Unemployment in Greater Baltimore dropped from 5.4 percent in 1996 to 4 percent in 1999. Since most other metros also realized declining rates, Greater Baltimore maintained its 17th place position. Raleigh, Austin, and Minneapolis have rates near or below 2 percent, while Cleveland and Portland have rates higher than the U.S. average of 4.1 percent.

UNEMPLOYMENT RATE CHARTS

• Annual Unemployment Rate, 1996 and 1999