Metropolitan Area Employment and Unemployment Information for February 2021

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported today (Wednesday, April 7, 2021) the Metropolitan Area Employment and Unemployment information for February 2021. According to the BLS, unemployment rates were higher in February than a year earlier in 383 of the 389 metropolitan areas, lower in 4 areas, and unchanged in 2 areas. A total of 18 areas had jobless rates of at least 10.0% and 48 areas had rates of less than 4.0%. Nonfarm payroll employment decreased over the year in 206 metropolitan areas, increased in 1 area, and was essentially unchanged in 182 areas. The national unemployment rate in February was 6.6% percent, not seasonally adjusted, up from 3.8% percent a year earlier. In February, El Centro, CA, had the highest unemployment rate, 15.9%, while Logan, UT-ID, had the lowest rate, 2.6%. This BLS news release presents statistics from two monthly programs. The civilian labor force and unemployment data are based on the same concepts and definitions as those used for the national household survey estimates.