BLS - METROPOLITAN AREA EMPLOYMENT AND UNEMPLOYMENT -- SEPTEMBER 2025
BLS - Press Release
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Unemployment rates were higher in September than a year earlier in 275 of the 387 metropolitan areas, lower in 83 areas, and unchanged in 29 areas, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported today. A total of 45 areas had jobless rates of less than 3.0 percent and 8 areas had rates of at least 8.0 percent. Nonfarm payroll employment increased over the year in 10 metropolitan areas and was essentially unchanged in 377 areas. The national unemployment rate in September was 4.3 percent, not seasonally adjusted, up from 3.9 percent a year earlier.
This 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. These data pertain to people by where they reside. The employment data are from an establishment survey that measures nonfarm employment, hours, and earnings by industry. These data pertain to jobs on payrolls defined by where the establishments are located. For more information about the concepts and statistical methodologies used by these two programs, see the Technical Note.
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