ANNUAL U.S. ECONOMIC SNAPSHOT · 1950s DECADE
The U.S. Economy & Cost of Living in 1952
In 1952, U.S. CPI inflation averaged 2.28%, civilian unemployment stood at 3.03%, and real GDP grew by 4.08%. Due to cumulative inflation since 1952, $100 in 1952 has the same purchasing power as $1,213.00 in 2025.
1952 CPI Inflation 2.28% CPI: 26.5
$100 in 1952 Worth $1,213.00 In 2025 dollars
Unemployment 3.03% Civilian U-3
Real GDP Growth 4.08% $367B nominal
Median Home Price - Census/HUD
Min Wage (Nominal) $0.75 $9.09 in 2025 USD
1952 vs. 2025 U.S. Economic & Cost-of-Living Benchmark Table
| Economic Indicator | In 1952 | In 2025 | Full Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPI-U Inflation Rate (Annual %) | 2.28% | 2.63% | History → |
| Purchasing Power of $100 in 2025 USD | $100.00 | $1,213.00 | History → |
| Civilian Unemployment Rate (%) | 3.03% | 4.26% | History → |
| Real GDP Growth Rate (% YoY) | 4.08% | 2.34% | History → |
| Nominal U.S. GDP ($ Billions) | $367.3B | $30,861.3B | History → |
| Real GDP Per Capita (Chained 2017 USD) | $17,615 | $70,020 | History → |
| Median Home Sales Price (Nominal USD) | - | $415,400 | History → |
| Median Home Price-to-Income Ratio | - | 4.75x | History → |
| Mortgage Origination Rate (FHFA, %) | - | 6.3% | History → |
| 10-Year U.S. Treasury Yield (%) | - | 4.29% | History → |
| Federal Minimum Wage (Nominal vs 2025 Real) | $0.75 ($9.09 in 2025 USD) | $7.25 | History → |
| Regular Gasoline Price (USD / Gallon) | - | $3.26 | History → |
| Federal Public Debt (% of GDP) | - | 120.7% | History → |
| Federal Budget Surplus / Deficit (% of GDP) | -0.41% | -5.77% | History → |
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