ANNUAL U.S. ECONOMIC SNAPSHOT · 1950s DECADE
The U.S. Economy & Cost of Living in 1955
In 1955, U.S. CPI inflation averaged -0.28%, civilian unemployment stood at 4.37%, and real GDP grew by 7.13%. Due to cumulative inflation since 1955, $100 in 1955 has the same purchasing power as $1,202.00 in 2025.
1955 CPI Inflation -0.28% CPI: 26.8
$100 in 1955 Worth $1,202.00 In 2025 dollars
Unemployment 4.37% Civilian U-3
Real GDP Growth 7.13% $426B nominal
Median Home Price - Census/HUD
Min Wage (Nominal) $0.75 $9.02 in 2025 USD
1955 vs. 2025 U.S. Economic & Cost-of-Living Benchmark Table
| Economic Indicator | In 1955 | In 2025 | Full Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPI-U Inflation Rate (Annual %) | -0.28% | 2.63% | History → |
| Purchasing Power of $100 in 2025 USD | $100.00 | $1,202.00 | History → |
| Civilian Unemployment Rate (%) | 4.37% | 4.26% | History → |
| Real GDP Growth Rate (% YoY) | 7.13% | 2.34% | History → |
| Nominal U.S. GDP ($ Billions) | $425.5B | $30,861.3B | History → |
| Real GDP Per Capita (Chained 2017 USD) | $18,653 | $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 ($9.02 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) | -0.70% | -5.77% | History → |
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