Consumer prices in the South region increased slightly in July, according to data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) rose 0.1 percent over the month. Excluding food and energy, the index also went up by 0.1 percent.
Food prices saw a 0.3 percent increase in July, with both grocery store purchases and food away from home rising at that rate. Five out of six major grocery store food group indexes increased, including meats, poultry, fish, and eggs which were up by 1.0 percent.
Energy prices edged up 0.1 percent for the month. The natural gas index increased by 0.5 percent while electricity and gasoline prices remained unchanged.
Over the past year, consumer prices in the South rose 2.3 percent, matching the annual increase recorded for June. The index for all items less food and energy climbed 2.8 percent over twelve months, while food costs were also up by 2.8 percent during this period.
The energy index declined by 3.4 percent compared to last year, with gasoline dropping sharply by 11.6 percent over twelve months. However, electricity was up by 5.2 percent and natural gas increased by 10.5 percent during that time.
Shelter costs contributed to inflation as well, with a monthly rise of 0.2 percent driven partly by a 0.3-percent increase in owners’ equivalent rent. Used cars and trucks saw an increase of 0.8 percent in July while apparel prices fell by 1.8 percent.
For more detailed historical data on price changes or to access charts and tables related to these statistics, readers can refer to BLS data query tools available through Table 1 of this release under historical data.
The next update on consumer prices for August is scheduled for release on September 11, 2025.
The South region includes Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.
“The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a measure of the average change in prices over time in a fixed market basket of goods and services,” according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics release.
Information about CPI methodology can be found in national technical notes or the Handbook of Methods provided by BLS.
Requests for accessible formats or additional information can be made via voice phone at (202) 691-5200 or Telecommunications Relay Service at 7-1-1.
