United States Prison Population Rate 2020: 505 per 100,000
United States's prison population rate in 2020 is 505 per 100,000, down 21.3% from 2018. It ranks #5 of 125 countries.
Explore prison population rate per 100,000 people; measure incarceration levels across countries and understand justice system trends.
Source (2020): Prison population rate | Our World in Data
Prison Population Rate over time
| Year | Value | Change | % Change | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 505 per 100,000 | 137 per 100,000 | -21.34% | |
| 2018 | 642 per 100,000 | 24 per 100,000 | -3.60% | |
| 2016 | 666 per 100,000 | 27 per 100,000 | -3.90% | |
| 2014 | 693 per 100,000 | 14 per 100,000 | -1.98% | |
| 2012 | 707 per 100,000 | 24 per 100,000 | -3.28% | |
| 2010 | 731 per 100,000 | 24 per 100,000 | -3.18% | |
| 2008 | 755 per 100,000 | +3 per 100,000 | +0.40% | |
| 2006 | 752 per 100,000 | +27 per 100,000 | +3.72% | |
| 2004 | 725 per 100,000 | +22 per 100,000 | +3.13% | |
| 2002 | 703 per 100,000 | — | — |
Frequently Asked Questions About United States Prison Population Rate
What is United States's prison population rate in 2020?▾
United States's prison population rate is 505 per 100,000 in 2020, according to Prison population rate | Our World in Data.
Is United States's prison population rate increasing or decreasing?▾
United States's prison population rate fell by 21.3% from 2018 (642 per 100,000) to 2020 (505 per 100,000). Over the past decade (2010–2020) it fell by 30.9%.
How does United States rank for prison population rate?▾
In 2020, United States has the 5th highest prison population rate out of 125 countries with data.
What was United States's prison population rate in 2002?▾
In 2002, United States's prison population rate was 703 per 100,000. By 2020 it fell by 28.2%.
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