Unemployment rates were lower in March than a year earlier in 317 of the 372 metropolitan areas, higher in 44 areas, and unchanged in 11 areas, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. Fourteen areas recorded jobless rates of at least 15.0 percent, while eight areas registered rates of less than 5.0 percent. Two hundred sixty metropolitan areas reported over-the- year increases in nonfarm payroll employment, 101 reported decreases, and 11 were unchanged. The national unemployment rate in March was 9.2 percent, not seasonally adjusted, down from 10.2 percent a year earlier.
