How much did chicken cost in 1987?
Chicken averaged $0.78 per lb in 1987 — about $2.30 in 2026 dollars.
12 monthly observations · Source: BLS series APU0000706111.
In 1987, chicken averaged $0.78 per lb at the U.S. city average, across all twelve months, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics average price data. The monthly price ranged from $0.74 in December to $0.83 in February. Over the year it fell from $0.82 in January to $0.74 in December, a 10.4% decline.
Adjusted for inflation, $0.78 in 1987 is worth about $2.30 in 2026 dollars. Today chicken averages $2.04 per lb, so in real terms it is 11% cheaper than it was in 1987. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 161% versus the 1987 average.
1987 monthly prices
| Month | Price | MoM |
|---|---|---|
| January | $0.82 | ▼ 5.1% |
| February | $0.83 | ▲ 1.3% |
| March | $0.80 | ▼ 3.4% |
| April | $0.79 | ▼ 1.5% |
| May | $0.78 | ▼ 1.3% |
| June | $0.77 | ▼ 1.4% |
| July | $0.76 | ▼ 2.1% |
| August | $0.79 | ▲ 4.0% |
| September | $0.79 | ▲ 1.0% |
| October | $0.79 | ▼ 0.3% |
| November | $0.76 | ▼ 4.4% |
| December | $0.74 | ▼ 2.6% |
| 1987 average | $0.78 |
FAQ
What was the average price of chicken in 1987?
Chicken averaged $0.78 per lb in 1987, based on 12 months of BLS average price data.
How much is $0.78 of 1987 chicken worth today?
Adjusted for inflation with the CPI-U, $0.78 in 1987 is about $2.30 in 2026 dollars.
How does the 1987 price of chicken compare to now?
Chicken now averages $2.04 per lb, up 161% from the 1987 average of $0.78.
Cite this
Basket Report. "Chicken price in 1987 (U.S. average)." Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. Retrieved June 26, 2026 from https://basketreport.com/prices/chicken/1987/. Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, series APU0000706111. <a href="https://basketreport.com/prices/chicken/1987/">Chicken price in 1987 (U.S. average) — Basket Report</a> (data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, series APU0000706111; retrieved June 26, 2026) Basket Report. (2026). Chicken price in 1987 (U.S. average) [Data set]. Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. https://basketreport.com/prices/chicken/1987/