ANNUAL U.S. ECONOMIC SNAPSHOT · 2000s DECADE
The U.S. Economy & Cost of Living in 2004
In 2004, U.S. CPI inflation averaged 2.68%, civilian unemployment stood at 5.54%, and real GDP grew by 3.85%. Due to cumulative inflation since 2004, $100 in 2004 has the same purchasing power as $170.00 in 2025.
2004 CPI Inflation 2.68% CPI: 188.9
$100 in 2004 Worth $170.00 In 2025 dollars
Unemployment 5.54% Civilian U-3
Real GDP Growth 3.85% $12,217B nominal
Median Home Price $218,150 4.92x income
Mortgage Rate (FHFA) 6.0% 10Y Yield: 4.27%
2004 vs. 2025 U.S. Economic & Cost-of-Living Benchmark Table
| Economic Indicator | In 2004 | In 2025 | Full Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPI-U Inflation Rate (Annual %) | 2.68% | 2.63% | History → |
| Purchasing Power of $100 in 2025 USD | $100.00 | $170.00 | History → |
| Civilian Unemployment Rate (%) | 5.54% | 4.26% | History → |
| Real GDP Growth Rate (% YoY) | 3.85% | 2.34% | History → |
| Nominal U.S. GDP ($ Billions) | $12,217.2B | $30,861.3B | History → |
| Real GDP Per Capita (Chained 2017 USD) | $52,681 | $70,020 | History → |
| Median Home Sales Price (Nominal USD) | $218,150 | $415,400 | History → |
| Median Home Price-to-Income Ratio | 4.92x | 4.75x | History → |
| Mortgage Origination Rate (FHFA, %) | 6.0% | 6.3% | History → |
| 10-Year U.S. Treasury Yield (%) | 4.27% | 4.29% | History → |
| Federal Minimum Wage (Nominal vs 2025 Real) | $5.15 ($8.78 in 2025 USD) | $7.25 | History → |
| Regular Gasoline Price (USD / Gallon) | $1.88 | $3.26 | History → |
| Federal Public Debt (% of GDP) | 60.1% | 120.7% | History → |
| Federal Budget Surplus / Deficit (% of GDP) | -3.38% | -5.77% | History → |
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