ANNUAL U.S. ECONOMIC SNAPSHOT · 1990s DECADE
The U.S. Economy & Cost of Living in 1991
In 1991, U.S. CPI inflation averaged 4.23%, civilian unemployment stood at 6.85%, and real GDP grew by -0.11%. Due to cumulative inflation since 1991, $100 in 1991 has the same purchasing power as $236.00 in 2025.
1991 CPI Inflation 4.23% CPI: 136.2
$100 in 1991 Worth $236.00 In 2025 dollars
Unemployment 6.85% Civilian U-3
Real GDP Growth -0.11% $6,158B nominal
Median Home Price $119,975 3.98x income
10Y Treasury Yield 7.86% Fed Funds: 5.69%
1991 vs. 2025 U.S. Economic & Cost-of-Living Benchmark Table
| Economic Indicator | In 1991 | In 2025 | Full Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPI-U Inflation Rate (Annual %) | 4.23% | 2.63% | History → |
| Purchasing Power of $100 in 2025 USD | $100.00 | $236.00 | History → |
| Civilian Unemployment Rate (%) | 6.85% | 4.26% | History → |
| Real GDP Growth Rate (% YoY) | -0.11% | 2.34% | History → |
| Nominal U.S. GDP ($ Billions) | $6,158.1B | $30,861.3B | History → |
| Real GDP Per Capita (Chained 2017 USD) | $39,617 | $70,020 | History → |
| Median Home Sales Price (Nominal USD) | $119,975 | $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 (%) | 7.86% | 4.29% | History → |
| Federal Minimum Wage (Nominal vs 2025 Real) | $4.25 ($10.05 in 2025 USD) | $7.25 | History → |
| Regular Gasoline Price (USD / Gallon) | $1.14 | $3.26 | History → |
| Federal Public Debt (% of GDP) | 58.7% | 120.7% | History → |
| Federal Budget Surplus / Deficit (% of GDP) | -4.37% | -5.77% | History → |
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