ANNUAL U.S. ECONOMIC SNAPSHOT · 1970s DECADE
The U.S. Economy & Cost of Living in 1972
In 1972, U.S. CPI inflation averaged 3.27%, civilian unemployment stood at 5.60%, and real GDP grew by 5.26%. Due to cumulative inflation since 1972, $100 in 1972 has the same purchasing power as $770.00 in 2025.
1972 CPI Inflation 3.27% CPI: 41.8
$100 in 1972 Worth $770.00 In 2025 dollars
Unemployment 5.60% Civilian U-3
Real GDP Growth 5.26% $1,279B nominal
Median Home Price $27,525 3.5x income
10Y Treasury Yield 6.21% Fed Funds: 4.43%
1972 vs. 2025 U.S. Economic & Cost-of-Living Benchmark Table
| Economic Indicator | In 1972 | In 2025 | Full Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPI-U Inflation Rate (Annual %) | 3.27% | 2.63% | History → |
| Purchasing Power of $100 in 2025 USD | $100.00 | $770.00 | History → |
| Civilian Unemployment Rate (%) | 5.60% | 4.26% | History → |
| Real GDP Growth Rate (% YoY) | 5.26% | 2.34% | History → |
| Nominal U.S. GDP ($ Billions) | $1,279.1B | $30,861.3B | History → |
| Real GDP Per Capita (Chained 2017 USD) | $27,533 | $70,020 | History → |
| Median Home Sales Price (Nominal USD) | $27,525 | $415,400 | History → |
| Median Home Price-to-Income Ratio | 3.5x | 4.75x | History → |
| Mortgage Origination Rate (FHFA, %) | - | 6.3% | History → |
| 10-Year U.S. Treasury Yield (%) | 6.21% | 4.29% | History → |
| Federal Minimum Wage (Nominal vs 2025 Real) | $1.60 ($12.32 in 2025 USD) | $7.25 | History → |
| Regular Gasoline Price (USD / Gallon) | - | $3.26 | History → |
| Federal Public Debt (% of GDP) | 33.9% | 120.7% | History → |
| Federal Budget Surplus / Deficit (% of GDP) | -1.83% | -5.77% | History → |
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