It’s the economy, stupid
What voters felt going into November: prices, paychecks, jobs, housing and health costs. Each chart goes back as far as the data does. Zoom to the last 10 years, or to the months since Trump took office on January 20, 2025.
Showing the last 10 years.
Since Trump took office
The latest reading of each measure, compared with January 2025 (the last full quarter or year before the term for quarterly and annual data).
Inflation (CPI, yearly)
3.7%Sep 2026
Jan 2025: 3.0%
Core PCE inflation (Fed's gauge)
3.1%Sep 2026
Jan 2025: 2.8%
Prices since Jan 2025
+5.4%through Sep 2026
Cumulative rise in the consumer price index
Unemployment rate
4.2%Sep 2026
Jan 2025: 4.0%
Jobs added since Jan 2025
776K20 months
About 39K a month (payroll survey)
Real hourly pay since Jan 2025
+0.1%through Sep 2026
Average hourly earnings after inflation: $37.79 → $37.81
Gas, regular ($/gal)
$4.48Sep 2026
Jan 2025: $3.21
30-year mortgage rate
7.18%Nov 2026
Jan 2025: 6.96%
Home prices since Jan 2025
+2.9%through Aug 2026
FHFA purchase-only index, U.S.
Real GDP growth (annualized)
3.4%Q3 2026
Q4 2024: 2.4%
Consumer sentiment
48.0Oct 2026
Jan 2025: 71.7
Family health premium (employer)
$28,3032026
2024: $25,586
Inflation: core and PCE
Year-over-year change in prices. “Core” leaves out volatile food and energy. PCE is the Federal Reserve’s preferred gauge; its target is 2%. Consumer prices are up +5.4% since January 2025.
Inflation, % change from a year earlier
Data table (latest 36)
| Period | CPI | Core CPI | PCE | Core PCE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2026 | 3.7% | 2.6% | 3.6% | 3.1% |
| Aug 2026 | 3.4% | 2.5% | 3.4% | 3.0% |
| Jul 2026 | 3.3% | 2.5% | 3.4% | 3.0% |
| Jun 2026 | 3.5% | 2.6% | 3.5% | 3.0% |
| May 2026 | 4.2% | 2.8% | 3.8% | 3.2% |
| Apr 2026 | 3.8% | 2.7% | 3.6% | 3.1% |
| Mar 2026 | 3.3% | 2.6% | 3.4% | 3.1% |
| Feb 2026 | 2.4% | 2.5% | 2.8% | 3.0% |
| Jan 2026 | 2.4% | 2.5% | 2.7% | 2.9% |
| Dec 2025 | 2.6% | 2.6% | 2.8% | 2.9% |
| Nov 2025 | 2.7% | 2.6% | 2.7% | 2.7% |
| Oct 2025 | — | — | 2.7% | 2.7% |
| Sep 2025 | 3.0% | 3.0% | 2.8% | 2.8% |
| Aug 2025 | 2.9% | 3.1% | 2.7% | 2.9% |
| Jul 2025 | 2.7% | 3.0% | 2.6% | 2.8% |
| Jun 2025 | 2.7% | 2.9% | 2.6% | 2.8% |
| May 2025 | 2.4% | 2.8% | 2.5% | 2.8% |
| Apr 2025 | 2.3% | 2.8% | 2.3% | 2.7% |
| Mar 2025 | 2.4% | 2.8% | 2.3% | 2.6% |
| Feb 2025 | 2.8% | 3.1% | 2.6% | 2.8% |
| Jan 2025 | 3.0% | 3.3% | 2.6% | 2.8% |
| Dec 2024 | 2.9% | 3.2% | 2.6% | 2.9% |
| Nov 2024 | 2.7% | 3.3% | 2.5% | 2.9% |
| Oct 2024 | 2.6% | 3.3% | 2.4% | 2.9% |
| Sep 2024 | 2.4% | 3.3% | 2.3% | 2.8% |
| Aug 2024 | 2.6% | 3.3% | 2.4% | 2.9% |
| Jul 2024 | 2.9% | 3.2% | 2.6% | 2.8% |
| Jun 2024 | 3.0% | 3.3% | 2.6% | 2.8% |
| May 2024 | 3.2% | 3.4% | 2.7% | 2.8% |
| Apr 2024 | 3.4% | 3.6% | 2.8% | 3.0% |
| Mar 2024 | 3.5% | 3.8% | 3.0% | 3.1% |
| Feb 2024 | 3.2% | 3.8% | 2.8% | 3.2% |
| Jan 2024 | 3.1% | 3.9% | 2.8% | 3.2% |
| Dec 2023 | 3.3% | 3.9% | 2.9% | 3.2% |
| Nov 2023 | 3.1% | 4.0% | 2.9% | 3.4% |
| Oct 2023 | 3.3% | 4.0% | 3.1% | 3.6% |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis
Cost of living
Average prices at the store and the pump, and how fast the big household bills are rising.
Gas (gallon)
Now $4.48Since Jan ’25 +39.6%
Eggs (dozen)
Now $2.27Since Jan ’25 −54.1%
Ground beef (lb)
Now $6.79Since Jan ’25 +22.5%
Milk (gallon)
Now $4.11Since Jan ’25 +2.0%
White bread (lb)
Now $1.83Since Jan ’25 −4.9%
Coffee (lb)
Now $9.33Since Jan ’25 +33.0%
Electricity (kWh)
Now $0.196Since Jan ’25 +9.5%
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Groceries
Yearly 1.8%Since Jan ’25 +3.3%
Shelter
Yearly 3.2%Since Jan ’25 +5.5%
Rent
Yearly 2.8%Since Jan ’25 +5.0%
Electricity
Yearly 4.4%Since Jan ’25 +8.4%
Car insurance
Yearly -5.0%Since Jan ’25 −4.3%
Medical care
Yearly 1.5%Since Jan ’25 +3.9%
Day care & preschool
Yearly 3.1%Since Jan ’25 +7.3%
Small charts show % change from a year earlier. Day care and preschool are not seasonally adjusted. Source: BLS consumer price index.
Gas prices by region
Average price of a gallon of regular, by Census region.
Data table (latest 36)
| Period | U.S. | Northeast | Midwest | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2026 | $4.48 | $4.41 | $4.26 | $4.00 | $5.49 |
| Aug 2026 | $4.20 | $4.14 | $4.04 | $3.73 | $5.13 |
| Jul 2026 | $4.09 | $4.10 | $3.86 | $3.67 | $4.97 |
| Jun 2026 | $4.20 | $4.24 | $3.99 | $3.64 | $5.22 |
| May 2026 | $4.65 | $4.56 | $4.55 | $4.13 | $5.62 |
| Apr 2026 | $4.26 | $4.10 | $3.85 | $3.85 | $5.38 |
| Mar 2026 | $3.84 | $3.63 | $3.46 | $3.46 | $4.92 |
| Feb 2026 | $3.06 | $3.00 | $2.74 | $2.67 | $4.01 |
| Jan 2026 | $2.96 | $2.97 | $2.68 | $2.60 | $3.78 |
| Dec 2025 | $3.05 | $3.06 | $2.75 | $2.65 | $3.91 |
| Nov 2025 | $3.23 | $3.13 | $2.96 | $2.79 | $4.19 |
| Oct 2025 | $3.24 | $3.14 | $2.93 | $2.79 | $4.24 |
| Sep 2025 | $3.34 | $3.23 | $3.09 | $2.89 | $4.30 |
| Aug 2025 | $3.29 | $3.17 | $3.13 | $2.89 | $4.13 |
| Jul 2025 | $3.29 | $3.17 | $3.08 | $2.90 | $4.12 |
| Jun 2025 | $3.31 | $3.17 | $3.10 | $2.90 | $4.19 |
| May 2025 | $3.31 | $3.13 | $3.07 | $2.88 | $4.26 |
| Apr 2025 | $3.33 | $3.13 | $3.10 | $2.92 | $4.28 |
| Mar 2025 | $3.23 | $3.10 | $2.99 | $2.84 | $4.12 |
| Feb 2025 | $3.26 | $3.16 | $2.98 | $2.89 | $4.13 |
| Jan 2025 | $3.21 | $3.14 | $3.02 | $2.88 | $3.92 |
| Dec 2024 | $3.15 | $3.10 | $2.96 | $2.81 | $3.89 |
| Nov 2024 | $3.18 | $3.11 | $2.94 | $2.85 | $3.98 |
| Oct 2024 | $3.28 | $3.17 | $3.10 | $2.91 | $4.10 |
| Sep 2024 | $3.34 | $3.29 | $3.16 | $2.95 | $4.19 |
| Aug 2024 | $3.52 | $3.49 | $3.44 | $3.17 | $4.19 |
| Jul 2024 | $3.62 | $3.58 | $3.53 | $3.29 | $4.26 |
| Jun 2024 | $3.60 | $3.57 | $3.45 | $3.22 | $4.37 |
| May 2024 | $3.75 | $3.67 | $3.53 | $3.35 | $4.67 |
| Apr 2024 | $3.78 | $3.57 | $3.56 | $3.36 | $4.77 |
| Mar 2024 | $3.58 | $3.38 | $3.42 | $3.24 | $4.41 |
| Feb 2024 | $3.36 | $3.29 | $3.13 | $3.04 | $4.11 |
| Jan 2024 | $3.22 | $3.24 | $2.89 | $2.88 | $4.05 |
| Dec 2023 | $3.29 | $3.36 | $2.92 | $2.87 | $4.22 |
| Nov 2023 | $3.50 | $3.53 | $3.20 | $2.98 | $4.55 |
| Oct 2023 | $3.78 | $3.70 | $3.40 | $3.22 | $5.04 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Inflation by region
CPI, % change from a year earlier, by Census region.
Data table (latest 36)
| Period | U.S. | Northeast | Midwest | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2026 | 3.7% | 4.2% | 4.2% | 3.4% | 3.4% |
| Aug 2026 | 3.4% | 3.9% | 3.6% | 3.1% | 3.2% |
| Jul 2026 | 3.3% | 4.1% | 3.5% | 3.1% | 3.0% |
| Jun 2026 | 3.5% | 4.3% | 3.8% | 3.2% | 3.2% |
| May 2026 | 4.2% | 5.0% | 5.0% | 3.9% | 3.5% |
| Apr 2026 | 3.8% | 4.4% | 4.1% | 3.6% | 3.5% |
| Mar 2026 | 3.3% | 3.6% | 3.4% | 3.0% | 3.1% |
| Feb 2026 | 2.4% | 2.7% | 2.8% | 1.8% | 2.7% |
| Jan 2026 | 2.4% | 2.8% | 2.4% | 1.9% | 2.7% |
| Dec 2025 | 2.6% | 3.3% | 2.7% | 2.2% | 2.9% |
| Nov 2025 | 2.7% | 3.1% | 3.0% | 2.2% | 3.0% |
| Sep 2025 | 3.0% | 3.1% | 3.1% | 2.7% | 3.3% |
| Aug 2025 | 2.9% | 3.3% | 2.8% | 2.5% | 3.2% |
| Jul 2025 | 2.7% | 3.2% | 2.6% | 2.3% | 3.0% |
| Jun 2025 | 2.7% | 3.0% | 3.0% | 2.3% | 2.7% |
| May 2025 | 2.4% | 2.8% | 2.4% | 2.0% | 2.4% |
| Apr 2025 | 2.3% | 3.1% | 2.4% | 2.0% | 2.1% |
| Mar 2025 | 2.4% | 3.2% | 2.8% | 1.9% | 2.2% |
| Feb 2025 | 2.8% | 3.9% | 3.1% | 2.3% | 2.6% |
| Jan 2025 | 3.0% | 3.7% | 3.4% | 2.8% | 2.4% |
| Dec 2024 | 2.9% | 3.5% | 3.0% | 2.8% | 2.5% |
| Nov 2024 | 2.7% | 3.5% | 2.6% | 2.7% | 2.4% |
| Oct 2024 | 2.6% | 3.5% | 2.6% | 2.5% | 2.1% |
| Sep 2024 | 2.4% | 3.4% | 2.5% | 2.1% | 2.1% |
| Aug 2024 | 2.6% | 3.4% | 2.6% | 2.3% | 2.2% |
| Jul 2024 | 2.9% | 3.6% | 2.7% | 2.9% | 2.6% |
| Jun 2024 | 3.0% | 3.8% | 2.5% | 2.9% | 2.8% |
| May 2024 | 3.2% | 3.9% | 2.7% | 3.2% | 3.3% |
| Apr 2024 | 3.4% | 3.6% | 2.8% | 3.3% | 3.7% |
| Mar 2024 | 3.5% | 3.4% | 2.8% | 3.8% | 3.6% |
| Feb 2024 | 3.2% | 2.4% | 2.8% | 3.7% | 3.2% |
| Jan 2024 | 3.1% | 2.5% | 2.7% | 3.4% | 3.3% |
| Dec 2023 | 3.3% | 2.6% | 3.2% | 3.7% | 3.6% |
| Nov 2023 | 3.1% | 2.5% | 2.9% | 3.4% | 3.3% |
| Oct 2023 | 3.3% | 2.7% | 2.9% | 3.7% | 3.3% |
| Sep 2023 | 3.7% | 3.0% | 3.2% | 4.2% | 3.9% |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Housing: buying and renting
Rents, home prices and mortgage rates, by region. The payment index combines home prices and mortgage rates: what the monthly principal and interest on the same house costs.
Rent by region
Rent of a primary residence, % change from a year earlier.
Data table (latest 36)
| Period | U.S. | Northeast | Midwest | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2026 | 2.8% | 4.0% | 4.3% | 1.8% | 2.3% |
| Aug 2026 | 2.8% | 4.1% | 4.2% | 1.8% | 2.3% |
| Jul 2026 | 2.9% | 4.3% | 4.2% | 2.1% | 2.2% |
| Jun 2026 | 2.8% | 4.3% | 4.3% | 2.1% | 2.1% |
| May 2026 | 2.9% | 4.5% | 4.3% | 2.2% | 2.2% |
| Apr 2026 | 2.8% | 4.3% | 4.1% | 1.9% | 2.2% |
| Mar 2026 | 2.6% | 3.9% | 3.5% | 1.7% | 2.2% |
| Feb 2026 | 2.7% | 4.0% | 3.8% | 1.7% | 2.5% |
| Jan 2026 | 2.8% | 4.1% | 4.1% | 1.9% | 2.6% |
| Dec 2025 | 2.9% | 4.2% | 3.9% | 2.1% | 2.6% |
| Nov 2025 | 3.0% | 4.2% | 4.2% | 2.1% | 2.6% |
| Sep 2025 | 3.4% | 4.7% | 5.0% | 2.5% | 2.9% |
| Aug 2025 | 3.5% | 4.8% | 4.8% | 2.7% | 3.0% |
| Jul 2025 | 3.5% | 5.2% | 5.0% | 2.5% | 3.0% |
| Jun 2025 | 3.8% | 5.3% | 5.2% | 2.7% | 3.4% |
| May 2025 | 3.8% | 5.5% | 5.1% | 2.8% | 3.3% |
| Apr 2025 | 4.0% | 5.6% | 5.3% | 3.1% | 3.4% |
| Mar 2025 | 4.0% | 5.6% | 5.2% | 3.1% | 3.5% |
| Feb 2025 | 4.1% | 5.6% | 5.6% | 3.2% | 3.5% |
| Jan 2025 | 4.3% | 5.8% | 5.6% | 3.6% | 3.4% |
| Dec 2024 | 4.3% | 5.7% | 5.7% | 3.8% | 3.4% |
| Nov 2024 | 4.4% | 5.7% | 5.9% | 4.0% | 3.3% |
| Oct 2024 | 4.6% | 5.7% | 5.9% | 4.3% | 3.7% |
| Sep 2024 | 4.8% | 5.7% | 5.7% | 4.8% | 3.9% |
| Aug 2024 | 5.0% | 5.9% | 5.8% | 4.9% | 4.1% |
| Jul 2024 | 5.1% | 5.7% | 6.0% | 5.1% | 4.3% |
| Jun 2024 | 5.1% | 5.7% | 5.9% | 5.3% | 4.1% |
| May 2024 | 5.3% | 5.7% | 6.1% | 5.5% | 4.6% |
| Apr 2024 | 5.4% | 5.5% | 6.2% | 5.8% | 4.7% |
| Mar 2024 | 5.7% | 5.5% | 6.4% | 6.5% | 4.7% |
| Feb 2024 | 5.8% | 5.6% | 6.3% | 6.7% | 4.8% |
| Jan 2024 | 6.1% | 5.7% | 6.3% | 7.1% | 5.3% |
| Dec 2023 | 6.5% | 6.1% | 6.4% | 7.3% | 5.9% |
| Nov 2023 | 6.9% | 6.5% | 6.5% | 7.7% | 6.4% |
| Oct 2023 | 7.2% | 6.7% | 6.7% | 8.3% | 6.5% |
| Sep 2023 | 7.4% | 6.7% | 7.0% | 8.6% | 6.9% |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
30-year mortgage rate
Monthly average of Freddie Mac’s weekly survey.
Data table (latest 36)
| Period | 30-yr fixed |
|---|---|
| Nov 2026 | 7.18% |
| Oct 2026 | 7.33% |
| Sep 2026 | 6.86% |
| Aug 2026 | 6.67% |
| Jul 2026 | 6.54% |
| Jun 2026 | 6.49% |
| May 2026 | 6.44% |
| Apr 2026 | 6.33% |
| Mar 2026 | 6.18% |
| Feb 2026 | 6.05% |
| Jan 2026 | 6.10% |
| Dec 2025 | 6.19% |
| Nov 2025 | 6.24% |
| Oct 2025 | 6.25% |
| Sep 2025 | 6.35% |
| Aug 2025 | 6.59% |
| Jul 2025 | 6.72% |
| Jun 2025 | 6.82% |
| May 2025 | 6.82% |
| Apr 2025 | 6.72% |
| Mar 2025 | 6.65% |
| Feb 2025 | 6.84% |
| Jan 2025 | 6.96% |
| Dec 2024 | 6.71% |
| Nov 2024 | 6.80% |
| Oct 2024 | 6.43% |
| Sep 2024 | 6.18% |
| Aug 2024 | 6.50% |
| Jul 2024 | 6.85% |
| Jun 2024 | 6.92% |
| May 2024 | 7.06% |
| Apr 2024 | 6.99% |
| Mar 2024 | 6.82% |
| Feb 2024 | 6.78% |
| Jan 2024 | 6.64% |
| Dec 2023 | 6.82% |
Home prices, U.S.
FHFA purchase-only index, % change from a year earlier.
Data table (latest 36)
| Period | U.S. |
|---|---|
| Aug 2026 | 2.4% |
| Jul 2026 | 2.5% |
| Jun 2026 | 2.4% |
| May 2026 | 2.4% |
| Apr 2026 | 2.1% |
| Mar 2026 | 2.0% |
| Feb 2026 | 1.9% |
| Jan 2026 | 2.0% |
| Dec 2025 | 2.1% |
| Nov 2025 | 2.2% |
| Oct 2025 | 1.9% |
| Sep 2025 | 2.0% |
| Aug 2025 | 2.7% |
| Jul 2025 | 2.6% |
| Jun 2025 | 2.9% |
| May 2025 | 3.1% |
| Apr 2025 | 3.2% |
| Mar 2025 | 4.0% |
| Feb 2025 | 4.0% |
| Jan 2025 | 5.1% |
| Dec 2024 | 4.8% |
| Nov 2024 | 4.7% |
| Oct 2024 | 4.5% |
| Sep 2024 | 4.5% |
| Aug 2024 | 4.4% |
| Jul 2024 | 4.7% |
| Jun 2024 | 5.3% |
| May 2024 | 5.6% |
| Apr 2024 | 6.3% |
| Mar 2024 | 6.5% |
| Feb 2024 | 6.8% |
| Jan 2024 | 6.3% |
| Dec 2023 | 6.5% |
| Nov 2023 | 6.3% |
| Oct 2023 | 6.0% |
| Sep 2023 | 5.7% |
Monthly payment on the same house
Principal and interest at each month’s price and rate. Index, January 2016 = 100.
Data table (latest 36)
| Period | Payment index |
|---|---|
| Aug 2026 | 274.5 |
| Jul 2026 | 270.2 |
| Jun 2026 | 268.2 |
| May 2026 | 266.7 |
| Apr 2026 | 262.8 |
| Mar 2026 | 258.9 |
| Feb 2026 | 254.8 |
| Jan 2026 | 256.5 |
| Dec 2025 | 258.1 |
| Nov 2025 | 258.7 |
| Oct 2025 | 257.5 |
| Sep 2025 | 259.1 |
| Aug 2025 | 265.8 |
| Jul 2025 | 268.3 |
| Jun 2025 | 270.9 |
| May 2025 | 270.7 |
| Apr 2025 | 268.2 |
| Mar 2025 | 266.7 |
| Feb 2025 | 271.6 |
| Jan 2025 | 274.9 |
| Dec 2024 | 267.1 |
| Nov 2024 | 268.4 |
| Oct 2024 | 257.2 |
| Sep 2024 | 249.5 |
| Aug 2024 | 256.5 |
| Jul 2024 | 264.9 |
| Jun 2024 | 265.9 |
| May 2024 | 269.1 |
| Apr 2024 | 267.0 |
| Mar 2024 | 260.9 |
| Feb 2024 | 259.2 |
| Jan 2024 | 253.3 |
| Dec 2023 | 257.3 |
| Nov 2023 | 273.3 |
| Oct 2023 | 277.4 |
| Sep 2023 | 265.2 |
Calculated from the FHFA index and Freddie Mac PMMS.
Home prices by division
% change in the FHFA index since January 2025, with the 10-year change for context. Sorted by change since January 2025.
Jobs: work and underemployment
Unemployment and the broader U-6 rate, which adds part-timers who want full-time work and people who have stopped looking. October 2025 is missing: the federal shutdown stopped data collection that month.
Unemployment and underemployment
Data table (latest 36)
| Period | Unemployment | U-6 |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 2026 | 4.2% | 7.6% |
| Aug 2026 | 4.1% | 7.7% |
| Jul 2026 | 4.1% | 7.9% |
| Jun 2026 | 4.2% | 7.9% |
| May 2026 | 4.3% | 8.1% |
| Apr 2026 | 4.3% | 8.2% |
| Mar 2026 | 4.3% | 8.0% |
| Feb 2026 | 4.4% | 7.9% |
| Jan 2026 | 4.3% | 8.1% |
| Dec 2025 | 4.4% | 8.4% |
| Nov 2025 | 4.5% | 8.7% |
| Sep 2025 | 4.4% | 8.1% |
| Aug 2025 | 4.3% | 8.1% |
| Jul 2025 | 4.3% | 7.9% |
| Jun 2025 | 4.1% | 7.7% |
| May 2025 | 4.3% | 7.8% |
| Apr 2025 | 4.2% | 7.8% |
| Mar 2025 | 4.2% | 7.9% |
| Feb 2025 | 4.2% | 8.0% |
| Jan 2025 | 4.0% | 7.5% |
| Dec 2024 | 4.1% | 7.6% |
| Nov 2024 | 4.2% | 7.7% |
| Oct 2024 | 4.1% | 7.7% |
| Sep 2024 | 4.1% | 7.7% |
| Aug 2024 | 4.2% | 7.8% |
| Jul 2024 | 4.2% | 7.8% |
| Jun 2024 | 4.1% | 7.4% |
| May 2024 | 3.9% | 7.4% |
| Apr 2024 | 3.9% | 7.4% |
| Mar 2024 | 3.9% | 7.3% |
| Feb 2024 | 3.9% | 7.3% |
| Jan 2024 | 3.7% | 7.2% |
| Dec 2023 | 3.8% | 7.2% |
| Nov 2023 | 3.7% | 7.0% |
| Oct 2023 | 3.9% | 7.2% |
| Sep 2023 | 3.7% | 7.0% |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Jobs added each month
Change in nonfarm payrolls, thousands. Since January 2025: 776K.
Data table (latest 36)
| Period | Jobs added |
|---|---|
| Sep 2026 | 29K |
| Aug 2026 | 133K |
| Jul 2026 | -10K |
| Jun 2026 | 31K |
| May 2026 | 63K |
| Apr 2026 | 148K |
| Mar 2026 | 214K |
| Feb 2026 | -156K |
| Jan 2026 | 160K |
| Dec 2025 | -17K |
| Nov 2025 | 41K |
| Oct 2025 | -140K |
| Sep 2025 | 76K |
| Aug 2025 | -70K |
| Jul 2025 | 64K |
| Jun 2025 | -20K |
| May 2025 | 13K |
| Apr 2025 | 108K |
| Mar 2025 | 67K |
| Feb 2025 | 42K |
| Jan 2025 | -48K |
| Dec 2024 | 237K |
| Nov 2024 | 134K |
| Oct 2024 | 33K |
| Sep 2024 | 155K |
| Aug 2024 | 9K |
| Jul 2024 | 53K |
| Jun 2024 | 87K |
| May 2024 | 78K |
| Apr 2024 | 64K |
| Mar 2024 | 228K |
| Feb 2024 | 206K |
| Jan 2024 | 175K |
| Dec 2023 | 154K |
| Nov 2023 | 127K |
| Oct 2023 | 159K |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Total employment
Payroll jobs and employed people (household survey), thousands.
Data table (latest 36)
| Period | Payroll jobs | Household |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 2026 | 159.0M | 163.2M |
| Aug 2026 | 159.0M | 162.7M |
| Jul 2026 | 158.9M | 162.2M |
| Jun 2026 | 158.9M | 162.3M |
| May 2026 | 158.9M | 162.8M |
| Apr 2026 | 158.8M | 162.6M |
| Mar 2026 | 158.7M | 162.8M |
| Feb 2026 | 158.4M | 162.9M |
| Jan 2026 | 158.6M | 163.1M |
| Dec 2025 | 158.4M | 164.0M |
| Nov 2025 | 158.4M | 163.8M |
| Oct 2025 | 158.4M | — |
| Sep 2025 | 158.5M | 163.7M |
| Aug 2025 | 158.5M | 163.4M |
| Jul 2025 | 158.5M | 163.1M |
| Jun 2025 | 158.5M | 163.3M |
| May 2025 | 158.5M | 163.2M |
| Apr 2025 | 158.5M | 163.9M |
| Mar 2025 | 158.4M | 163.5M |
| Feb 2025 | 158.3M | 163.3M |
| Jan 2025 | 158.3M | 163.8M |
| Dec 2024 | 158.3M | 161.6M |
| Nov 2024 | 158.1M | 161.2M |
| Oct 2024 | 157.9M | 161.4M |
| Sep 2024 | 157.9M | 161.8M |
| Aug 2024 | 157.8M | 161.4M |
| Jul 2024 | 157.7M | 161.3M |
| Jun 2024 | 157.7M | 161.2M |
| May 2024 | 157.6M | 161.2M |
| Apr 2024 | 157.5M | 161.4M |
| Mar 2024 | 157.5M | 161.5M |
| Feb 2024 | 157.2M | 161.1M |
| Jan 2024 | 157.0M | 161.1M |
| Dec 2023 | 156.9M | 161.1M |
| Nov 2023 | 156.7M | 161.9M |
| Oct 2023 | 156.6M | 161.2M |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Who is working
Labor force participation and the share of 25–54-year-olds with a job.
Data table (latest 36)
| Period | Prime-age | Participation |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 2026 | 80.7% | 61.8% |
| Aug 2026 | 80.4% | 61.6% |
| Jul 2026 | 80.4% | 61.4% |
| Jun 2026 | 80.2% | 61.5% |
| May 2026 | 80.8% | 61.8% |
| Apr 2026 | 80.7% | 61.8% |
| Mar 2026 | 80.7% | 61.9% |
| Feb 2026 | 80.7% | 62.0% |
| Jan 2026 | 80.8% | 62.1% |
| Dec 2025 | 80.7% | 62.4% |
| Nov 2025 | 80.6% | 62.5% |
| Sep 2025 | 80.7% | 62.5% |
| Aug 2025 | 80.7% | 62.3% |
| Jul 2025 | 80.4% | 62.2% |
| Jun 2025 | 80.7% | 62.3% |
| May 2025 | 80.5% | 62.4% |
| Apr 2025 | 80.7% | 62.6% |
| Mar 2025 | 80.4% | 62.5% |
| Feb 2025 | 80.5% | 62.5% |
| Jan 2025 | 80.7% | 62.6% |
| Dec 2024 | 80.5% | 62.5% |
| Nov 2024 | 80.5% | 62.4% |
| Oct 2024 | 80.6% | 62.5% |
| Sep 2024 | 80.9% | 62.7% |
| Aug 2024 | 80.9% | 62.7% |
| Jul 2024 | 80.9% | 62.7% |
| Jun 2024 | 80.7% | 62.6% |
| May 2024 | 80.8% | 62.6% |
| Apr 2024 | 80.8% | 62.6% |
| Mar 2024 | 80.7% | 62.7% |
| Feb 2024 | 80.7% | 62.6% |
| Jan 2024 | 80.6% | 62.5% |
| Dec 2023 | 80.5% | 62.5% |
| Nov 2023 | 80.8% | 62.8% |
| Oct 2023 | 80.7% | 62.6% |
| Sep 2023 | 80.8% | 62.7% |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Job openings
Open positions, thousands (JOLTS).
Data table (latest 36)
| Period | Openings |
|---|---|
| Sep 2026 | 7.5M |
| Aug 2026 | 7.2M |
| Jul 2026 | 7.3M |
| Jun 2026 | 7.2M |
| May 2026 | 7.5M |
| Apr 2026 | 7.6M |
| Mar 2026 | 6.9M |
| Feb 2026 | 6.9M |
| Jan 2026 | 7.2M |
| Dec 2025 | 6.5M |
| Nov 2025 | 6.8M |
| Oct 2025 | 7.2M |
| Sep 2025 | 7.2M |
| Aug 2025 | 6.9M |
| Jul 2025 | 7.1M |
| Jun 2025 | 7.2M |
| May 2025 | 7.3M |
| Apr 2025 | 7.1M |
| Mar 2025 | 7.0M |
| Feb 2025 | 7.2M |
| Jan 2025 | 7.4M |
| Dec 2024 | 7.3M |
| Nov 2024 | 7.6M |
| Oct 2024 | 7.4M |
| Sep 2024 | 6.9M |
| Aug 2024 | 7.5M |
| Jul 2024 | 7.4M |
| Jun 2024 | 7.4M |
| May 2024 | 7.8M |
| Apr 2024 | 7.5M |
| Mar 2024 | 8.2M |
| Feb 2024 | 8.4M |
| Jan 2024 | 8.4M |
| Dec 2023 | 8.5M |
| Nov 2023 | 8.6M |
| Oct 2023 | 8.6M |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Part-time, want full-time
People working part time for economic reasons, thousands.
Data table (latest 36)
| Period | Part-time for economic reasons |
|---|---|
| Sep 2026 | 4.5M |
| Aug 2026 | 4.4M |
| Jul 2026 | 4.8M |
| Jun 2026 | 4.7M |
| May 2026 | 4.8M |
| Apr 2026 | 4.9M |
| Mar 2026 | 4.5M |
| Feb 2026 | 4.4M |
| Jan 2026 | 4.9M |
| Dec 2025 | 5.3M |
| Nov 2025 | 5.5M |
| Sep 2025 | 4.6M |
| Aug 2025 | 4.8M |
| Jul 2025 | 4.7M |
| Jun 2025 | 4.5M |
| May 2025 | 4.6M |
| Apr 2025 | 4.7M |
| Mar 2025 | 4.8M |
| Feb 2025 | 4.9M |
| Jan 2025 | 4.5M |
| Dec 2024 | 4.4M |
| Nov 2024 | 4.5M |
| Oct 2024 | 4.6M |
| Sep 2024 | 4.6M |
| Aug 2024 | 4.8M |
| Jul 2024 | 4.6M |
| Jun 2024 | 4.2M |
| May 2024 | 4.4M |
| Apr 2024 | 4.5M |
| Mar 2024 | 4.3M |
| Feb 2024 | 4.3M |
| Jan 2024 | 4.4M |
| Dec 2023 | 4.2M |
| Nov 2023 | 4.0M |
| Oct 2023 | 4.3M |
| Sep 2023 | 4.1M |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Incomes: by quartile and region
Wage growth for each quarter of the pay scale, pay after inflation, and household income by region in 2025 dollars. Average hourly pay after inflation is +0.1% since January 2025.
Wage growth by wage quartile
Median raise for the same workers a year apart, 12-month average, by where they sit on the pay scale. Compare with inflation above.
Data table (latest 36)
| Period | Lowest-paid | 2nd | 3rd | Highest-paid | All |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2026 | 3.4% | 4.0% | 3.9% | 3.8% | 3.7% |
| Aug 2026 | 3.7% | 3.9% | 4.0% | 3.8% | 3.8% |
| Jul 2026 | 3.7% | 3.9% | 3.9% | 3.8% | 3.8% |
| Jun 2026 | 3.6% | 4.0% | 3.9% | 3.8% | 3.8% |
| May 2026 | 3.5% | 4.0% | 4.0% | 3.7% | 3.8% |
| Apr 2026 | 3.6% | 4.1% | 4.1% | 3.7% | 3.8% |
| Mar 2026 | 3.5% | 4.2% | 4.4% | 3.8% | 3.9% |
| Feb 2026 | 3.5% | 4.2% | 4.5% | 3.9% | 4.0% |
| Jan 2026 | 3.5% | 4.3% | 4.4% | 3.9% | 4.0% |
| Dec 2025 | 3.5% | 4.3% | 4.4% | 4.0% | 4.0% |
| Nov 2025 | 3.6% | 4.3% | 4.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Sep 2025 | 3.5% | 4.3% | 4.3% | 4.5% | 4.2% |
| Aug 2025 | 3.4% | 4.4% | 4.4% | 4.6% | 4.2% |
| Jul 2025 | 3.6% | 4.4% | 4.4% | 4.7% | 4.3% |
| Jun 2025 | 3.6% | 4.4% | 4.4% | 4.8% | 4.3% |
| May 2025 | 3.7% | 4.4% | 4.6% | 4.8% | 4.4% |
| Apr 2025 | 3.8% | 4.5% | 4.6% | 4.8% | 4.5% |
| Mar 2025 | 4.1% | 4.6% | 4.7% | 5.0% | 4.6% |
| Feb 2025 | 4.2% | 4.7% | 4.6% | 4.9% | 4.6% |
| Jan 2025 | 4.2% | 4.7% | 4.7% | 4.9% | 4.7% |
| Dec 2024 | 4.3% | 4.8% | 4.6% | 5.0% | 4.7% |
| Nov 2024 | 4.5% | 4.8% | 4.7% | 5.0% | 4.8% |
| Oct 2024 | 4.8% | 4.9% | 4.9% | 5.0% | 4.9% |
| Sep 2024 | 5.1% | 4.9% | 5.0% | 4.8% | 5.0% |
| Aug 2024 | 5.1% | 4.9% | 5.1% | 4.7% | 5.0% |
| Jul 2024 | 5.1% | 5.0% | 5.2% | 4.7% | 5.0% |
| Jun 2024 | 5.3% | 5.1% | 5.2% | 4.7% | 5.1% |
| May 2024 | 5.4% | 5.1% | 5.1% | 4.8% | 5.1% |
| Apr 2024 | 5.5% | 5.1% | 5.4% | 5.0% | 5.3% |
| Mar 2024 | 5.4% | 5.2% | 5.2% | 4.9% | 5.2% |
| Feb 2024 | 5.5% | 5.2% | 5.3% | 5.2% | 5.3% |
| Jan 2024 | 5.7% | 5.5% | 5.4% | 5.3% | 5.5% |
| Dec 2023 | 5.9% | 5.6% | 5.6% | 5.2% | 5.6% |
| Nov 2023 | 6.0% | 5.6% | 5.6% | 5.3% | 5.6% |
| Oct 2023 | 5.9% | 6.0% | 5.6% | 5.4% | 5.7% |
| Sep 2023 | 5.9% | 6.2% | 5.7% | 5.5% | 5.8% |
Source: Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, Wage Growth Tracker
Real average hourly earnings
Adjusted by CPI to Sep 2026 dollars.
Data table (latest 36)
| Period | All private | Non-managers |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 2026 | $38 | $32 |
| Aug 2026 | $38 | $32 |
| Jul 2026 | $38 | $32 |
| Jun 2026 | $38 | $32 |
| May 2026 | $38 | $32 |
| Apr 2026 | $38 | $32 |
| Mar 2026 | $38 | $32 |
| Feb 2026 | $38 | $33 |
| Jan 2026 | $38 | $33 |
| Dec 2025 | $38 | $33 |
| Nov 2025 | $38 | $33 |
| Sep 2025 | $38 | $32 |
| Aug 2025 | $38 | $33 |
| Jul 2025 | $38 | $33 |
| Jun 2025 | $38 | $33 |
| May 2025 | $38 | $32 |
| Apr 2025 | $38 | $32 |
| Mar 2025 | $38 | $32 |
| Feb 2025 | $38 | $32 |
| Jan 2025 | $38 | $32 |
| Dec 2024 | $38 | $32 |
| Nov 2024 | $38 | $32 |
| Oct 2024 | $38 | $32 |
| Sep 2024 | $38 | $32 |
| Aug 2024 | $38 | $32 |
| Jul 2024 | $38 | $32 |
| Jun 2024 | $38 | $32 |
| May 2024 | $37 | $32 |
| Apr 2024 | $37 | $32 |
| Mar 2024 | $37 | $32 |
| Feb 2024 | $37 | $32 |
| Jan 2024 | $37 | $32 |
| Dec 2023 | $37 | $32 |
| Nov 2023 | $37 | $32 |
| Oct 2023 | $37 | $32 |
| Sep 2023 | $37 | $32 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Real median weekly earnings
Full-time workers, in 1982–84 dollars (BLS).
Data table (latest 36)
| Period | Median weekly |
|---|---|
| Q3 2026 | $370 |
| Q2 2026 | $378 |
| Q1 2026 | $376 |
| Q3 2025 | $376 |
| Q2 2025 | $376 |
| Q1 2025 | $373 |
| Q4 2024 | $374 |
| Q3 2024 | $371 |
| Q2 2024 | $368 |
| Q1 2024 | $365 |
| Q4 2023 | $369 |
| Q3 2023 | $366 |
| Q2 2023 | $365 |
| Q1 2023 | $364 |
| Q4 2022 | $362 |
| Q3 2022 | $362 |
| Q2 2022 | $359 |
| Q1 2022 | $363 |
| Q4 2021 | $361 |
| Q3 2021 | $367 |
| Q2 2021 | $371 |
| Q1 2021 | $373 |
| Q4 2020 | $376 |
| Q3 2020 | $384 |
| Q2 2020 | $393 |
| Q1 2020 | $367 |
| Q4 2019 | $362 |
| Q3 2019 | $360 |
| Q2 2019 | $358 |
| Q1 2019 | $355 |
| Q4 2018 | $355 |
| Q3 2018 | $354 |
| Q2 2018 | $351 |
| Q1 2018 | $351 |
| Q4 2017 | $345 |
| Q3 2017 | $352 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Median household income by region
Annual, in 2025 dollars (Census CPS ASEC). The latest year is 2025.
Data table (latest 9)
| Period | U.S. | Northeast | Midwest | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $87,460 | $95,110 | $85,820 | $80,690 | $97,440 |
| 2024 | $85,210 | $93,820 | $83,540 | $78,010 | $96,690 |
| 2023 | $84,730 | $90,660 | $85,170 | $77,030 | $92,810 |
| 2022 | $81,460 | $87,770 | $79,820 | $74,520 | $90,540 |
| 2021 | $83,270 | $91,140 | $83,680 | $74,550 | $93,440 |
| 2020 | $83,590 | $92,800 | $82,810 | $75,570 | $92,470 |
| 2019 | $85,320 | $94,650 | $84,880 | $76,850 | $94,090 |
| 2018 | $79,620 | $88,360 | $80,740 | $72,210 | $87,610 |
| 2017 | $78,600 | $84,330 | $78,580 | $71,700 | $86,090 |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, CPS ASEC historical income tables
Growth and sentiment
Real GDP growth
Quarterly, annualized rate.
Data table (latest 36)
| Period | Real GDP |
|---|---|
| Q3 2026 | 3.4% |
| Q2 2026 | 2.2% |
| Q1 2026 | 2.5% |
| Q4 2025 | 0.2% |
| Q3 2025 | 3.9% |
| Q2 2025 | 4.0% |
| Q1 2025 | 0.1% |
| Q4 2024 | 2.4% |
| Q3 2024 | 3.2% |
| Q2 2024 | 3.6% |
| Q1 2024 | 1.4% |
| Q4 2023 | 3.6% |
| Q3 2023 | 4.5% |
| Q2 2023 | 2.2% |
| Q1 2023 | 3.4% |
| Q4 2022 | 2.7% |
| Q3 2022 | 2.7% |
| Q2 2022 | 0.6% |
| Q1 2022 | -1.0% |
| Q4 2021 | 6.8% |
| Q3 2021 | 3.2% |
| Q2 2021 | 7.1% |
| Q1 2021 | 6.2% |
| Q4 2020 | 4.6% |
| Q3 2020 | 34.9% |
| Q2 2020 | -28.0% |
| Q1 2020 | -5.2% |
| Q4 2019 | 2.8% |
| Q3 2019 | 4.8% |
| Q2 2019 | 3.4% |
| Q1 2019 | 2.5% |
| Q4 2018 | 0.6% |
| Q3 2018 | 2.5% |
| Q2 2018 | 2.1% |
| Q1 2018 | 3.3% |
| Q4 2017 | 4.6% |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis
Consumer sentiment
University of Michigan index (1966 = 100).
Data table (latest 36)
| Period | Sentiment |
|---|---|
| Oct 2026 | 48.0 |
| Sep 2026 | 48.1 |
| Aug 2026 | 51.7 |
| Jul 2026 | 55.2 |
| Jun 2026 | 49.5 |
| May 2026 | 44.8 |
| Apr 2026 | 49.8 |
| Mar 2026 | 53.3 |
| Feb 2026 | 56.6 |
| Jan 2026 | 56.4 |
| Dec 2025 | 52.9 |
| Nov 2025 | 51.0 |
| Oct 2025 | 53.6 |
| Sep 2025 | 55.1 |
| Aug 2025 | 58.2 |
| Jul 2025 | 61.7 |
| Jun 2025 | 60.7 |
| May 2025 | 52.2 |
| Apr 2025 | 52.2 |
| Mar 2025 | 57.0 |
| Feb 2025 | 64.7 |
| Jan 2025 | 71.7 |
| Dec 2024 | 74.0 |
| Nov 2024 | 71.8 |
| Oct 2024 | 70.5 |
| Sep 2024 | 70.1 |
| Aug 2024 | 67.9 |
| Jul 2024 | 66.4 |
| Jun 2024 | 68.2 |
| May 2024 | 69.1 |
| Apr 2024 | 77.2 |
| Mar 2024 | 79.4 |
| Feb 2024 | 76.9 |
| Jan 2024 | 79.0 |
| Dec 2023 | 69.7 |
| Nov 2023 | 61.3 |
Health insurance premiums
What job-based coverage costs a year (KFF survey of employers), and the monthly ACA marketplace benchmark plan for a 40-year-old before subsidies. A family plan now costs $28,303 a year.
Employer health premiums, per year
Total premium and the part workers pay, family and single coverage.
Data table (latest 10)
| Period | Family | Family, worker pays | Single | Single, worker pays |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $28,303 | $7,471 | $9,804 | $1,672 |
| 2025 | $26,993 | $6,850 | $9,325 | $1,440 |
| 2024 | $25,586 | $6,366 | $8,913 | $1,408 |
| 2023 | $23,944 | $6,519 | $8,406 | $1,409 |
| 2022 | $22,419 | $6,084 | $7,892 | $1,322 |
| 2021 | $22,186 | $5,927 | $7,707 | $1,297 |
| 2020 | $21,419 | $5,567 | $7,491 | $1,241 |
| 2019 | $20,646 | $5,990 | $7,159 | $1,272 |
| 2018 | $19,718 | $5,556 | $6,899 | $1,195 |
| 2017 | $18,870 | $5,748 | $6,697 | $1,230 |
ACA benchmark premium, per month
Second-lowest-cost silver plan, 40-year-old, national average, before subsidies. 2027 is the plan year now in open enrollment.
Data table (latest 11)
| Period | Benchmark |
|---|---|
| 2027 | $703 |
| 2026 | $625 |
| 2025 | $497 |
| 2024 | $477 |
| 2023 | $456 |
| 2022 | $438 |
| 2021 | $452 |
| 2020 | $462 |
| 2019 | $478 |
| 2018 | $481 |
| 2017 | $359 |
Source: KFF State Health Facts — Marketplace average benchmark premiums
After the enhanced premium tax credits expired at the end of 2025, KFF found average monthly premium payments by ACA Marketplace enrollees (net of tax credits, across all consumers) rose 58%, from $113 in 2025 to $178 in 2026. KFF had projected a 114% increase (about $888 to $1,904 a year) for subsidized enrollees who kept the same plan; the realized rise was smaller largely because many enrollees switched to cheaper, higher-deductible bronze plans (average deductibles rose 37% to a record $3,786) and many people just above the subsidy cliff dropped coverage. KFF ↗
Sources and notes
- October 2025 is missing from BLS series: the federal shutdown stopped data collection that month.
- Regional CPI and rent indexes are not seasonally adjusted, so they are compared year over year.
- Real wages divide average hourly earnings by CPI-U and are shown in today's dollars.
- Employer figures are averages for covered workers at private and non-federal public firms with 10+ workers, from the KFF EHBS (Kaiser/HRET Survey for 1999-2017), taken from the 2026 survey's historical tables (Figures 1.12, 6.4, 6.5); all values are nominal dollars, not inflation-adjusted.
- KFF notes historic survey reports have not been revised for methodological changes (e.g., weighting firm-size categories were revised starting with 2022 SUSB data), so year-to-year comparisons across the series carry some methodological noise; values here are as shown in the 2026 tables.
- Employer single/family premiums equal worker plus employer contributions; employer contribution = premium minus worker contribution.
- ACA benchmark premiums are the second-lowest-cost silver premium for a 40-year-old, weighted by county plan selections, nationwide (KFF State Health Facts); 2027 values are pre-open-enrollment figures based on finalized rates and the weighting may be updated.
- ACA yoy_pct values are the rounded annual percent changes KFF reports in its Oct 30, 2026 chart (2015-2027); KFF computes them from unrounded premiums, so they can differ by ~1 point from changes computed from the rounded dollar values (e.g., 2020: KFF -4% vs. -3.5% from $478->$462). 2014 has no prior year, so yoy_pct is null.
- KFF's Oct 2026 metal-level chart lists slightly different unrounded national benchmark values ($624.38 for 2026, $704.19 for 2027) than the State Health Facts table ($625, $703); this file uses the State Health Facts values.
- No values in this file are estimated or imputed by us; no employer or benchmark years in the requested range were missing.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis
- Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, Wage Growth Tracker
- U.S. Census Bureau, CPS ASEC historical income tables
- FHFA House Price Index (purchase-only)
- Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey
- University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers
- KFF Employer Health Benefits Survey
- KFF State Health Facts — Marketplace average benchmark premiums
- KFF 2026 Employer Health Benefits Survey (published Oct 22, 2026)
- KFF EHBS 2026 Section 1 tables (Figure 1.12: Average Annual Premiums, 1999-2026)
- KFF EHBS 2026 Section 6 tables (Figures 6.4/6.5: Worker and Employer Contributions, 1999-2026)
- KFF State Health Facts: Marketplace Average Monthly Benchmark Premiums, 2014-2027
- KFF: 9 Things to Watch for the 2027 ACA Open Enrollment Period (Oct 30, 2026) - source of annual % change in benchmark premiums, 2015-2027
- KFF: What We Know So Far About 2026 ACA Marketplace Enrollment, Premiums, and Deductibles (May 19, 2026)
- KFF: ACA Marketplace Premium Payments Would More than Double on Average Next Year if Enhanced Premium Tax Credits Expire (2025 projection)