Ground Beef Price History: 10 Years of Data
Published March 28, 2026 · Bureau of Labor Statistics data
Ground beef prices have risen approximately 38% over the past decade, from a national average of $3.52 per pound in 2016 to $4.86 per pound in early 2026. This article tracks the full 10-year trend using Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index data, with context on what drove each major price movement.
10-Year Price Timeline
The BLS tracks retail prices for 80% lean ground beef monthly through its CPI Average Price series (APU0000703112). Here are the key data points:
| Year | Avg $/lb | YoY Change | Key Driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $3.52 | -5.1% | Herd expansion, oversupply |
| 2017 | $3.63 | +3.1% | Stable demand growth |
| 2018 | $3.74 | +3.0% | Strong exports, tariff uncertainty |
| 2019 | $3.78 | +1.1% | Tyson plant fire, brief spike |
| 2020 | $4.17 | +10.3% | COVID-19 meatpacking shutdowns |
| 2021 | $4.24 | +1.7% | Supply chain recovery, high demand |
| 2022 | $4.72 | +11.3% | Drought, herd contraction, feed costs |
| 2023 | $4.84 | +2.5% | 73-year herd low approaching |
| 2024 | $4.91 | +1.4% | Record-low cattle inventory |
| 2025 | $4.83 | -1.6% | Early herd rebuilding signals |
| 2026* | $4.86 | +0.6% | Stabilization phase |
*2026 figure is year-to-date average through available data. Source: BLS CPI Average Price series APU0000703112.
The Three Big Price Shocks
2020: COVID-19 Meatpacking Crisis (+10.3%)
When meatpacking plants became COVID-19 hotspots in spring 2020, major facilities shut down for weeks. Tyson, JBS, and Smithfield plants in Iowa, South Dakota, and Nebraska — which together process roughly 40% of U.S. beef — went offline. Retail beef prices surged as grocery store supply dropped even while millions of locked-down Americans cooked at home.
2022: The Drought-Inflation Double Hit (+11.3%)
The worst single year for beef prices in the past decade was 2022. Severe drought across Texas, Kansas, and Oklahoma forced ranchers to sell cattle early, temporarily flooding markets but draining the breeding herd. Meanwhile, feed costs spiked — corn hit $8/bushel, up from $4.50 in 2020. These structural supply pressures pushed retail beef to record highs.
2023-2024: The 73-Year Herd Low
The USDA reported that the U.S. cattle inventory hit its lowest level since 1951 in early 2024. After years of drought-driven liquidation, the breeding herd was too small to quickly rebuild supply. This kept prices elevated even as broader food inflation cooled.
What This Means for Your Burger Budget
Ground beef accounts for roughly 60% of the total cost of a homemade burger. So a 38% increase in beef prices over a decade translates to roughly a 23% increase in total burger cost, assuming other ingredients held steady (they did not — see our ingredient-by-ingredient analysis).
Track the current national burger cost and monthly trends on our price trends page, or see how beef prices vary by region on the regional comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average price of ground beef in 2026?
The national average retail price for 80% lean ground beef is approximately $4.86 per pound as of early 2026, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. This translates to about $1.62 per one-third pound burger patty.
How much has ground beef increased in price over 10 years?
Ground beef prices have increased approximately 38% from 2016 to 2026. The national average went from about $3.52 per pound in 2016 to $4.86 per pound in early 2026, with the sharpest increases occurring during 2021-2023.
Why did ground beef prices spike in 2022?
Ground beef prices spiked in 2022 due to a combination of factors: post-pandemic supply chain disruptions, drought in major cattle-producing states, rising feed costs (corn and soybeans), and the beginning of a cattle herd contraction cycle that reduced supply.
Will ground beef prices go down?
Beef prices are tied to the cattle cycle. The U.S. cattle herd hit a 73-year low in 2024, meaning tight supply will likely keep prices elevated through 2026-2027. Relief typically comes when herd rebuilding increases the supply of market-ready cattle, which takes 2-3 years.
About This Data
All prices are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index Average Price series for ground beef, 100% beef, chuck, per lb (APU0000703112). Data is public domain and updated monthly. See our methodology for details.