Unemployment down in many metro areas

Unemployment rates are down in many U.S. metropolitan areas, according to figures released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The national unemployment rate in April was 8.7 percent, down from 9.5 percent one year ago.

Rates were lower in April than one year earlier in 297 of the 372 metropolitan areas, higher in 54 areas, and unchanged in 21 areas. 237 metro areas indicated increases in non-farm payroll employment, 126 reported decreases, and 9 had no change.

Hard-hit states like Indiana and Michigan reported the most significant drops in unemployment. California cities continue to experience the highest unemployment rates, constituting the majority of job markets with rates higher than 16 percent.

See Inman News charts for more detailed statistics.