Unemployment rates were higher in January than a year earlier in 363 of the 372 metropolitan areas, lower in 7 areas, and unchanged in 2 areas, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. Thirty-five areas recorded jobless rates of at least 15.0 percent, while 2 areas registered rates below 5.0 percent. The national unemployment rate in January was 10.6 percent, not seasonally adjusted, up from 8.5 percent a year earlier. Among the 371 metropolitan areas for which nonfarm payroll data were available, 346 areas reported over-the-year decreases in employment, 24 reported increases, and 1 remained unchanged.
