The Average Cost of a Dozen Eggs in the United States

The average cost of a dozen eggs in the United States is $2.09, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as of August 2023. This price reflects the Consumer Price Index (CPI) data, which tracks prices for a basket of consumer goods and services over time.

Key Facts

  1. Average Cost of a Dozen Eggs in the U.S.: According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average cost of a dozen eggs in the U.S. is $2.09.
  2. Fluctuations in Egg Prices: In January 2023, concerns about egg shortages caused the average cost of a dozen eggs to skyrocket to $4.82. However, since then, the average cost has declined by more than half.
  3. Variations by State: The average cost of a dozen eggs can vary significantly from one state to another. For example, during an egg shortage in December 2022, prices ranged from $4.24 in Missouri to $9.73 in Hawaii.
  4. Factors Affecting Egg Prices: The spike in egg prices in 2022 was largely due to an outbreak of avian flu, which led to a decline in egg production. Inflation can also contribute to rising egg prices.

Fluctuations in Egg Prices

In January 2023, concerns about egg shortages caused the average cost of a dozen eggs to skyrocket to $4.82. This sharp increase was primarily attributed to an outbreak of avian flu, which led to a decline in egg production. However, since then, the average cost has declined by more than half due to the resumption of egg inventories to normal levels and an easing in the overall inflation rate.

Variations in Egg Prices by State

The average cost of a dozen eggs can vary significantly from one state to another. For example, during an egg shortage in December 2022, prices ranged from $4.24 in Missouri to $9.73 in Hawaii, according to data from Instacart. This variation can be attributed to factors such as transportation costs, local supply and demand dynamics, and the presence of local egg producers.

Factors Affecting Egg Prices

The spike in egg prices in 2022 was largely due to an outbreak of avian flu, which led to a decline in egg production. Avian flu is a highly contagious disease that can spread rapidly among poultry, resulting in the culling of infected flocks to prevent further spread. This disruption in the supply chain caused a shortage of eggs, leading to higher prices.

Inflation can also contribute to rising egg prices. Inflation is a general increase in prices for goods and services over time. When inflation is high, the cost of producing and transporting eggs increases, which can lead to higher prices for consumers.

Conclusion

The average cost of a dozen eggs in the United States is $2.09, but prices can vary significantly from state to state. The recent spike in egg prices was primarily due to an outbreak of avian flu, which led to a decline in egg production. Inflation can also contribute to rising egg prices. As the egg industry recovers from the avian flu outbreak and inflation eases, egg prices are expected to stabilize and potentially decline in the coming months.

Sources:

  1. SoFi: Average Cost of a Dozen Eggs by State in 2023
  2. Aaron Smith: Egg Prices are Still High, Especially in California
  3. NerdWallet: Egg Prices Are Rising Again. Why Are They So Expensive?

FAQs

What is the average cost of a dozen eggs in the United States?

As of August 2023, the average cost of a dozen eggs in the United States is $2.09, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Why did egg prices increase in 2022?

Egg prices increased in 2022 primarily due to an outbreak of avian flu, which led to a decline in egg production. Avian flu is a highly contagious disease that can spread rapidly among poultry, resulting in the culling of infected flocks to prevent further spread. This disruption in the supply chain caused a shortage of eggs, leading to higher prices.

How much do egg prices vary by state?

The average cost of a dozen eggs can vary significantly from one state to another. For example, during an egg shortage in December 2022, prices ranged from $4.24 in Missouri to $9.73 in Hawaii, according to data from Instacart. This variation can be attributed to factors such as transportation costs, local supply and demand dynamics, and the presence of local egg producers.

What other factors can affect egg prices?

Inflation can also contribute to rising egg prices. Inflation is a general increase in prices for goods and services over time. When inflation is high, the cost of producing and transporting eggs increases, which can lead to higher prices for consumers.

Are egg prices expected to decline in the future?

As the egg industry recovers from the avian flu outbreak and inflation eases, egg prices are expected to stabilize and potentially decline in the coming months. However, the exact timing and extent of the decline will depend on various factors, including the rate of recovery from the avian flu outbreak and the overall economic conditions.

How can consumers save money on eggs?

Consumers can save money on eggs by shopping around for the best prices, buying eggs in bulk when possible, and using coupons and discounts. Additionally, consumers can consider purchasing eggs from local farmers or farmers’ markets, which may offer lower prices than grocery stores.

What are some alternatives to eggs?

There are several alternatives to eggs that can be used in cooking and baking. These alternatives include flax eggs, chia eggs, mashed bananas, applesauce, and silken tofu. Each alternative has its own unique properties and may be suitable for different recipes.

How can consumers stay informed about egg prices and market trends?

Consumers can stay informed about egg prices and market trends by following industry news, signing up for email alerts from grocery stores and egg producers, and using price comparison websites and apps. Additionally, consumers can track egg prices over time using resources such as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index data.