ANNUAL U.S. ECONOMIC SNAPSHOT · 1980s DECADE
The U.S. Economy & Cost of Living in 1980
In 1980, U.S. CPI inflation averaged 13.55%, civilian unemployment stood at 7.18%, and real GDP grew by -0.26%. Due to cumulative inflation since 1980, $100 in 1980 has the same purchasing power as $391.00 in 2025.
1980 CPI Inflation 13.55% CPI: 82.4
$100 in 1980 Worth $391.00 In 2025 dollars
Unemployment 7.18% Civilian U-3
Real GDP Growth -0.26% $2,857B nominal
Median Home Price $64,750 3.94x income
10Y Treasury Yield 11.43% Fed Funds: 13.36%
1980 vs. 2025 U.S. Economic & Cost-of-Living Benchmark Table
| Economic Indicator | In 1980 | In 2025 | Full Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPI-U Inflation Rate (Annual %) | 13.55% | 2.63% | History → |
| Purchasing Power of $100 in 2025 USD | $100.00 | $391.00 | History → |
| Civilian Unemployment Rate (%) | 7.18% | 4.26% | History → |
| Real GDP Growth Rate (% YoY) | -0.26% | 2.34% | History → |
| Nominal U.S. GDP ($ Billions) | $2,857.3B | $30,861.3B | History → |
| Real GDP Per Capita (Chained 2017 USD) | $31,869 | $70,020 | History → |
| Median Home Sales Price (Nominal USD) | $64,750 | $415,400 | History → |
| Median Home Price-to-Income Ratio | 3.94x | 4.75x | History → |
| Mortgage Origination Rate (FHFA, %) | - | 6.3% | History → |
| 10-Year U.S. Treasury Yield (%) | 11.43% | 4.29% | History → |
| Federal Minimum Wage (Nominal vs 2025 Real) | $3.10 ($12.11 in 2025 USD) | $7.25 | History → |
| Regular Gasoline Price (USD / Gallon) | $1.25 | $3.26 | History → |
| Federal Public Debt (% of GDP) | 31.3% | 120.7% | History → |
| Federal Budget Surplus / Deficit (% of GDP) | -2.58% | -5.77% | History → |
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