U.S. STATS

United States · 103 indicators · 1976 → 2026

Fifty years of American life in numbers — work, money, housing, wealth, school, health, substance use, crime, family, happiness, trust, government, and energy — every series pulled straight from the agency or survey that publishes it. No vibes, just the data.

50 YearsSince 200010 Years5 Years1 YearData
┊ dashed lines mark 1979 Oil shock & inflation peak · 1987 Black Monday crash · 1991 Gulf War recession · 2001 Dot-com bust & 9/11 · 2008 Global financial crisis · 2020 COVID-19 pandemic

Economy & Work →

Unemployment Ratepercent, annual average · FRED UNRATE
4.3%2026 thru Jul
−3.4 pts since 1976
7.7% then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Underemployment (U-6)percent, annual average · 1994–2026 · FRED U6RATE
8.0%2026 thru Jul
−2.9 pts since 1994
10.9% then
Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Labor Force Participationpercent, annual average · FRED CIVPART
61.8%2026 thru Jul
+0.2 pts since 1976
61.6% then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Prime-Age Employment Ratepercent of 25–54-year-olds employed, annual average · BLS Current Population Survey via FRED (LNS12300060)
80.6%2026 YTD
+10 pts since 1976
70.6% then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Women's Share of Payroll Jobspercent of all nonfarm payroll jobs held by women · BLS Current Employment Statistics, via FRED (CES0000000010 ÷ PAYEMS)
50.0%2026 thru Jul
+11 pts since 1976
38.9% then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Real GDP Growthpercent per year · FRED A191RL1A225NBEA
2.1%2025
−3.3 pts since 1976
5.4% then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Labor Productivityindex, 2017 = 100 · FRED OPHNFB
119.82026 thru Apr
+149% since 1976
48.1 then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
CPI Inflationpercent per year · FRED CPIAUCSL
3.3%2026 thru Jul
−2.5 pts since 1976
5.8% then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Real Median Household Income2024 dollars · 1984–2024 · FRED MEHOINUSA672N
$83,7302024
+39% since 1984
$60,420 then
Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Manufacturing Jobsemployees, annual average · FRED MANEMP
12.60M2026 thru Jul
−28% since 1976
17.54M then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Union Membershippercent of employed wage and salary workers who are union members · 1983–2025 · BLS Current Population Survey (series LUU0204899600)
10.0%2025
−10 pts since 1983
20.1% then
Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
New Business Applicationsapplications per year · 2005–2025 · FRED BABATOTALSAUS
5.64M2025
+125% since 2005
2.50M then
Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20

Money & Debt →

Revolving Consumer Creditbillions of dollars, year-end · FRED REVOLSL
$1,351B2026 thru Jun
+8088% since 1976
$17B then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Credit Card Delinquency Ratepercent of credit card balances 30+ days past due, all commercial banks, annual average · 1991–2026 · Federal Reserve Board via FRED (DRCCLACBS)
2.92%2026 YTD
−2.43 pts since 1991
5.35% then
Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Consumer Bankruptciesthousands of consumers with a new bankruptcy notation per year · 2003–2025 · Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Household Debt and Credit Report (Consumer Credit Panel/Equifax)
0.50M2025
−78% since 2003
2.30M then
Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Student Loan Debtbillions of dollars, year-end · 2006–2024 · FRED SLOAS
$1,777B2024
+241% since 2006
$521B then
Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Personal Saving Ratepercent of disposable income · FRED PSAVERT
3.4%2026 thru Jun
−8.2 pts since 1976
11.6% then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Household Debt Service Ratiopercent of disposable income · 2005–2026 · FRED TDSP
11.2%2026 thru Jan
−3.7 pts since 2005
14.9% then
Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Federal Debt to GDPpercent of GDP · FRED GFDEGDQ188S
122.6%2026 thru Jan
+89 pts since 1976
33.5% then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Federal Funds Ratepercent, annual average · FRED FEDFUNDS
3.64%2026 thru Jul
−1.4 pts since 1976
5.04% then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
30-Year Mortgage Ratepercent, annual average · FRED MORTGAGE30US
6.35%2026 thru Aug
−2.5 pts since 1976
8.87% then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Stock Market (NASDAQ)index, annual average of daily closes · FRED NASDAQCOM
24,5032026 thru Aug
+27126% since 1976
90 then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20

Cost of Living →

Median Home Sale Pricedollars, annual average · FRED MSPUS
$409,6002026 thru Apr
+826% since 1976
$44,225 then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
RentCPI index, 1982-84 = 100 · FRED CUUR0000SEHA
4452026 thru Jul
+628% since 1976
61 then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Homeownership Ratepercent of households, annual average · FRED RHORUSQ156N
65.2%2026 thru Apr
+0.5 pts since 1976
64.7% then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Housing Startsunits per year · FRED HOUST
1.36M2026 thru Jul
−12% since 1976
1.53M then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Regular Gasoline Pricedollars per gallon, annual average · 1990–2026 · FRED GASREGW
$3.742026 thru Aug
+188% since 1990
$1.30 then
Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Electricity Pricedollars per kilowatt-hour · 1978–2026 · FRED APU000072610
$0.1942026 thru Jul
+322% since 1978
$0.046 then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20

Wealth & Inequality →

Income Inequality (Gini)Gini index, 0-100 · 1976–2024 · FRED SIPOVGINIUSA
41.82024
+6.2 pts since 1976
35.6 then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Top 1% Wealth Sharepercent of household net worth · 1989–2026 · FRED WFRBST01134
31.6%2026 thru Jan
+8.7 pts since 1989
22.9% then
Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Poverty Ratepercent of people, all ages · 1989–2024 · FRED PPAAUS00000A156NCEN
12.1%2024
−0.7 pts since 1989
12.8% then
Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Child Poverty Ratepercent of people under 18 below the official poverty line · 1976–2024 · Census Bureau, CPS ASEC Historical Poverty Table 3
14.3%2024
−1.7 pts since 1976
16.0% then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
On Food Stamps (SNAP)percent of US residents receiving SNAP, fiscal-year average · USDA Food and Nutrition Service, SNAP Annual Summary; population from BEA via FRED (POPTHM)
12.4%2025
+3.9 pts since 1976
8.5% then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Food Insecuritypercent of households food insecure at some time during the year · 2001–2024 · USDA Economic Research Service, Household Food Security in the United States
13.7%2024
+3.0 pts since 2001
10.7% then
Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20

Education →

College Attainmentpercent of adults 25 and over · 1976–2024 · Census Bureau, CPS Historical Table A-2
38.7%2024
+24 pts since 1976
14.7% then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
College TuitionCPI index, 1982-84 = 100 · 1978–2026 · FRED CUSR0000SEEB
9112026 thru Jul
+1423% since 1978
60 then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Reading Score, Age 13 (NAEP LTT)average long-term-trend reading scale score, age 13 (0–500) · 1980–2023 · NCES, National Assessment of Educational Progress
2562023
−3 pts since 1980
259 then
Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Math Score, Age 13 (NAEP LTT)average long-term-trend mathematics scale score, age 13 (0–500) · 1978–2023 · NCES, National Assessment of Educational Progress
2712023
+7 pts since 1978
264 then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Science Knowledge (NAEP)grade-8 average science scale score (0–300) · 2009–2024 · NCES, National Assessment of Educational Progress
1502024
−0 pts since 2009
150 then
COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Civics Knowledge (NAEP)grade-8 average civics scale score (0–300) · 1998–2022 · NCES, National Assessment of Educational Progress
1502022
+0 pts since 1998
150 then
Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
U.S. History Knowledge (NAEP)grade-8 average U.S. history scale score (0–500) · 1994–2022 · NCES, National Assessment of Educational Progress
2582022
−1 pts since 1994
259 then
Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Geography Knowledge (NAEP)grade-8 average geography scale score (0–500) · 1994–2018 · NCES, National Assessment of Educational Progress
2582018
−1 pts since 1994
260 then
Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08
Can Name All Three Branches of Governmentpercent of adults naming all three branches (online panel) · 2022–2025 · Annenberg Public Policy Center, Constitution Day Civics Survey
70%2025
−2.0 pts since 2022
72% then
Vocabulary Test Scoremean correct answers on the GSS 10-word vocabulary test · 1976–2024 · NORC General Social Survey (cumulative file 1972–2024)
6.332024
+0.34 of 10 since 1976
5.99 then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Time Spent Readingminutes per day reading for personal interest, all people 15+ · 2003–2025 · BLS American Time Use Survey (series TUU10101AA01006315)
16 min2025
−5 min since 2003
22 min then
Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Read on an Average Daypercent of people 15+ who read for personal interest on an average day · 2003–2025 · BLS American Time Use Survey (series TUU30105AA01006315)
16.1%2025
−10 pts since 2003
26.3% then
Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Read Any Book Last Yearpercent of adults who read any book not required for work or school, past 12 months · 2002–2022 · National Endowment for the Arts, Survey of Public Participation in the Arts (with the Census Bureau)
48.5%2022
−8.1 pts since 2002
56.6% then
Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Books Read per Yearmean books read, all or part of the way through, past year · 1990–2021 · Gallup
12.62021
−18% since 1990
15.3 then
Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Read a Book Last Year (any format)percent of adults who read a book, in whole or in part, in any format, past 12 months · 2011–2025 · Pew Research Center
75%2025
−3.0 pts since 2011
78% then
COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20

Health →

Life Expectancy at Birthyears at birth, both sexes · 1976–2024 · CDC/NCHS National Vital Statistics
79.02024
+6.1 yrs since 1976
72.9 then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Infant Mortalityinfant deaths per 1,000 live births · 1976–2024 · CDC/NCHS National Vital Statistics System (via data.cdc.gov)
5.52024
−64% since 1976
15.2 then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Uninsured Ratepercent of the civilian noninstitutionalized population without health insurance · 2008–2024 · Census Bureau, American Community Survey (Table HIC-4_ACS)
8.2%2024
−6.4 pts since 2008
14.6% then
COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Couldn't Afford Prescriptionspercent of people who did not get needed prescription drugs in the past 12 months because of cost · 1997–2019 · CDC/NCHS Health, United States (National Health Interview Survey), via Data Query System
5.6%2019
+0.8 pts since 1997
4.8% then
Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08
Health Spendingpercent of GDP · 1980–2024 · CMS National Health Expenditure Accounts, via CDC/NCHS Data Query System
18.0%2024
+9.1 pts since 1980
8.9% then
Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Suicide Rateage-adjusted deaths per 100,000 · 2000–2024 · CDC/NCHS, age-adjusted
13.72024
+32% since 2000
10.4 then
Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Suicide Rate, Ages 15–24deaths per 100,000 people in the age group (crude) · 1980–2024 · CDC/NCHS National Vital Statistics System (Health, United States + Data Query System)
13.22024
+7% since 1980
12.3 then
Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Suicide Rate, Ages 45–64deaths per 100,000 people in the age group (crude) · 1980–2024 · CDC/NCHS National Vital Statistics System (Health, United States + Data Query System)
18.72024
+18% since 1980
15.9 then
Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Drug Overdose Deathsage-adjusted deaths per 100,000 · 2000–2024 · CDC/NCHS, age-adjusted
23.12024
+273% since 2000
6.2 then
Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Firearm Deathsfirearm-related deaths per 100,000 people (crude), all intents · 1980–2025 · CDC/NCHS Health, United States 2017 Table 31; CDC Injury Center firearm mortality (NVSS)
12.62025
−15% since 1980
14.9 then
Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Traffic Deaths per 100M Milesmotor-vehicle traffic deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled · 1976–2024 · NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) / FHWA vehicle miles
1.192024
−63% since 1976
3.25 then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20

Substance Use →

Adult Smoking Ratepercent of adults, current cigarette smokers (crude) · 2000–2024 · CDC National Health Interview Survey
9.9%2024
−13 pts since 2000
23.3% then
Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Marijuana Use, Past Yearpercent of people 12+ who used marijuana in the past year · 2002–2025 · SAMHSA, National Survey on Drug Use and Health
21.2%2025
+10 pts since 2002
11% then
Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Teen Marijuana Usepercent of 12th graders using marijuana in the past 30 days · 1980–2024 · Monitoring the Future (University of Michigan), via CDC/NCHS Data Query System
16.2%2024
−18 pts since 1980
33.7% then
Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Alcohol Consumption per Capitagallons of pure ethanol per person aged 14+, per year · 1976–2023 · NIAAA Surveillance Report #122, Table 1
2.48 gal2023
−7% since 1976
2.66 gal then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Teen Binge Drinkingpercent of 12th graders using — five or more drinks in a row — in the past 30 days · 1980–2024 · Monitoring the Future (University of Michigan), via CDC/NCHS Data Query System
8.8%2024
−32 pts since 1980
41.2% then
Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20

Crime & Justice →

Violent Crime Rateoffenses per 100,000 people · FBI Crime Data Explorer, reported violent crime
329.12025
−30% since 1976
467.8 then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Property Crime Rateoffenses per 100,000 people · FBI Crime Data Explorer, reported property crime
1,551.62025
−68% since 1976
4,819.5 then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Homicide Rateoffenses per 100,000 people · 2000–2025 · FBI Crime Data Explorer, reported homicide
4.32025
−26% since 2000
5.8 then
Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Imprisonment Ratepercent of US residents in state or federal prison · 1978–2023 · BJS National Prisoner Statistics
0.36%2023
+0.23 pts since 1978
0.13% then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20

Family & Society →

Marriage Ratemarriages per 1,000 population · 1976–2023 · CDC/NCHS National Vital Statistics System
6.12023
−38% since 1976
9.9 then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Divorce Ratedivorces per 1,000 population (reporting states) · 1976–2023 · CDC/NCHS National Vital Statistics System
2.42023
−52% since 1976
5.0 then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Total Fertility Ratebirths per woman (total fertility rate) · 1976–2024 · CDC/NCHS, Births: Final Data
1.602024
−8% since 1976
1.74 then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Teen Birth Ratebirths per 1,000 females aged 15–19 · 1976–2024 · CDC/NCHS National Vital Statistics System (Health, United States + Data Query System)
12.62024
−76% since 1976
52.8 then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Births to Unmarried Motherspercent of all US births · 1976–2015 · CDC/NCHS National Vital Statistics System
40.3%2015
+25 pts since 1976
14.8% then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08
Population Growthpercent per year · FRED B230RC0A052NBEA
0.54%2025
−0.4 pts since 1976
0.97% then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20

Happiness & Outlook →

HappinessCantril ladder score (0-10) · 2006–2025 · World Happiness Report (Gallup World Poll)
6.972025
−0.2 pts since 2006
7.18 then
Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Very Happypercent of adults "very happy" · 1976–2024 · NORC General Social Survey (cumulative file 1972–2024)
23.4%2024
−11 pts since 1976
34.4% then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Optimistic About Life in 5 Yearspercent rating their expected life in five years 8–10 on a 0–10 ladder · 2009–2026 · Gallup National Health and Well-Being Index
59.7%2026 YTD
−3.3 pts since 2009
63% then
COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Satisfied With How Things Are Going in the U.S.percent satisfied, annual average of Gallup readings · 1979–2026 · Gallup, Satisfaction With the United States
25%2026 thru Jul
+6.0 pts since 1979
19% then
Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Better Off Than Parentspercent whose standard of living is better than their parents' at the same age · 1994–2024 · NORC General Social Survey (cumulative file 1972–2024)
54.5%2024
−11 pts since 1994
65.3% then
Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Kids Will Be Better Offpercent expecting their children's standard of living to be better than their own · 1994–2024 · NORC General Social Survey (cumulative file 1972–2024)
58.8%2024
+6.6 pts since 1994
52.2% then
Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Expect to Be Better Off Next Yearpercent expecting to be better off financially a year from now · 1978–2025 · University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers, Table 8
26%2025
−1.0 pts since 1978
27% then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Satisfied With Financespercent pretty well satisfied with their financial situation · 1976–2024 · NORC General Social Survey (cumulative file 1972–2024)
22.6%2024
−8.0 pts since 1976
30.6% then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20

Trust & Institutions →

Trust in Governmentpercent trusting the federal government · Pew Research Center, Public Trust in Government 1958-2025
17%2025
−16 pts since 1976
33% then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Trust in Mass Mediapercent with a great deal or fair amount of trust · Gallup, Media Use and Evaluation
28%2025
−44 pts since 1976
72% then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Most People Can Be Trustedpercent saying most people can be trusted · 1976–2024 · NORC General Social Survey (cumulative file 1972–2024)
24.8%2024
−18 pts since 1976
43% then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Confidence in Congresspercent with a great deal or quite a lot of confidence · Gallup, Confidence in Institutions
9%2026
−31 pts since 1977
40% then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Confidence in the Presidencypercent with a great deal or quite a lot of confidence · 1991–2026 · Gallup, Confidence in Institutions
27%2026
−23 pts since 1991
50% then
Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Confidence in the Supreme Courtpercent with a great deal or quite a lot of confidence · Gallup, Confidence in Institutions
27%2026
−18 pts since 1977
45% then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Confidence in the Policepercent with a great deal or quite a lot of confidence · 1993–2026 · Gallup, Confidence in Institutions
45%2026
−7.0 pts since 1993
52% then
Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Confidence in the Militarypercent with a great deal or quite a lot of confidence · Gallup, Confidence in Institutions
61%2026
+4.0 pts since 1977
57% then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Confidence in Public Schoolspercent with a great deal or quite a lot of confidence · Gallup, Confidence in Institutions
27%2026
−26 pts since 1977
53% then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Confidence in Educationpercent with a great deal of confidence in the people running education · 1976–2024 · NORC General Social Survey (cumulative file 1972–2024)
19.8%2024
−19 pts since 1976
38.4% then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Confidence in Sciencepercent with a great deal of confidence in the scientific community · 1976–2024 · NORC General Social Survey (cumulative file 1972–2024)
36.3%2024
−12 pts since 1976
47.9% then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Confidence in the Medical Systempercent with a great deal or quite a lot of confidence · Gallup, Confidence in Institutions
28%2026
−46 pts since 1977
74% then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Confidence in Big Businesspercent with a great deal or quite a lot of confidence · Gallup, Confidence in Institutions
17%2026
−15 pts since 1977
32% then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Confidence in Bankspercent with a great deal or quite a lot of confidence · 1979–2026 · Gallup, Confidence in Institutions
28%2026
−32 pts since 1979
60% then
Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Confidence in Organized Religionpercent with a great deal or quite a lot of confidence · Gallup, Confidence in Institutions
33%2026
−31 pts since 1977
64% then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20

Government & Democracy →

Voter Turnoutpercent of voting-age population, presidential elections · 1976–2024 · Census Bureau, CPS Voting and Registration, Table A-1
59.3%2024
+0.1 pts since 1976
59.2% then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Federal Deficitpercent of GDP (negative = deficit) · FRED FYFSGDA188S
−5.8%2025
−1.9 pts since 1976
−3.9% then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20

Energy & Environment →

CO2 Emissionsmillion metric tons per year · EIA Monthly Energy Review, Table 11.1
4,9042025
+4% since 1976
4,695 then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Renewable Share of Energypercent of total US energy consumption · EIA Monthly Energy Review, Tables 1.1 and 10.1
9.2%2025
+5.5 pts since 1976
3.7% then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
US Average Temperaturedegrees Fahrenheit, annual mean · NOAA NCEI, Climate at a Glance
54.63°2025
+3.2°F since 1976
51.46° then
Oil shock & inflation peak (1979)’79Black Monday crash (1987)’87Gulf War recession (1991)’91Dot-com bust & 9/11 (2001)’01Global financial crisis (2008)’08COVID-19 pandemic (2020)’20
Categories
Economy & Work → Money & Debt → Cost of Living → Wealth & Inequality → Education → Health → Substance Use → Crime & Justice → Family & Society → Happiness & Outlook → Trust & Institutions → Government & Democracy → Energy & Environment →