New report reveals federal spending per person has ballooned by nearly 10,000% since 1916
A recent report by the watchdog group Open The Books highlights an alarming increase in federal spending per person, which has surged nearly 10,000% since 1916, reaching approximately $20,474 today. This escalation coincides with growing concerns over affordability, as average federal spending now matches the median household income for a family of four. While the government's financial footprint has expanded significantly, critics argue that citizens are not seeing proportional improvements in quality of life or innovation. The report calls for greater scrutiny of federal expenditures, emphasizing the need for transparency and efficiency in government spending moving forward.
Dive Deeper:
In 1916, the federal government spent an average of $208.36 per person, which has increased to $20,474.19 in today's dollars, according to Open The Books.
The Congressional Budget Office reported that the federal government spent a record $7.035 trillion in Fiscal Year 2025.
Current federal spending per capita for a family of four is estimated at about $82,000, nearly equal to the median household income of $83,730 in 2024.
Open The Books revealed that spending on Medicare in 2024 was approximately $912 billion, while Social Security expenditures reached $1.5 trillion.
Despite a decrease in staffing at the Department of Education since 2000, its spending has grown by 749%, illustrating a trend of rising costs without corresponding increases in efficiency.
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) proposed by Elon Musk managed to save about $150 billion in discretionary spending, but this is minimal compared to mandatory spending obligations.
Open The Books intends to continue its efforts in 2026 to expose waste and push for real-time transparency in federal spending, urging taxpayers to demand better value for their money.