In 2021, the adult correctional population in the United States amounted to about 5.44 million Americans, meaning they were either on probation, on parole, or incarcerated. This is a slight decrease from the previous year, when 5.5 million people were in corrections, and is likely due to the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Total number of adult correctional population in the United States from 2005 to 2021
Estimates were rounded to the nearest 100 and may not be comparable to previously published BJS reports due to updated information or rounding. Totals include estimates for nonresponding jurisdictions.
Estimates were adjusted to account for some offenders with multiple correctional statuses.
Data prior to 2009 have been retrieved from previous publication.
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US Bureau of Justice Statistics. (March 24, 2023). Total number of adult correctional population in the United States from 2005 to 2021 [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved July 22, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/253024/adult-correctional-population-in-the-united-states/
US Bureau of Justice Statistics. "Total number of adult correctional population in the United States from 2005 to 2021." Chart. March 24, 2023. Statista. Accessed July 22, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/253024/adult-correctional-population-in-the-united-states/
US Bureau of Justice Statistics. (2023). Total number of adult correctional population in the United States from 2005 to 2021. Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: July 22, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/253024/adult-correctional-population-in-the-united-states/
US Bureau of Justice Statistics. "Total Number of Adult Correctional Population in The United States from 2005 to 2021." Statista, Statista Inc., 24 Mar 2023, https://www.statista.com/statistics/253024/adult-correctional-population-in-the-united-states/
US Bureau of Justice Statistics, Total number of adult correctional population in the United States from 2005 to 2021 Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/253024/adult-correctional-population-in-the-united-states/ (last visited July 22, 2024)
Total number of adult correctional population in the United States from 2005 to 2021 [Graph], US Bureau of Justice Statistics, March 24, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/253024/adult-correctional-population-in-the-united-states/
