ABJ - May 10 - Unemployment rates were lower in March than a year earlier in 342 of the 372 metropolitan areas, higher in 16 areas, and unchanged in 14 areas, reported the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

According to the report, 13 areas recorded jobless rates of at least 15 per cent, while 17 areas registered rates of less than five per cent. 267 metropolitan areas reported over-the-year increases in non-farm payroll employment, 96 reported decreases, and nine had no change. The national unemployment rate in March was 8.4 per cent, not seasonally adjusted, down from 9.2 per cent a year earlier.

In March, 54 metropolitan areas reported jobless rates of at least 10 per cent, down from 116 areas a year earlier, while 109 areas posted rates below seven per cent, up from 62 areas in March of last year. El Centro, Calif. (26.2 per cent) and Yuma, Ariz. (23.8 per cent) recorded the highest unemployment rates in March. The report indicates that 10 of the other 11 areas with jobless rates of at least 15 per cent were located in California.

Meanwhile, Bismarck, N.D. registered the lowest unemployment rate, at 3.5 per cent, followed by Lincoln, Neb. and Midland, Texas, both 3.7 per cent.