Unemployment rates were higher in February than a year earlier in 347 of the 372 metropolitan areas, lower in 21 areas, and unchanged in 4
areas, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. Twenty-nine areas recorded jobless rates of at least 15.0 percent, while 2 areas
registered rates below 5.0 percent. The national unemployment rate in February was 10.4 percent, not seasonally adjusted, up from 8.9 percent a year earlier. Among the 371 metropolitan areas for which nonfarm payroll data were available, 343 areas reported over-the-year decreases in employment, 26 reported increases, and 2 had no change.
