ANNUAL U.S. ECONOMIC SNAPSHOT · 1980s DECADE
The U.S. Economy & Cost of Living in 1987
In 1987, U.S. CPI inflation averaged 3.66%, civilian unemployment stood at 6.18%, and real GDP grew by 3.45%. Due to cumulative inflation since 1987, $100 in 1987 has the same purchasing power as $283.00 in 2025.
1987 CPI Inflation 3.66% CPI: 113.6
$100 in 1987 Worth $283.00 In 2025 dollars
Unemployment 6.18% Civilian U-3
Real GDP Growth 3.45% $4,855B nominal
Median Home Price $104,700 4.02x income
10Y Treasury Yield 8.39% Fed Funds: 6.66%
1987 vs. 2025 U.S. Economic & Cost-of-Living Benchmark Table
| Economic Indicator | In 1987 | In 2025 | Full Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPI-U Inflation Rate (Annual %) | 3.66% | 2.63% | History → |
| Purchasing Power of $100 in 2025 USD | $100.00 | $283.00 | History → |
| Civilian Unemployment Rate (%) | 6.18% | 4.26% | History → |
| Real GDP Growth Rate (% YoY) | 3.45% | 2.34% | History → |
| Nominal U.S. GDP ($ Billions) | $4,855.2B | $30,861.3B | History → |
| Real GDP Per Capita (Chained 2017 USD) | $37,627 | $70,020 | History → |
| Median Home Sales Price (Nominal USD) | $104,700 | $415,400 | History → |
| Median Home Price-to-Income Ratio | 4.02x | 4.75x | History → |
| Mortgage Origination Rate (FHFA, %) | - | 6.3% | History → |
| 10-Year U.S. Treasury Yield (%) | 8.39% | 4.29% | History → |
| Federal Minimum Wage (Nominal vs 2025 Real) | $3.35 ($9.49 in 2025 USD) | $7.25 | History → |
| Regular Gasoline Price (USD / Gallon) | $0.95 | $3.26 | History → |
| Federal Public Debt (% of GDP) | 48.1% | 120.7% | History → |
| Federal Budget Surplus / Deficit (% of GDP) | -3.08% | -5.77% | History → |
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