ABJ - December 7 - Unemployment rates were lower in October year-over-year in 281 of 372 metropolitan areas, higher in 76 areas, and unchanged in 15 areas, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Eight areas recorded jobless rates of at least 15 per cent, while 21 areas registered rates of less than five per cent. 233 metropolitan areas reported over-the-year increases in nonfarm payroll employment, 133 reported decreases, and six had no change. The national unemployment rate in October was 8.5 per cent, down from nine per cent a year earlier.

In October, 74 metropolitan areas reported jobless rates of at least 10 per cent, down from 98 areas a year earlier, while 106 areas posted rates below seven per cent, up from 80 areas in October 2010. El Centro, Calif. and Yuma, Ariz. recorded the highest unemployment rates in October, 28.9 and 26.3 per cent, respectively. The remaining six areas with jobless rates of at least 15 per cent were located in California. Bismarck, N.D. registered the lowest unemployment rate at 2.4 per cent. The areas with the next lowest rates were Fargo, N.D.-Minn. and Lincoln, Neb., 3.1 and 3.4 per cent, respectively. 223 areas recorded October unemployment rates below the U.S. figure of 8.5 per cent, 141 areas reported rates above it, and eight areas had rates equal to that of the nation.