ANNUAL U.S. ECONOMIC SNAPSHOT · 1980s DECADE
The U.S. Economy & Cost of Living in 1986
In 1986, U.S. CPI inflation averaged 1.90%, civilian unemployment stood at 7.00%, and real GDP grew by 3.46%. Due to cumulative inflation since 1986, $100 in 1986 has the same purchasing power as $294.00 in 2025.
1986 CPI Inflation 1.90% CPI: 109.6
$100 in 1986 Worth $294.00 In 2025 dollars
Unemployment 7.00% Civilian U-3
Real GDP Growth 3.46% $4,580B nominal
Median Home Price $92,025 3.7x income
10Y Treasury Yield 7.67% Fed Funds: 6.81%
1986 vs. 2025 U.S. Economic & Cost-of-Living Benchmark Table
| Economic Indicator | In 1986 | In 2025 | Full Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPI-U Inflation Rate (Annual %) | 1.90% | 2.63% | History → |
| Purchasing Power of $100 in 2025 USD | $100.00 | $294.00 | History → |
| Civilian Unemployment Rate (%) | 7.00% | 4.26% | History → |
| Real GDP Growth Rate (% YoY) | 3.46% | 2.34% | History → |
| Nominal U.S. GDP ($ Billions) | $4,579.6B | $30,861.3B | History → |
| Real GDP Per Capita (Chained 2017 USD) | $36,698 | $70,020 | History → |
| Median Home Sales Price (Nominal USD) | $92,025 | $415,400 | History → |
| Median Home Price-to-Income Ratio | 3.7x | 4.75x | History → |
| Mortgage Origination Rate (FHFA, %) | - | 6.3% | History → |
| 10-Year U.S. Treasury Yield (%) | 7.67% | 4.29% | History → |
| Federal Minimum Wage (Nominal vs 2025 Real) | $3.35 ($9.84 in 2025 USD) | $7.25 | History → |
| Regular Gasoline Price (USD / Gallon) | $0.93 | $3.26 | History → |
| Federal Public Debt (% of GDP) | 45.8% | 120.7% | History → |
| Federal Budget Surplus / Deficit (% of GDP) | -4.83% | -5.77% | History → |
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