Economy articles
How do national parks affect the economy?
In 2024, the 332 million visitors to national parks spent an estimated $29.0 billion dollars. Visitors spent this money in what the National Park Service (NPS) calls a “local gateway region,” or local economies near a national park. A local gateway region includes nearby towns and counties where park visitors usually stop to shop or stay overnight. For most parks, it’s defined as all counties within 60 miles of the park’s boundary. . Adjusted for inflation, 2024 visitor spending was the highest in more than a decade. The second-highest was 2023 at $27.2 billion and third-highest was 2019 at $25.7 billion. But right after that came 2020. The biggest single-year spending drop was from 2019 to 2020 — when the COVID-19 pandemic restricted visits to national parks and related spending had its biggest single year drop, down 31.8% to $17.5 billion.
What is the value of US trade overall?
$3.23 trillion in exports and $4.14 trillion in imports in 2024. Benefits of trade can include higher wages and job growth, a wider variety of products available at lower prices, increased productivity, and more efficient resource allocation.
How much foreign aid does the US provide overall?
About $82.3 billion in aid was obligated for fiscal year (FY) 2024, the most recent fully-reported year. Another $19.4 billion has been reported for FY 2025.
What is the labor force participation rate in the US?
It was 62.4% in December 2025. The labor force participation rate measures the percent of people ages 16 and older engaged in the labor market, including those who are working or who are unemployed but actively looking for a job.
How many vacant homes are there in the US?
There are many ways to assess the trajectory of the American housing market. Two key indicators are the total number of vacant homes and the vacancy rate. According to the Census Bureau, there were approximately 15.1 million vacant homes nationwide in 2024. These unused homes, which include rentals, represent 10.3% of the country’s housing inventory. The number of vacant homes peaked at nearly 19 million in the wake of the 2008 housing crisis, but homeownership has since recovered and the number of vacant homes dropped more than 20% between 2009 and 2024.
Are wages keeping up with inflation?
Yes. From December 2024 to December 2025, wages grew 1.1 percentage points faster than inflation. Nominal wages — the literal dollars earned regardless of cost of living — increased by 3.8% while inflation stood at 2.7%. When wage growth outpaces inflation, it indicates that workers are experiencing an increase in purchasing power from the previous year.
How many civilian jobs are in the US federal government?
About 2.74 million, as of December 2025. Federal jobs include all jobs ranging from janitors to air traffic controllers to nurses to postal workers and more. (Enlisted service people are considered government employees but aren’t included in this figure because they’re not civilians.) Out of the 159.5 million nonfarm jobs in the US, 1.7% are in the federal government, the nation’s largest employer. Another way to look at it: The federal government is responsible for one in every 60 jobs.
What are the biggest drivers of inflation in the past year?
From December 2024 to December 2025, mostly housing. During that time frame, housing price increases accounted for three-fifths of the overall inflation rate. The inflation rate is calculated using the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which tracks the price changes of a consistent basket of goods and services over time. As of December 2025, overall prices increased 2.7% over the previous year. Each item in this basket is given a weight that reflects how much the average urban household spends on it. Items with higher weights, like shelter, tend to have a larger impact on the overall inflation rate than other categories. By examining the price changes across different categories, we can better understand the factors contributing to the current inflation rate.
What is the current inflation rate in the US?
2.7%, as of December 2025. Inflation refers to the rise in prices of goods and services over time, which reduces the purchasing power of the dollar. The inflation rate is the percentage that describes how quickly these prices are rising. While several government datasets track price changes, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) represents about 90% of the US population. The CPI measures inflation by tracking the price fluctuations of a “basket of goods and services” over time, providing a clear picture of how inflation affects everyday living expenses.
What does the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) do?
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is an independent executive branch agency responsible for managing the civil service of the federal government. Its functions include coordinating the recruitment of new government employees, managing health insurance and retirement benefits programs, and providing resources for job seekers. Established in 1979, it serves as the chief human resources agency and personnel policy manager for the federal government.
What does the Department of Transportation (DOT) do?
The Department of Transportation (USDOT, DOT) is a cabinet-level executive branch agency responsible for overseeing national transportation systems and infrastructure. Its functions include developing and implementing federal transportation policies; ensuring the safety and efficiency of highways, railroads, air travel, and maritime transport; and administering funding for transportation projects including local transit systems. It was established in 1966.
What does the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) do?
The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) is a subdivision of the US Department of Commerce responsible for providing important economic statistics including the gross domestic product (GDP) of the United States. The agency collects and analyzes data on economic performance, trade, and industry, which helps inform public policy and business decisions. It was established in 1972.
What does the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) do?
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is a subdivision of the US Department of Transportation responsible for regulating and overseeing all aspects of civil aviation in the United States. The agency's primary mission is to ensure the safety and efficiency of the national airspace system. It sets and enforces regulations for aircraft manufacturing and operation, certifies airmen and airports, and manages air traffic control. The FAA also conducts research to improve aviation safety and efficiency, and collaborates with international aviation authorities. It was established in 1958, originally called the Federal Aviation Agency.
What does the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) do?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is a subdivision of the US Department of Labor responsible for measuring labor market activity, working conditions, and price changes in the economy. The agency collects, analyzes, and disseminates essential economic information to support public and private decision-making. It also conducts research and provides data on employment, unemployment, inflation, productivity, and other economic indicators. It was established in 1884.
What does the International Trade Administration (ITA) do?
The International Trade Administration (ITA) is a subdivision of the US Department of Commerce responsible for promoting international trade, strengthening the competitiveness of US industry, and ensuring fair trade through rigorous enforcement of trade laws and agreements. The ITA provides data, tools, and resources to help American businesses navigate the complexities of international markets, advocates for US commercial interests abroad, and works to remove trade barriers. It was established in 1980.
What does the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) do?
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is a subdivision of the Department of Transportation responsible for overseeing the construction, maintenance, and preservation of the nation's highways, bridges, and tunnels. The agency provides financial and technical assistance to state and local governments to ensure the safety and efficiency of the national highway system. It also develops policies and guidelines to promote innovation and sustainability in transportation infrastructure. It was established in 1966.
What does the United States Mint (USMINT) do?
The United States Mint (US Mint) is a subdivision of the Department of the Treasury responsible for producing coinage for the United States to conduct its trade and commerce. The agency designs and manufactures domestic, bullion, and foreign coins, as well as Congressional Gold Medals and silver, gold, and platinum bullion coins. It also maintains physical custody and protection of the nation's gold and silver assets. It was established in 1792.
What does the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) do?
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is a subdivision of the Department of Transportation responsible for providing financial and technical assistance to local public transit systems. The agency oversees safety measures, helps develop new transit technologies, and ensures that transit systems are accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities. It was established in 1964.
What does the Department of Commerce (DOC) do?
The Department of Commerce (DOC) is an executive branch agency responsible for supporting economic growth within the US. Its functions include promoting job creation, sustainable business development, and ensuring economic competitiveness. It was established in 1903.
What does the Small Business Administration (SBA) do?
The Small Business Administration (SBA) is an independent executive agency responsible for supporting small business owners and entrepreneurs in their business ventures. Its functions include providing small businesses access to capital, offering free or low-cost counseling and training, working with other government agencies to contract small businesses, and advocating on behalf of the small business sector in front of Congress. It was established in 1953.