Adult correctional population in the U.S. 2021

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

Characteristic	Number of people
2021	5.44
2020	5.5
2019	6.34
2018	6.41
2017	6.55
2016	6.61
2015	6.74
2014	6.86
2013	6.9
2012	6.95
2011	6.99
2010	7.09
2009	7.24
2008	7.31
2007	7.34
2006	7.2
2005	7.06

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Release date

March 2023

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Region

United States

Survey time period

2000 to 2021

Supplementary notes

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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