Unemployment rates were lower in April than a year earlier in 297 of the 372 metropolitan areas, higher in 54 areas, and unchanged in 21 areas, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. Twelve areas recorded jobless rates of at least 15.0 percent, while 16 areas registered rates of less than 5.0 percent. Two hundred thirty-seven metropolitan areas reported over-the-year increases in nonfarm payroll employment, 126 reported decreases, and 9 had no change. The national unemployment rate in April was 8.7 percent, not seasonally adjusted, down from 9.5 percent a year earlier.
