ANNUAL U.S. ECONOMIC SNAPSHOT · 1960s DECADE
The U.S. Economy & Cost of Living in 1968
In 1968, U.S. CPI inflation averaged 4.27%, civilian unemployment stood at 3.56%, and real GDP grew by 4.91%. Due to cumulative inflation since 1968, $100 in 1968 has the same purchasing power as $926.00 in 2025.
1968 CPI Inflation 4.27% CPI: 34.8
$100 in 1968 Worth $926.00 In 2025 dollars
Unemployment 3.56% Civilian U-3
Real GDP Growth 4.91% $941B nominal
Median Home Price $24,800 4.23x income
10Y Treasury Yield 5.64% Fed Funds: 5.66%
1968 vs. 2025 U.S. Economic & Cost-of-Living Benchmark Table
| Economic Indicator | In 1968 | In 2025 | Full Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPI-U Inflation Rate (Annual %) | 4.27% | 2.63% | History → |
| Purchasing Power of $100 in 2025 USD | $100.00 | $926.00 | History → |
| Civilian Unemployment Rate (%) | 3.56% | 4.26% | History → |
| Real GDP Growth Rate (% YoY) | 4.91% | 2.34% | History → |
| Nominal U.S. GDP ($ Billions) | $940.7B | $30,861.3B | History → |
| Real GDP Per Capita (Chained 2017 USD) | $25,634 | $70,020 | History → |
| Median Home Sales Price (Nominal USD) | $24,800 | $415,400 | History → |
| Median Home Price-to-Income Ratio | 4.23x | 4.75x | History → |
| Mortgage Origination Rate (FHFA, %) | - | 6.3% | History → |
| 10-Year U.S. Treasury Yield (%) | 5.64% | 4.29% | History → |
| Federal Minimum Wage (Nominal vs 2025 Real) | $1.60 ($14.81 in 2025 USD) | $7.25 | History → |
| Regular Gasoline Price (USD / Gallon) | - | $3.26 | History → |
| Federal Public Debt (% of GDP) | 37.4% | 120.7% | History → |
| Federal Budget Surplus / Deficit (% of GDP) | -2.67% | -5.77% | History → |
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