The Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario area in Southern California recorded the highest jobless rate in October, 9.5%, among metropolitan areas with a population of 1 million or more, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. The Washington DC metropolitan area, which includes Arlington and Alexandria VA, posted the lowest unemployment rate at 4.1%.

El Centro CA, also in Southern California, posted the highest jobless rate among metropolitan areas of all sizes in October at 27.6%. Bismarck ND had the lowest at 2.2%.

Overall, 361 of the 369 metropolitan areas reported higher unemployment rates in October than a year earlier. Eight reported lower rates.