The total correctional population in the United States fell 1% from yearend 2020 to 2021, according to statistics in Correctional Populations in the United States, 2021 – Statistical Tables and Probation and Parole in the United States, 2021, two reports released
today by the Bureau of Justice Statistics. The number of persons held
in prison or jail or supervised in the community on probation or parole
decreased by 61,100, down to an estimated 5,444,900. Overall, an
estimated 1 in 48 U.S. residents age 18 or older were under correctional supervision at yearend 2021, down from 1 in 47 in 2020.
Correctional Populations in the United States, 2021 – Statistical Tables (NCJ 305542) was written by BJS Statisticians E. Ann Carson, PhD, and Rich Kluckow, DSW. Probation and Parole in the United States, 2021 (NCJ 305589) was written by BJS Statistician Danielle Kaeble. The reports,
related documents, and additional information about BJS’s statistical
publications and programs are available on the BJS website at bjs.ojp.gov.
The
Bureau of Justice Statistics of the U.S. Department of Justice is the
principal federal agency responsible for collecting, analyzing, and
disseminating reliable statistics on crime and criminal justice in the
United States. Alexis R. Piquero, PhD, is the director.
For more information on BJS's publications, data collections, data analysis tools, and funding opportunities, visit bjs.ojp.gov.
