11 Stunning Facts About America's Prisons

Source: Business Insider
1. In 2009 there were 7.2 million people in prison and under official supervision like probation - a larger population than the state of Washington.


2. Between 1987 and 2007 the national prison population tripled.
Between 1987 and 2007 the national prison population tripled

3. 4 in 10 prisoners return to state prisons within three years of release.
4 in 10 prisoners return to state prisons within three years of release

4. One in 30 men between 20 and 34 is behind bars -- and up to one in 13 in one state.
One in 30 men between 20 and 34 is behind bars -- and up to one in 13 in one state

5. One in nine black men between 20 and 34 are behind bars.
One in nine black men between 20 and 34 are behind bars

6. 734 out of every 100,000 people are behind bars in the U.S. - far and away the highest number in the world.
734 out of every 100,000 people are behind bars in the U.S. -- far and away the highest number in the world

7. Russia and South Africa are our nearest competitor.
Russia and South Africa are our nearest competitor

8. Part of the bizarre prison black market, a thimbleful of tobacco can fetch up to $50 at a maximum security prison.
Part of the bizarre prison black market, a thimbleful of tobacco can fetch up to $50 at a maximum security prison

9. Typically parole programs cost taxpayers $7.47 per day per parolee, while prisons cost $78.95 per day per inmate nationwide.
Typically parole programs cost taxpayers $7.47 per day per parolee, while prisons cost $78.95 per day per inmate nationwide.

10. Some prisoners cost more. It costs New Jersey $253 million every year to house just its death row prisoners - $11 million apiece.
Some prisoners cost more. It costs New Jersey $253 million every year to house just its death row prisoners -- $11 million apiece

11. Between 1987 and 2007 state prison costs rose by 315 percent to $44.06 billion a year.
Between 1987 and 2007 state prison costs rose by 315 percent to $44.06 billion a year

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