The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics recently reported that of the 372 metropolitan areas measured, 351 have measurably lower unemployment rates than November 2010. Of the remaining 21 areas, 16 saw increased unemployment rates, and five held steady. Eight metro areas have reported unemployment rates above 15 percent. On the other side of the scale, 25 metro areas have reported rates of less than 5 percent. Within the non-farm payroll sector, over the last 12-month period, 239 areas saw employment increases, 127 experienced decreased employment levels, and six were stagnant.  Nationally, the unemployment rate fell 1.1 percent, over-the-year, from 9.3 percent to 8.2 percent. Read more