Boston Area Has Lowest Mass. Unemployment Rate
BOSTON (CBS) - The Boston-Cambridge area posted the lowest civilian unemployment rate in May among the seven regions recognized by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statitistcs, data released Wednesday indicated. The highest unemployment was in the region centered around New Bedford.
Figures were not seasonally adjusted.
According to a news release from the agency, statewide civilian unemployment was 7.4 percent in May, based on preliminary data, compared to 8.3 percent in May 2010.
By region, unemployment was:
• Barnstable, 7.7 percent in May 2011 compared to 8.3 percent in May 2010.
• Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, 6.6 percent in May 2011 compared to 7.6 percent in May 2010.
• Leominster-Fitchburg-Gardner, 10 percent in May 2011 compared to 10.8 percent in May 2010.
• New Bedford, 11.6 percent in May 2011 compared to 10.5 percent in May 2010.
• Pittsfield, 7.4 percent in May 2011 compared to 8.1 percent in May 2010.
• Springfield, 8.4 percent in May 2011 compared to 9.0 percent in May 2010.
• Worcester, 7.9 percent in May 2011 compared to 8.9 percent in May 2010.
Lisa Van Der Pool of the Boston Business Journal reports
Nationwide, 274 of 372 metropolitan areas saw improved employment rates year over year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported.
The highest unemployment rate, nationwide, in May 2011 was Yuma, Ariz., at 27.9 percent.
The lowest unemployment rate was for Bismarck, N.D., at 2.9 percent.
