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The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released an unemployment report today that examined the rates of unemployment in the Northern Virginia counties and cities.

Unless you've been living under a rock, haven't turned on the t.v., read a newspaper, been on the internet, or walked down the street in the last 6 months, you're aware that the unemployment rate in the United States has skyrocketed to the 10% region.

Well, in Northern Virginia, most areas are doing quite well when it comes to employment statistics, and some counties, like Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudoun are doing phenomenal -- less than half of national unemployment.

Here's a look at unemployment numbers as of December 2009:

• Arlington County -- 4% unemployment
• Fairfax County -- 4.6% unemployment
• Loudoun County -- 4.6% unemployment
• Alexandria City -- 4.8% unemployment

Even Fredericksburg VA, with its comparatively high 9.9% unemployment rate is far below many other hurting areas of the nation.

Compare the above numbers with those of some other major metropolitan areas:

• Atlanta -- 10.1% unemployment
• Chicago -- 10.6% unemployment
• Los Angeles -- 11.3% unemployment
• Tampa -- 12.4% unemployment
• Las Vegas -- 13.1% unemployment
• Detroit -- 14.8% unemployment

Click here to view D.C. & Northern Virginia unemployment numbers on an area map.

With these numbers, it's no wonder people from around the country are starting to search for homes in Northern Virginia and moving here!