Chart of the Week: Federal Spending Per Household Is Skyrocketing

Abigail White / July 31, 2011

With the United States engaged in a debate over debt, the common consensus among Americans is that spending needs to be reduced. A recent poll commissioned by Generation Opportunity and the polling company, inc./WomanTrend found this was especially true among young Americans who are self-identified independents. They believe less federal spending and less government interference with job creators will lead to more economic opportunity and a more optimistic future for America.

The poll indicated 79% would decrease federal spending from its current level and 59% believe the United States is pretty seriously on the wrong track. This is perhaps no surprise, but it’s unlikely to happen unless Washington changes its ways. Federal spending per household is set to rise 22 percent from 2010 to 2021.

This chart is part of Heritage’s 2011 Budget Chart Book, featuring charts on federal spending, revenue, debt and deficits, and entitlement programs.