ANNUAL U.S. ECONOMIC SNAPSHOT · 1970s DECADE
The U.S. Economy & Cost of Living in 1979
In 1979, U.S. CPI inflation averaged 11.25%, civilian unemployment stood at 5.85%, and real GDP grew by 3.17%. Due to cumulative inflation since 1979, $100 in 1979 has the same purchasing power as $444.00 in 2025.
1979 CPI Inflation 11.25% CPI: 72.6
$100 in 1979 Worth $444.00 In 2025 dollars
Unemployment 5.85% Civilian U-3
Real GDP Growth 3.17% $2,627B nominal
Median Home Price $62,750 4.21x income
10Y Treasury Yield 9.43% Fed Funds: 11.19%
1979 vs. 2025 U.S. Economic & Cost-of-Living Benchmark Table
| Economic Indicator | In 1979 | In 2025 | Full Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPI-U Inflation Rate (Annual %) | 11.25% | 2.63% | History → |
| Purchasing Power of $100 in 2025 USD | $100.00 | $444.00 | History → |
| Civilian Unemployment Rate (%) | 5.85% | 4.26% | History → |
| Real GDP Growth Rate (% YoY) | 3.17% | 2.34% | History → |
| Nominal U.S. GDP ($ Billions) | $2,627.3B | $30,861.3B | History → |
| Real GDP Per Capita (Chained 2017 USD) | $32,322 | $70,020 | History → |
| Median Home Sales Price (Nominal USD) | $62,750 | $415,400 | History → |
| Median Home Price-to-Income Ratio | 4.21x | 4.75x | History → |
| Mortgage Origination Rate (FHFA, %) | - | 6.3% | History → |
| 10-Year U.S. Treasury Yield (%) | 9.43% | 4.29% | History → |
| Federal Minimum Wage (Nominal vs 2025 Real) | $2.90 ($12.86 in 2025 USD) | $7.25 | History → |
| Regular Gasoline Price (USD / Gallon) | $0.90 | $3.26 | History → |
| Federal Public Debt (% of GDP) | 31.2% | 120.7% | History → |
| Federal Budget Surplus / Deficit (% of GDP) | -1.55% | -5.77% | History → |
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