ANNUAL U.S. ECONOMIC SNAPSHOT · 1970s DECADE
The U.S. Economy & Cost of Living in 1974
In 1974, U.S. CPI inflation averaged 11.05%, civilian unemployment stood at 5.64%, and real GDP grew by -0.54%. Due to cumulative inflation since 1974, $100 in 1974 has the same purchasing power as $653.00 in 2025.
1974 CPI Inflation 11.05% CPI: 49.3
$100 in 1974 Worth $653.00 In 2025 dollars
Unemployment 5.64% Civilian U-3
Real GDP Growth -0.54% $1,545B nominal
Median Home Price $36,050 3.82x income
10Y Treasury Yield 7.56% Fed Funds: 10.50%
1974 vs. 2025 U.S. Economic & Cost-of-Living Benchmark Table
| Economic Indicator | In 1974 | In 2025 | Full Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPI-U Inflation Rate (Annual %) | 11.05% | 2.63% | History → |
| Purchasing Power of $100 in 2025 USD | $100.00 | $653.00 | History → |
| Civilian Unemployment Rate (%) | 5.64% | 4.26% | History → |
| Real GDP Growth Rate (% YoY) | -0.54% | 2.34% | History → |
| Nominal U.S. GDP ($ Billions) | $1,545.2B | $30,861.3B | History → |
| Real GDP Per Capita (Chained 2017 USD) | $28,394 | $70,020 | History → |
| Median Home Sales Price (Nominal USD) | $36,050 | $415,400 | History → |
| Median Home Price-to-Income Ratio | 3.82x | 4.75x | History → |
| Mortgage Origination Rate (FHFA, %) | - | 6.3% | History → |
| 10-Year U.S. Treasury Yield (%) | 7.56% | 4.29% | History → |
| Federal Minimum Wage (Nominal vs 2025 Real) | $2.00 ($13.06 in 2025 USD) | $7.25 | History → |
| Regular Gasoline Price (USD / Gallon) | - | $3.26 | History → |
| Federal Public Debt (% of GDP) | 31.1% | 120.7% | History → |
| Federal Budget Surplus / Deficit (% of GDP) | -0.40% | -5.77% | History → |
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