USAFacts

The first #JustTheFacts episodes are officially live! Get the numbers — not rhetoric — on US immigration and the federal budget. Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter to get exclusive access to future episodes. #budget #immigration #usafacts usafacts.org/just-the-facts…

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@ChrisCillizza 🤩

A stunning chart via @USAFacts on sports gambling and state taxes

Defense spending accounts for 13% of the federal budget — the government’s 5th largest expenditure for FY 2025. The US has 2.1 million military troops, and the Army makes up the largest portion, accounting for 34% of active-duty troops and 65% of reservists. With more than half in Japan and Germany, 13% of military troops are stationed overseas. Defense spending also includes veteran support. 6% of the adult population identifies as veterans, which has seen a 33% decline since 2010.

Who’s receiving the most oil from the US? 📍 The Netherlands (11%) 📍 Mexico (10%) 📍 Canada (8%)

Is the US a bigger oil importer or exporter? Since August 2021, the answer is exporter. In 2025, exports totaled 10.7M barrels per day, while imports were 7.9M. That’s a -2.8M barrel a day difference. The US imports 57% of its crude oil and petroleum from Canada — more than 9x the next highest country, Mexico (6%). More in thread.

A federal judge blocked a recent set of changes to the childhood vaccine schedule that reduced the number of federally recommended vaccines from 17 to 11. Child vaccination rates have decreased in recent years. In 2023, 72.8% of children completed the full combined 7 series vaccines before they turned 3 years old, compared to 74.4% of children born in 2013–2014.

Sportsbooks 🤝 bracket chaos

@mongobeast86945 You are correct — it's not a national park but is a part of the National Park System.

There is no officially designated Golden Gate National Park in the United States (or elsewhere as a major site under that exact name). What people often refer to when they say something like "Golden Gate National Park" is actually the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA), a large unit managed by the U.S. National Park Service.

National parks aren’t just scenic — they’re economic engines. Visitor spending near parks contributed $29B in 2024 to local economies. Leading to direct effects (hotels, restaurants, camping, etc.) and secondary effects (local spending by employees) on the economy. National parks that generated the most revenue in 2024: 🗻 Great Smoky Mountains: $2B 🌉 Golden Gate: $1.8B 🍂 Blue Ridge Parkway: $1.5B

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✅ US map ✅ Red, blue, + purple markers ✅ A bit of government data Curious how red or blue your state is ahead of the midterms? Our analyst Chris breaks it down in this week’s Ask an Analyst.

The US closed out 2025 with $38.5T in national debt. Swipe to see the key data points. 🔹 80% is owned by the public. The rest is intragovernmental debt. 🔹 Shakes out to about $112,700 per person — increasing at an average rate of 5% per year since 2021. 🔹 As a percent of GDP, it’s 121% — it first surpassed 100% in Q4 of 2012. 🔹13.6% of federal spending is spent on interest on the debt.

Science: Sleep more Us: Just one more fact

*Checks Zillow* In 2024, Maine, Vermont, and Alaska had the highest gross vacancy rates — 1 in 5 homes was vacant in Maine. The national rate dropped to 10.3% that same year (a 25-year low). Since 2009 (post ‘08 housing crisis), gross vacancy rates were lower in every state in 2024. Where it dropped most: 🏠 Florida: -8.8 net change 🏠 Arizona: -7.8 🏠 Alaska: -7.4

@mm_305 Yup! The gross vacancy rate is a measure of all vacant properties, including vacation properties, so states with several popular tourist destinations, like Florida, will always register slightly higher rates.

@USAFacts One in six units vacant in Florida ?!

New tariffs and global economic shifts altered US trade flows in 2025. Let’s take a look at the stats. Imports outpaced exports in 2025, leading to a $901.5B trade deficit — lower than it was in 2024. And from January to the peak in October, tariff rates jumped almost 5x — 2.2% to 10.9%. Leading to cumulative tariff revenue in FY 2026 that is 4x more than it was as of January in FY 2025.

How much does $70,000 get you? All depends on where you live. In this week's Ask an Analyst, talk affordability and discover regional price parities (RPP) with our analyst Nicole.

That oven clock you forgot to change in November is about to be right again. Daylight saving time kicks off this weekend! ⏰ Since 2018, the push to ditch the clock changes and stay on DST permanently has been growing. 19 states have passed laws and resolutions to make DST permanent — but they can’t make the switch without a change to federal laws. What’s your take on this highly debated topic?

Following US miliary strikes on Iran, Monday morning saw increased oil prices. In this week’s Data Behind the News, we look at where the US imports crude oil and petroleum.

When it comes to government spending, American taxpayers have a vested interest. In 2025, the federal government collected $5.3T — half of which came from individual income taxes. $7.1 trillion was spent, and of that the top spending categories included: 🔹Social Security 🔹National defense 🔹Grants to states + local governments 🔹Interest on the debt 🔹Medicare The government spent 34% more than it collected, resulting in a $1.79T deficit — lower than in 2024.