The Egg Index
Average price per dozen, Grade A Large Eggs (U.S. City Average)
Then
2019
$1.40
Now
2025
$4.71
Change
2019–2025
+236%
↑ Rising
The Egg Index: 2015–2025
Average price per dozen, Grade A Large Eggs (U.S. City Average)
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (FRED series APU0000708111)
Historical Data
| Year | Price | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | $2.47 | — |
| 2016 | $1.68 | -32.0% |
| 2017 | $1.47 | -12.5% |
| 2018 | $1.74 | +18.4% |
| 2019 | $1.40 | -19.5% |
| 2020 | $1.51 | +7.9% |
| 2021 | $1.67 | +10.6% |
| 2022 | $2.86 | +71.3% |
| 2023 | $2.80 | -2.1% |
| 2024 | $3.17 | +13.2% |
| 2025 | $4.71 | +48.6% |
Analysis
The egg market has been one of the most dramatic inflation stories of the decade. From a low of $1.40/dozen in 2019, prices have surged to an average of $4.71 in 2025 — with a staggering peak of $6.23 in March 2025.
The primary culprit is avian influenza (HPAI), which has devastated commercial flocks in repeated waves since 2022. Each outbreak reduces the national laying flock, tightening supply for months. Feed costs (corn and soybean meal) have also remained elevated, adding further pressure.
The 2015 spike ($2.47) was also avian-flu driven, but the recovery was swift — prices fell to $1.47 by 2017. The current cycle has been far more persistent, with three separate outbreak waves preventing a full supply recovery. Cage-free mandates in several states have added structural production costs that won't reverse.
For consumers, eggs have become the most visible symbol of grocery inflation. Despite representing a tiny fraction of the CPI basket, egg prices dominate headlines and shape perception of the broader economy.