ANNUAL U.S. ECONOMIC SNAPSHOT · 1970s DECADE
The U.S. Economy & Cost of Living in 1976
In 1976, U.S. CPI inflation averaged 5.74%, civilian unemployment stood at 7.70%, and real GDP grew by 5.39%. Due to cumulative inflation since 1976, $100 in 1976 has the same purchasing power as $566.00 in 2025.
1976 CPI Inflation 5.74% CPI: 56.9
$100 in 1976 Worth $566.00 In 2025 dollars
Unemployment 7.70% Civilian U-3
Real GDP Growth 5.39% $1,873B nominal
Median Home Price $44,225 3.98x income
10Y Treasury Yield 7.61% Fed Funds: 5.04%
1976 vs. 2025 U.S. Economic & Cost-of-Living Benchmark Table
| Economic Indicator | In 1976 | In 2025 | Full Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPI-U Inflation Rate (Annual %) | 5.74% | 2.63% | History → |
| Purchasing Power of $100 in 2025 USD | $100.00 | $566.00 | History → |
| Civilian Unemployment Rate (%) | 7.70% | 4.26% | History → |
| Real GDP Growth Rate (% YoY) | 5.39% | 2.34% | History → |
| Nominal U.S. GDP ($ Billions) | $1,873.4B | $30,861.3B | History → |
| Real GDP Per Capita (Chained 2017 USD) | $29,288 | $70,020 | History → |
| Median Home Sales Price (Nominal USD) | $44,225 | $415,400 | History → |
| Median Home Price-to-Income Ratio | 3.98x | 4.75x | History → |
| Mortgage Origination Rate (FHFA, %) | - | 6.3% | History → |
| 10-Year U.S. Treasury Yield (%) | 7.61% | 4.29% | History → |
| Federal Minimum Wage (Nominal vs 2025 Real) | $2.30 ($13.01 in 2025 USD) | $7.25 | History → |
| Regular Gasoline Price (USD / Gallon) | $0.61 | $3.26 | History → |
| Federal Public Debt (% of GDP) | 33.5% | 120.7% | History → |
| Federal Budget Surplus / Deficit (% of GDP) | -3.94% | -5.77% | History → |
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