ANNUAL U.S. ECONOMIC SNAPSHOT · 1970s DECADE
The U.S. Economy & Cost of Living in 1975
In 1975, U.S. CPI inflation averaged 9.14%, civilian unemployment stood at 8.47%, and real GDP grew by -0.21%. Due to cumulative inflation since 1975, $100 in 1975 has the same purchasing power as $598.00 in 2025.
1975 CPI Inflation 9.14% CPI: 53.8
$100 in 1975 Worth $598.00 In 2025 dollars
Unemployment 8.47% Civilian U-3
Real GDP Growth -0.21% $1,685B nominal
Median Home Price $39,275 3.84x income
10Y Treasury Yield 7.99% Fed Funds: 5.82%
1975 vs. 2025 U.S. Economic & Cost-of-Living Benchmark Table
| Economic Indicator | In 1975 | In 2025 | Full Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPI-U Inflation Rate (Annual %) | 9.14% | 2.63% | History → |
| Purchasing Power of $100 in 2025 USD | $100.00 | $598.00 | History → |
| Civilian Unemployment Rate (%) | 8.47% | 4.26% | History → |
| Real GDP Growth Rate (% YoY) | -0.21% | 2.34% | History → |
| Nominal U.S. GDP ($ Billions) | $1,684.9B | $30,861.3B | History → |
| Real GDP Per Capita (Chained 2017 USD) | $28,061 | $70,020 | History → |
| Median Home Sales Price (Nominal USD) | $39,275 | $415,400 | History → |
| Median Home Price-to-Income Ratio | 3.84x | 4.75x | History → |
| Mortgage Origination Rate (FHFA, %) | - | 6.3% | History → |
| 10-Year U.S. Treasury Yield (%) | 7.99% | 4.29% | History → |
| Federal Minimum Wage (Nominal vs 2025 Real) | $2.10 ($12.56 in 2025 USD) | $7.25 | History → |
| Regular Gasoline Price (USD / Gallon) | - | $3.26 | History → |
| Federal Public Debt (% of GDP) | 32.2% | 120.7% | History → |
| Federal Budget Surplus / Deficit (% of GDP) | -3.16% | -5.77% | History → |
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