 16 areas, and unchanged in five areas, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Eight areas recorded jobless rates of at least 15 per cent, while 25 areas registered rates of less than five per cent. 239 metropolitan areas reported over-the-year increases in nonfarm payroll employment, 127 reported decreases, and six had no change.

The national unemployment rate in November was 8.2 per cent, not seasonally adjusted, down from 9.3 per cent a year earlier.

In November, 58 metropolitan areas reported jobless rates of at least 10 per cent, down from 112 areas a year earlier, while 129 areas posted rates below seven per cent, up from 65 areas in November 2010.

El Centro, Calif., and Yuma, Ariz., recorded the highest unemployment rates in November 2011, at 27.2 and 23.7 per cent, respectively. The six remaining areas with jobless rates of at least 15 per cent were located in California.

Bismarck, N.D., registered the lowest unemployment rate, at 2.8 per cent. The areas with the next lowest rates were Fargo, N.D.-Minn., and Lincoln, Neb., 3.1 and 3.2 per cent, respectively.