Unemployment rates fell in a majority of cities in August

Nine areas recorded jobless rates of at least 15 percent, while 10 areas registered rates of less than 5 percent. 

The national unemployment rate in August was 9.1 percent, not seasonally adjusted, down from 9.5 percent a year earlier.

Unlike national and state data, metro unemployment figures are not adjusted for seasonal changes.

The economic recovery has slowed in the past few months as employers pulled back on hiring. 

In August, 100 metropolitan areas reported jobless rates of at least 10 percent, down from 119 areas a year earlier, while 74 areas posted rates below 7 percent, up from 55 areas in August 2010. 

El Centro, Calif. and Yuma, Ariz., heavy agricultural areas, recorded the highest unemployment rates in August 2011, 32.4 and 29.4 percent, respectively. 

All of the remaining seven areas with jobless rates of at least 15 percent were located in California.

Bismarck, N.D. registered the lowest unemployment rate at 3 percent. The areas with the next lowest rates were Lincoln, Neb. and Fargo, N.D. at 3.6 and 3.9 percent, respectively. 

A total of 217 areas recorded August unemployment rates below the U.S. figure of 9.1 percent, 149 areas reported rates above it, and 6 areas had rates equal to that of the nation. 

Oklahoma City, Okla. had the lowest rate among big cities, at 5 percent.

Among the 49 cities with populations of 1 million or more, Las Vegas had the highest unemployment rate, at 14.2 percent. Riverside-San Bernardino, Calif. had the second highest, 14.1 percent. Both were hit by huge housing bubbles and haven’t yet recovered.