America's Economy — Still Something to Brag About

If you are thinking that America's economy is on the wrong track, here are some facts to remind you that there are still a lot of reasons to believe in the U.S.A.

• America's Gross Domestic Product (the value of goods and services it produces) now exceeds $10 trillion, nearly double its value a decade ago (source: Bureau of Economic Analysis).
  
  
• Even with its recent struggles, the U.S. economy represents about 32.5% of the developed world's economy (as of 2001), actually an increase from 1995 (source: Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development).
  
  
• The percentage of Americans who graduate from college continues to grow. It stood at 25.6% in 2000, more than double the rate in 1970 (source: U.S. Census Bureau).
  
  
• The average home in the U.S. is now valued at $150,900. That compares to $128,400 just four years ago (source: National Association of Realtors).
  
  
• The average net worth of an American household stood at $71,600 in 1998 (the last year a survey was completed). In 1992, that figure stood at $56,500 (source: Federal Reserve Board).
  
  
• There are 5.8 million small businesses as of the end of 2000 compared to 5 million in 1991 (source: U.S. Small Business Administration).
  
  

Content is for informational purposes only and may not accurately reflect your specific situation. Information is not intended to provide financial, legal, tax, or accounting advice. You should consult a qualified advisor for advice specific to your own circumstances.