The U.S. inflation rate has been recorded since 1913 and is typically measured using the Consumer Price Index (CPI) from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), reflecting the year-over-year percentage change in the cost of a basket of goods and services. From 1925 to 2024, the average annual inflation rate is approximately 3.1%. Following are long-term high and low years.
Highest Rate: 17.8%
Highest Rate in 1917 during WWI
Lowest Rate: -10.3%
Lowest Rate in 1932 during the Great Depression