Oklahoma City area jobless rate falls in July

Unemployment in the metro area dropped to 6.4 percent in July, making it the second lowest jobless rate last month among large metropolitan areas, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Oklahoma City rate was 6.7 percent in June.

The Washington, D.C., area had the lowest rate — 6.3 percent — among large metropolitan areas in July.

Rates also fell from June to July in Tulsa, 7.9 percent to 7.5 percent; and Lawton, 6.5 percent to 6.1 percent — but remained above prior year rates.

In July 2009, the jobless rates were 6.1 percent in Oklahoma City, 7.1 percent in Tulsa and 5.4 percent in Lawton, according to the bureau.