ANNUAL U.S. ECONOMIC SNAPSHOT · 2000s DECADE
The U.S. Economy & Cost of Living in 2002
In 2002, U.S. CPI inflation averaged 1.59%, civilian unemployment stood at 5.78%, and real GDP grew by 1.70%. Due to cumulative inflation since 2002, $100 in 2002 has the same purchasing power as $179.00 in 2025.
2002 CPI Inflation 1.59% CPI: 179.9
$100 in 2002 Worth $179.00 In 2025 dollars
Unemployment 5.78% Civilian U-3
Real GDP Growth 1.70% $10,929B nominal
Median Home Price $186,025 4.39x income
Mortgage Rate (FHFA) 6.5% 10Y Yield: 4.61%
2002 vs. 2025 U.S. Economic & Cost-of-Living Benchmark Table
| Economic Indicator | In 2002 | In 2025 | Full Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPI-U Inflation Rate (Annual %) | 1.59% | 2.63% | History → |
| Purchasing Power of $100 in 2025 USD | $100.00 | $179.00 | History → |
| Civilian Unemployment Rate (%) | 5.78% | 4.26% | History → |
| Real GDP Growth Rate (% YoY) | 1.70% | 2.34% | History → |
| Nominal U.S. GDP ($ Billions) | $10,929.1B | $30,861.3B | History → |
| Real GDP Per Capita (Chained 2017 USD) | $50,260 | $70,020 | History → |
| Median Home Sales Price (Nominal USD) | $186,025 | $415,400 | History → |
| Median Home Price-to-Income Ratio | 4.39x | 4.75x | History → |
| Mortgage Origination Rate (FHFA, %) | 6.5% | 6.3% | History → |
| 10-Year U.S. Treasury Yield (%) | 4.61% | 4.29% | History → |
| Federal Minimum Wage (Nominal vs 2025 Real) | $5.15 ($9.22 in 2025 USD) | $7.25 | History → |
| Regular Gasoline Price (USD / Gallon) | $1.36 | $3.26 | History → |
| Federal Public Debt (% of GDP) | 56.6% | 120.7% | History → |
| Federal Budget Surplus / Deficit (% of GDP) | -1.44% | -5.77% | History → |
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