Teen Car Insurance Cost 12-24-25

For an 18-year-old in Georgia in 2025, liability-only car insurance costs significantly more than for older drivers, averaging around $191/month nationally but potentially starting as low as $90-$100/month or even less with good companies like Progressive or GEICO, though rates depend heavily on location (Atlanta is higher), driving record, and specific coverage limits. Expect a wide range, with some companies offering rates in the $60-$70 range for minimum coverage, but personalized quotes are crucial.  

Average Costs (Estimates for 18-Year-Olds):

National Average (Liability): Around $191 per month.

Georgia: (General Liability): State averages hover around $158/month, but premiums for teens are much higher. 

Key Factors Influencing Your Rate:

Location: Atlanta drivers face much higher rates than other parts of Georgia.

Vehicle: The type of car you drive impacts costs.

Driving Record: Accidents or tickets drastically increase premiums.

Coverage Limits: Higher liability limits mean higher costs. 

Cheapest Companies (Examples for Minimum Coverage in GA):

Progressive & GEICO: Often cited as budget-friendly options, with potential rates sometimes under $100/month for minimum coverage, even for young drivers.

USAA Extremely cheap if eligible (military affiliation), potentially under $70/month. 

How to Get the Best Rate:

Compare Quotes: Use online tools from Insurify, Bankrate, or The Zebra to check multiple companies.

Ask About Discounts: Look for good student, defensive driving, or multi-policy discounts.

Stay on Your Parent's Policy (If Possible): Adding an 18-year-old to a parent's policy is often much cheaper than a standalone policy.

Drive Safely: A clean record is your best tool for lower rates. 

In 2025, the average monthly cost for liability-only (minimum) car insurance for an 18-year-old in 

Georgia is approximately $185 to $238. 

Rates for 18-year-olds are significantly higher than the state average for all drivers, which is about $158 per month. 

Estimated Costs by Provider (Liability-Only)

Actual quotes vary based on individual factors like gender, ZIP code, and driving history.

Below are estimated monthly rates for an 18-year-old driver on a standalone policy:

Erie: ~$86

USAA: ~$108 (Restricted to military members/families)

Auto-Owners: ~$137

GEICO: ~$137 to $316

State Farm: ~$178 to $238

Progressive: ~$209 

Factors Influencing Georgia Rates

High-Risk Status: 18-year-olds in Georgia typically have the highest annual premiums of any age group due to their statistical likelihood of being in accidents.

Location: Rates are notably higher in urban areas like Atlanta (averaging 20% more than the state average) compared to smaller cities like Augusta or Dalton.

Gender: In Georgia, young males often pay higher rates than females due to perceived higher risk. 

Ways to Reduce Costs

Join a Family Policy: Adding an 18-year-old to a parent's existing policy is almost always cheaper than purchasing a standalone policy.

Discounts: Many insurers offer a Good Student Discount for those maintaining a 3.0 (B) GPA or higher, as well as discounts for completing approved defensive driving courses.

Compare Quotes: Use a comparison tool like Insurify or The Zebra to find real-time rates for 2025 based on your specific Georgia ZIP code. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=what+is+the+monthly+cost+of+liability+only+car+insurance+for+an+18+year+old+in+georgia+2025

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

Rural Ga Roads 12-24-25

No, rural Georgia roads and highways are statistically less safe than urban areas, with a disproportionately high rate of fatal accidents due to factors like lack of maintenance, narrow lanes, poor visibility, wildlife, drunk driving, slower farm equipment, and lower seatbelt usage, making them significantly more dangerous per mile traveled. While state initiatives focus on improving safety, drivers need to be extra cautious, especially at night or in bad weather.  

Key Risks on Rural Roads:

Higher Fatality Rates: Rural counties see a large percentage of Georgia's traffic deaths, despite having fewer people.

Unrestrained Occupants: A higher proportion of fatal crashes in rural areas involve unrestrained drivers and passengers.

Road Conditions: Narrow lanes, potholes, unpaved shoulders, and lack of streetlights increase risks.

Wildlife & Farm Equipment: Collisions with deer and encounters with slow-moving tractors are common hazards, especially at dawn/dusk.

Visibility & Weather: Poor visibility at night, combined with rain or ice, makes rural roads treacherous.

Improper Passing: Drivers attempting to pass slow vehicles on two-lane roads often misjudge oncoming traffic. 

How to Stay Safer:

Buckle Up: Always wear your seatbelt; it's crucial in rural areas.

Slow Down & Be Patient: Especially around curves, blind spots, and slow vehicles.

Stay Alert: Watch for wildlife and be prepared for changing road conditions.

Avoid Distractions: Don't text or use your phone; pull over if you need to.

Plan Ahead: Know your route to avoid getting lost and inattentive. 

Rural 

Georgia roads and highways are statistically more dangerous than urban ones, with a significantly higher fatality rate relative to their population and traffic volume. As of 2025, reports indicate that while only 21% of Georgia's population lives in rural counties, more than one-third of the state’s traffic fatalities occur there. 

Key Safety Statistics (2021-2025)

Death Rate: Drivers in Georgia are 62% more likely to die in a crash on a rural road than on an urban road for a trip of the same length.

National Ranking: Georgia has recently been ranked as the sixth-most fatal state for rural road deaths.

Fatal Crash Types: Roadway departures (veering off the road) and rollovers are the most common fatal accidents. Single-vehicle accidents account for 72% of rural roadway departures. 

Primary Hazards

Infrastructure Issues: Rural roads often feature narrow lanes, sharp curves, blind hills, and limited lighting. Lack of guardrails and paved shoulders leaves little room for recovery if a driver drifts.

Agricultural Activity: During harvest season (typically late summer through fall), there is a sharp increase in slow-moving farm equipment on highways, which can lead to collisions when drivers attempt to pass unsafely.

Medical Response Delays: In remote areas, the average distance to post-crash care is 21.1 miles (compared to 12.4 miles in urban areas), and 72% of serious injuries require a transport time of 30 minutes or more.

Wildlife: Animal-vehicle collisions, particularly with deer at dawn and dusk, are a constant hazard. 

Risky Driver Behaviors

Seat Belt Use: Rural counties have a disproportionate number of unrestrained fatalities. In 2022, 57.5% of fatal rural crash occupants were not wearing seat belts.

Speeding and Impairment: Higher speeds and a lack of law enforcement presence lead to increased rates of speeding and driving under the influence on back roads. 

Safety Resources

Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) - Check for road closures and maintenance updates.

Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) - Access the latest traffic safety facts and campaign info like "Yield Behind the Wheel."

Georgia 511 - Real-time traffic alerts and road conditions. 

These reports detail higher fatality rates, common accident types, and risk factors on rural Georgia roads:

https://www.google.com/search?q=are+rural+georgia+roads+and+highways+safe

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

Atlanta Highway Problems 12-24-25

The addition of express toll lanes in Atlanta is not considered to make the highways more dangerous overall; in fact, safety within the express lanes themselves generally improves, though studies indicate a potential shift of crashes to the general-purpose lanes.  

Safety Analysis of Express Lanes

Improved Safety in Express Lanes: Multiple studies, including an in-depth analysis of 55 miles of express lanes in Florida, have shown that converting or introducing express lanes does not compromise overall freeway safety. The express lanes themselves often see a decrease in crash occurrences due to better traffic flow and active management, such as radar-monitored accident alerts.

Increased Incidents in General-Purpose Lanes: A key finding across various studies is an increase in non-severe crashes within the parallel general-purpose (GP) lanes. This suggests a shift of incidents to these lanes, underscoring the need for further studies to refine traffic management strategies for GP lanes.

Safety Features: The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) incorporates specific safety measures into express lane designs, such as:

Physical separation: Some lanes use elevated bridges or concrete barriers and gates at entry/exit points to prevent wrong-way entry.

Shoulders: The lanes are designed with shoulders to allow stranded motorists to safely pull over.

Enforcement: HERO units and video enforcement are used to monitor the lanes and move stalled vehicles quickly, which improves incident response times.

Enhanced materials: New projects, like the GA 400 express lanes, are being built with enhanced concrete designed to limit maintenance needs and boost driver safety. 

Ongoing Projects and Concerns

While the overall safety record in managed lanes is positive, some public concerns and ongoing analysis exist: 

Construction Impacts: The construction phases themselves can create temporary "pain points" and require drivers to be more attentive in changing conditions and work zones.

Specific Crash Types: Atlanta accident statistics for 2025 highlight a rising concern for specific types of crashes, such as wrong-way collisions, which is a risk transportation officials aim to mitigate with dedicated infrastructure design.

Public Perception: A 2025 survey in Colorado indicated that nearly two-thirds of drivers agreed that the safety and toll enforcement programs made express lanes safer, but education efforts are ongoing. 

In summary, the design and operational strategies of Atlanta's express lanes are intended to improve safety and travel time reliability, and current evidence from similar systems suggests an overall neutral to positive impact on safety within the express lanes themselves, despite potential shifts in crash patterns in other lanes. 

In 2025, data and studies regarding Atlanta's express toll lanes (ETLs) indicate that they do not make highways more dangerous overall, though they shift crash patterns between specific lane types. 

Safety Impact Findings

Reduced Crashes in Express Lanes: Research highlights that safety within express lanes actually improves compared to general-purpose lanes, with a lower frequency of crashes across all categories.

Crash Shift to General Lanes: While ETLs themselves are safer, studies have noted an increase in incidents within adjacent General-Purpose (GP) lanes, suggesting a "shift" of crashes toward the non-tolled sections of the highway.

Enhanced Monitoring: New projects, such as the GA 400 toll lanes (officially under construction as of December 2025), utilize enhanced concrete to boost safety and radar-monitored traffic alerts to respond to accidents more quickly.

Dedicated Response Units: The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) continues to use HERO units to patrol express lanes, specifically managing reversible lane transitions to prevent wrong-way travel and safely clear stalled vehicles. 

Risks and Management Measures

Reversible Lane Transitions: Master Operators undergo rigorous training to ensure reversible express lanes (RELs) transition safely twice daily, minimizing the risk of vehicles traveling in opposite directions.

Enforcement of Rules: To maintain safety, Georgia law prohibits crossing double white pavement striping to enter or exit express lanes. Violators may face fines of $25 plus potential additional citations from law enforcement.

Congestion Relief: Proponents argue that by moving some traffic into dedicated ETLs, overall congestion is reduced, which can lower the risk of rear-end collisions typically associated with heavy stop-and-go traffic. 

2025 Project Status

GA 400: Construction began in late 2025 on a 16-mile stretch of GA 400 to add new toll lanes and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) routes.

I-285: GDOT is actively proposing two express lanes in each direction along portions of I-285 to create a seamless regional network.

Toll Policy Change: As of September 30, 2025, Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFVs) are no longer exempt from tolls and must pay to use express lanes like all other passenger vehicles. 

These analyses assess the safety of Atlanta's express toll lanes, confirming their general safety while acknowledging a transfer of crashes to non-tolled sections.

https://www.google.com/search?q=does+the+addition+of+express+toll+lanes+make+atlanta+highways+more+dangerous+2025

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

Atlanta Highway Danger 12-24-25

Yes, heavy 18-wheel truck traffic significantly increases danger on Atlanta interstates (like I-75, I-85, I-20, I-285) due to Atlanta's status as a major hub, causing congestion, severe accidents, driver fatigue, blind spots, and the sheer force of large vehicles, making them a primary safety concern in 2025. Bottlenecks, rapid urban growth, and factors like driver fatigue and speeding exacerbate these risks, leading to frequent, serious crashes involving large trucks.  

Why Truck Traffic Increases Danger in Atlanta

Major Transportation Hub: Atlanta's location funnels massive amounts of commercial freight, making its highways a "pressure cooker" for trucks, especially areas like I-285 at I-85.

Congestion & Bottlenecks: High traffic volumes and bottlenecks force trucks to brake and merge in tight spaces, increasing collision risk.

Weight & Force: 80,000-pound trucks cause far more severe outcomes than passenger vehicles in collisions.

Driver Fatigue & Speeding: Truckers face tight schedules, leading to fatigue, while speeding and aggressive driving worsen dangers.

Blind Spots: Large blind spots, especially on the right side and in front, hide cars from truckers' view, causing unseen crashes. 

Key Dangerous Areas

I-285 Perimeter: A major bottleneck for port traffic and distribution center moves.

I-75/I-85 Connector: A notorious spot for freight and rush-hour congestion.

I-20: Another busy route with high truck volume. 

In 2025, these factors make Atlanta's busy interstates inherently more dangerous with increased 18-wheeler presence, demanding extra caution from all drivers. 

In 2025, 18-wheel truck traffic continues to be a primary contributor to dangerous conditions on Atlanta’s interstates. While trucks make up a small portion of total vehicles, they account for roughly 14% of all traffic fatalities in Georgia. 

Impact on Interstate Safety in 2025

Severity of Collisions: Fully loaded trucks weigh up to 80,000 pounds, making collisions with passenger vehicles significantly more devastating than car-on-car accidents. In Georgia, crashes involving large trucks are 4.5 times more likely to result in serious injury or death compared to other vehicle types.

Infrastructure Stress: Atlanta’s older corridors, such as the I-75/I-85 Downtown Connector and I-20, feature narrow lanes and small shoulders that are poorly suited for massive 18-wheelers. These conditions increase the risk of side-swipe and blind-spot accidents during frequent stop-and-go traffic.

Congestion and Secondary Crashes: Truck accidents on major routes like I-285 and I-75 lead to massive delays, which often trigger secondary crashes in the resulting traffic queues.

Human Factors: Driver fatigue, inadequate training, and aggressive delivery schedules remain leading causes of commercial vehicle accidents in the metro area. 

Dangerous Corridors and Trends

Top Risk Zones: I-285 and I-75 remain the most hazardous routes for truck-related incidents due to heavy freight volume from the Port of Savannah.

Rising Fatality Rates: Over the last decade, truck-related fatalities in Georgia have increased by approximately 81%, rising from 142 in 2013 to over 250 annually by the mid-2020s.

2025 Safety Measures: To mitigate these risks, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) expanded the Towing and Recovery Incentive Program (TRIP) in 2025 to clear commercial vehicle crashes faster and reduce secondary collisions. Efforts are also underway to develop a truck-only lane system on I-75 to separate heavy freight from passenger traffic. 

These articles analyze the rising fatality rates and infrastructure challenges of 18-wheeler traffic on Atlanta interstates, highlighting GDOT's safety initiatives for 2025.

https://www.google.com/search?q=does+18+wheel+truck+traffic+make+atlanta+interstate+traffic+more+dangerous+2025

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

Georgia Teen Pay 12-23-25

Yes, in Georgia (GA) for 2025, most working teens are paid over $7.25/hour, as the federal minimum wage of $7.25 applies, but many jobs, especially entry-level and service roles, pay more, with average hourly rates for teens often around $16-$17/hour or higher depending on location and experience, well above the minimum. 

While GA's state minimum is technically $5.15, the federal $7.25 standard is the floor, with teens in cities like Sandy Springs earning significantly more, notes ZipRecruiter and Square. 

Key Points for Georgia Teens in 2025:

Federal Minimum Applies: Employers must pay at least the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour unless an exception applies (like the 90-day subminimum for under-20s).

Higher Averages: Data from late 2025 suggests average teen earnings in GA are closer to $16.85/hour, with ranges varying significantly.

Location Matters: Teens in higher-cost-of-living areas or cities like Sandy Springs can see wages well above the average.

Job Type: Retail, food service, and other common teen jobs often pay above minimum wage, especially with tips or in competitive markets. 

In summary, $7.25 is the minimum, but market rates for teens in Georgia in 2025 generally exceed this, often by a substantial margin, according to ZipRecruiter and Square. 

Yes, most teens working in Georgia in 2025 are paid over $7.25 per hour. While the federal and state minimum wage remains $7.25, current market data shows that the vast majority of teen workers earn significantly more. 

Current Teen Wages in Georgia (2025)

Average Hourly Pay: As of December 2025, the average hourly wage for a teen in Georgia is approximately $14.41 per hour.

Typical Range: Most teen salaries currently fall between $11.59 and $15.63 per hour (based on annual ranges of $24,100 to $32,500).

Median for Teen Jobs: The median wage specifically for "jobs for teens" is reported at $16.34 per hour.

Low Earners: Only about 2.3% of hourly workers aged 16 to 24 nationally earn the minimum wage of $7.25 or less. 

Legal Minimums and Exceptions

While market rates are higher, it is legally possible for some teens to be paid less than $7.25 under specific circumstances: 

Training Wage: Employers can pay a subminimum training wage of $4.25 per hour to employees under age 20 for their first 90 consecutive calendar days of employment.

Full-Time Students: Certain full-time students working in retail, agriculture, or at universities may be paid 85% of the minimum wage (roughly $6.16).

Georgia State Minimum: Georgia's official state minimum wage is technically $5.15, but it only applies to very small businesses not covered by federal law (FLSA). Most teens work for employers covered by the FLSA, which requires at least $7.25. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=are+most+teens+working+in+ga+paid+over+$7.25

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

Rural Ga Teen Pay 12-23-25

In rural Georgia for 2025, teen pay rates often start near the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour, but can quickly rise with experience or for specific roles, with averages around $12-$17+/hour in many jobs (like student or youth worker roles), while specialized or urban-adjacent jobs can pay more, with some teens earning over $18/hour, especially after their initial 90-day training period (which can be $4.25/hour).  

Key Factors Influencing Pay

Federal vs State Law: Georgia doesn't have a specific state minimum wage, so it defaults to the federal minimum of $7.25/hour for most employers, though some small employers ($250k annual receipts) can pay $7.25/hour, while others in non-urban areas might pay slightly less if they are covered by specific GA laws, but federal law usually prevails.

Youth Minimum Wage: For the first 90 days, employers can pay teens under 20 a "youth minimum wage" of $4.25/hour, but must then increase it to at least $7.25/hour.

Location & Type: Jobs in more rural areas might stick closer to minimums, but youth programs, tech roles, or jobs near larger towns can pay significantly more, say $18+/hour, according to recent data. 

Typical Pay Ranges for Teens in GA (2025 Estimates)

Starting/Entry-Level: $7.25 - $10/hour (especially for first 90 days or very basic jobs).

Average/General: $12 - $17/hour (common for student workers, general labor, youth programs).

Higher-End/Skilled: $18 - $25+/hour (for specialized youth care, tech, or competitive roles in certain areas). 

How to Find Specific Rates:

Check sites like Indeed and ZipRecruiter for current postings in your specific county or nearby towns.

Look for local summer jobs, parks & rec, or youth program roles, as these often pay a set wage. 

In 2025, pay rates for teenagers in rural Georgia generally range from the federal minimum wage of $7.25 to an average of approximately $14.41–$18.05 per hour, depending on the specific job and employer. 

Key Pay Rate Benchmarks (2025)

Federal Minimum Wage: $7.25 per hour. This applies to most Georgia employers through the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Teen Training Wage: Employers may pay a sub-minimum "training wage" of $4.25 per hour to employees under 20 during their first 90 days of employment.

Typical Teen Range: While the state minimum is low, most teen salaries in Georgia currently range from $12.00 to $17.00 per hour for entry-level roles.

Student Worker Average: The average base salary for a student worker in Georgia is roughly $12.16 per hour. 

Common Hourly Rates by Sector

In rural and suburban Georgia, teen-friendly roles often offer the following rates:

Food Service & Retail: Positions such as crew members at McDonald's or cashiers typically start around $11.00 to $15.00 per hour.

Stocking & Sales Associates: Large retailers like Harbor Freight list anticipated rates starting at $15.50 to $16.00 per hour.

Childcare & Youth Work: Assistant teachers and youth workers often earn between $13.00 and $17.00 per hour. 

Legal Considerations for 2025

Georgia State Minimum: Georgia's official state minimum wage remains $5.15 per hour, but it rarely applies because the federal $7.25 rate takes precedence for almost all businesses.

Hours Restrictions: Teens aged 14–15 are limited to 3 hours on a school day and 18 hours per week during the school year.

Future Legislation: The proposed "Raise the Wage Act of 2025" aims to eventually eliminate sub-minimum wages for youth, but as of late 2025, the $4.25 training wage remains legal. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=rural+ga+teen+pay+rates+per+hour+2025

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

Teens Need Cars 12-23-25

Yes, most rural Georgia teens need a car or other personal/family transportation to get to work, as public transportation options are extremely limited in these areas. 

Transportation in Rural Georgia 

Limited Public Transit: Public transportation is scarce in rural Georgia. Where it does exist (e.g., in Harris or Morgan counties), it usually operates as an on-demand, advanced-reservation van service, rather than a fixed-route system. This type of service can have limited hours and may not align well with job schedules.

Dependence on Personal Networks: The majority of residents in rural areas, including teens, rely heavily on family or friends for rides. This can place a burden on families and is often an unreliable long-term solution.

Long Distances: Commutes in Georgia are often long, with the average one-way trip around 28-29 minutes. In rural areas, distances to potential workplaces can be significant, making walking, biking, or relying on others for rides impractical or impossible.

Job Opportunities and Driving Restrictions: Many jobs, especially in certain sectors like agriculture, might involve driving as part of the job; however, federal law strictly prohibits employees 16 years of age and under from driving motor vehicles on public roads as part of their jobs, even with a valid license. Teens aged 17 may only drive for work under specific, limited circumstances.

Driving Age and Licensing: To obtain a Class D driver's license in Georgia, 16- and 17-year-olds must complete specific driver education and supervised driving hours (Joshua's Law requirements). 

In essence, having access to a personal vehicle is a critical factor in a rural Georgia teen's ability to access and maintain steady employment. Without one, they face significant barriers to job market accessibility. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=do+rural+ga+teens+need+cars+to+go+to+work+2025

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

Used Car Prices 12-23-25

In late 2025, U.S. used car prices are showing mixed trends: some segments, like Luxury and Pickup Trucks, saw recent increases, while EVs and Hybrids experienced significant drops, pulling overall averages down. While prices remain elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels, with 3-year-old cars still costly, the market is stabilizing, new car production is improving, and higher interest rates continue to impact affordability, making it a complex but potentially better time to buy, especially with holiday deals possible.  

Key Trends in Late 2025:

Regional & Segment Volatility: Prices aren't uniform; while some areas see luxury or truck price hikes, others (like the Northeast) saw overall drops, with Hybrids/EVs consistently falling.

EVs/Hybrids Under Pressure: These segments are seeing the largest price drops, making them a potentially good buy.

New Car Market Impact: Improved new car inventory and prices (though still high) are easing pressure on the used market, helping to normalize supply.

Slowing Price Growth: The rapid price increases of the pandemic era have slowed, with some data suggesting overall prices are steadily decreasing.

High Interest Rates Persist: High auto loan rates (APRs) make financing more expensive, impacting buyer affordability despite lower vehicle prices. 

What This Means for Buyers:

Patience Pays: The market is shifting, so waiting for potential holiday deals or researching specific segments (like EVs) could offer savings.

Research is Crucial: Understand local market trends and vehicle-specific demand, as conditions vary.

Financing Matters: High interest rates mean a good deal on the car's price can still be costly over time. 

In essence, the used car market in late 2025 is complex, moving away from extreme pandemic highs towards stabilization, with significant differences between vehicle types and regions. 

In 2025, the U.S. used car market experienced stabilization with modest price changes compared to the extreme volatility of previous years. While overall prices were still higher than pre-pandemic levels, they did not see sharp increases or decreases throughout the year. As of November 2025, the average used car price was approximately $25,512. 

Key Market Trends in 2025

Overall Stabilization: Experts noted that the market found a new equilibrium in 2025, ending the dramatic price swings of the 2021-2024 period.

Modest Price Fluctuations: The Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index for December 2025 was forecasted to be only 1.4% higher than in December 2024, a return to the modest, typical annual growth rates seen before the pandemic (around 2.3%).

Seasonal Patterns: The market largely returned to normal seasonal trends, with prices generally falling during the autumn and winter months, and rising in the spring.

EV Market Dynamics: Used Electric Vehicle (EV) prices had fallen in 2024 and continued to be volatile in 2025, often offering a strong value proposition for buyers.

Interest Rates: High interest rates remained a challenge for many buyers, keeping some out of the market. Expectations of future interest rate cuts in late 2025 and beyond were seen as a potential driver for increased demand.

Inventory and Demand: New car production recovery helped stabilize the market, but the overall supply of used cars, especially affordable models under $15,000, remained somewhat tight due to pandemic-era production cuts. Sales volumes were expected to increase slightly in 2025 compared to 2024. 

Outlook

Analysts suggest that prices should continue to moderate gradually as supply and demand rebalance in the coming years, though a sharp price drop is not expected. Consumers can track real-time price data and trends using resources like those from CarEdge and Cox Automotive. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=us+used+car+price+trends+2025

Comments

An increase in new car sales will produce more Used Cars and increase supply. This will lower prices on Used Cars.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

Teen Employment 12-22-25

Teen employment in the U.S. in 2025 saw a dip compared to 2024, with fewer young people working during the summer peak (July), though this followed a strong post-pandemic period; sectors like leisure, hospitality, and retail remained top employers, but rising unemployment rates, particularly in November, and increased competition from older workers and automation signaled a tightening job market, especially for younger teens.  

Key Trends & Data (2025)

Summer Dip: The employment-to-population ratio for 16-24 year olds fell to 53.1% in July 2025, down from 54.5% in July 2024.

Rising Unemployment: The youth unemployment rate increased in July 2025 (10.8%) and surged further in November (16.3%).

Sector Dominance: Leisure & Hospitality and Retail remained the largest employers of youth.

Vulnerability: Younger teens (16-17) saw a significant drop in workforce numbers by November 2025. 

Contributing Factors

Slowing Economy: A generally softening labor market meant older workers filled some seasonal roles, and businesses were more cautious.

Competition: Teens faced increased competition from older workers and early signs of job displacement due to AI, according to Longbridge.

Automation: AI and kiosks threatened roles like cashiers, impacting future teen job prospects. 

Common Teen Jobs

Retail sales, food service, recreation (lifeguards, camp counselors), and administrative roles were popular. 

Outlook
While the long-term trend showed declines from the post-pandemic boom, the job market for teens remained a dynamic area, with ongoing shifts due to economic conditions and technological advancements. 

In 2025, the U.S. teen labor market has experienced increased volatility characterized by rising unemployment rates and a structural shift toward service-oriented and seasonal roles. 

Current Statistics (2025)

Unemployment Surge: The teenage unemployment rate (ages 16–19) shot up to 16.3% in November 2025, the highest level since August 2020.

Summer Peak: During the peak summer month of July 2025, the youth (ages 16–24) unemployment rate was 10.8%, up from 9.8% in 2024.

Labor Participation: Approximately 53.1% of youth were employed in July 2025, a slight decline from 54.5% in the previous year.

Demographic Declines: The sharpest drops in employment have been among younger teens (ages 16–17), with their numbers falling by 179,000 in late 2025. 

Key Employment Trends

Industry Concentration: Leisure and hospitality remain the dominant employers, with 25% (5.4 million) of employed youth working in this sector as of July 2025.

Rising Wages: Despite the cooling market, teen wages at small businesses rose to an average of $14.82/hour in May 2025, a 3.4% increase that outpaced inflation.

Impact of AI: Automation is increasingly displacing traditional entry-level roles like cashiers; AI-powered kiosks have contributed to a significant decline in these positions for teens.

Increased Competition: Teens are facing stiffer competition from older workers who are staying in the workforce longer or taking seasonal roles due to broader economic cooling. 

Top Jobs for Teens in 2025

Industry                             Popular Roles

Leisure & Hospitality         Lifeguard, Camp Counselor, Movie Theater Attendant

Food & Beverage              Server, Fast Food Worker, Grocery Associate

Retail & Personal Service Sales Associate, Babysitter, Dog Walker

Logistics / Manual             Warehouse Worker

https://www.google.com/search?q=teen+employment+in+us+2025

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

High State Minimum Wage Impact 12-22-25

In 2025, state minimum wages vary significantly, with high rates in Washington ($16.66) & DC ($17.95), and some locations like NYC & Long Island hitting $16.50, while many other states, especially in the South, stick to the federal minimum of $7.25, though some like Florida are increasing to $14.00 in late 2025. Key states like California, Illinois, and Delaware already hit $15.00 or more by January 2025, with automatic increases happening in several other states (AZ, CO, ME, MN, MT, OH, SD, VT, VA).  

High Minimum Wages (Examples)

Washington D.C.: $17.95

Washington: $16.66

New York: $16.50 (NYC, Long Island, Westchester) / $15.50 (Rest of State)

California: $16.50 (Statewide)

Illinois: $15.00

Delaware: $15.00

Rhode Island: $15.00 

States at the Federal Minimum ($7.25) 

Alabama, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin, Wyoming. 

States with Mid-Range or Increasing Wages (Examples)

Arizona: $14.70

Colorado: $14.81

Connecticut: $16.35

Maine: $14.65

Michigan: $10.56 (with a later increase to $12.48)

Minnesota: $11.13

New Jersey: $15.49

Ohio: $10.70

Vermont: $14.01

Virginia: $12.41 

Key Points

Federal vs. State: States can set their own minimum wage, but it must be at least the federal rate ($7.25/hr).

Indexing: Many states automatically adjust their minimum wage annually for inflation.

Local Tiers: Some states (like NY) have different rates for specific cities or regions. 

In 2025, minimum wage rates across the United States range from the federal floor of $7.25 to as high as $17.95 in Washington, D.C.. While 20 states adhere to the federal $7.25 rate, many others have implemented higher state-level minimums. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=minimum+wage+by+state+2025

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

High Minimum Wage Impact 12-22-25

In 2025, economic research on higher minimum wage impacts on teen employment shows conflicting views: some analyses, like one from MinimumWage.com, suggest wage hikes lead to higher teen unemployment by reducing entry-level jobs, while other studies, as noted by the EPI, find significant positive impacts on affected workers' earnings with minimal job loss, and some suggest moderate increases have minimal impact. While some argue higher costs force businesses to cut jobs (especially in retail/restaurants), others point to increased worker spending and improved health, with newer data showing varied effects, though many studies point to negative outcomes for teen jobs.  

Arguments for Negative Impact on Teen Employment

Reduced Entry-Level Jobs: Studies suggest higher minimum wages decrease job opportunities for teens, making it harder for them to get their first job and build skills.

Business Cost Increases: Higher wages increase labor costs, potentially leading businesses to reduce staff or automate tasks (like replacing cashiers with kiosks).

Empirical Findings: Some analyses, including a 2025 regression study, link minimum wage increases to higher teen unemployment, citing research from multiple universities. 

Arguments for Minimal or No Negative Impact

Minimal Disemployment Effects: Research suggests moderate minimum wage increases have at worst minimal negative effects on overall employment, including for teens.

Increased Worker Spending: Higher wages put more money in the hands of low-wage workers, boosting consumer spending and potentially creating jobs.

Health & Well-being Benefits: Minimum wage increases are linked to better health outcomes and reduced mortality, offering broader societal benefits. 

The 2025 Context

State-Level Increases: Many states implemented minimum wage hikes in 2025, affecting millions, with some analyses focusing on these state-specific impacts.

Federal Efforts: The proposed Raise the Wage Act of 2025 aims to incrementally raise the federal minimum wage to $17 by 2030, which the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) projects would boost wages for over 22 million workers. 

Overall Picture
The impact of minimum wage hikes on teen employment remains a complex, debated topic, with some data showing negative consequences for entry-level roles and others highlighting broader economic and health benefits, suggesting effects vary depending on the magnitude of the increase and local economic conditions. 

In 2025, the impact of higher minimum wage increases on teen employment remains a subject of debate between different economic schools of thought. While many states implemented significant hikes in 2025, the overall effect on teens is characterized by a "trade-off" between higher earnings for those employed and potential barriers for those seeking entry-level roles. 

Current Impacts on Teen Employment (2025)

Mixed Employment Rates: Some 2025 analyses indicate that statistically, minimum wage increases continue to lead to slightly higher teen unemployment rates as businesses adjust to increased labor costs.

Reduced Turnover and Stability: Conversely, research from 2025 suggests that these increases have substantially reduced turnover and increased job stability for the "highly affected" teen group.

Shift in Work Hours: In some regions, higher wages have allowed teenage employees to work slightly fewer hours while focusing more on education, without necessarily losing their jobs.

Increased Competition and Automation: Businesses facing higher costs may prioritize experienced workers over entry-level teens or invest in automation (such as self-service kiosks), which can reduce the number of traditional "first job" opportunities. 

Key 2025 Wage Data & Trends

Widespread Increases: On January 1, 2025, a record 88 jurisdictions (including 21 states and 65 cities/counties) raised their minimum wage floors.

Federal Proposals: The Raise the Wage Act of 2025, introduced in April, proposed raising the federal floor to $17 by 2030 and gradually eliminating subminimum wages for youth and tipped workers.

State-Specific Examples:

Michigan: Raised its minimum wage to $12.48 in February 2025, with plans to reach $15.00 by 2027.

Washington & California: Cities like Renton, WA, and various California jurisdictions reached or exceeded $20.00 per hour for specific industries (e.g., fast food, hotels). 

Economic Perspectives

The "No-Loss" Argument: Advocacy groups and certain academic studies argue that higher wages boost consumer spending, which in turn creates more demand and jobs, offsetting the higher cost of hiring.

The "Job-Loss" Argument: Groups like the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and conservative think tanks maintain that reaching a $15 federal floor by 2025 could result in roughly 1.3 to 1.4 million fewer jobs nationwide due to increased business costs and price hikes. 

These analyses examine the economic arguments around minimum wage increases, focusing on projected impacts on teen employment and wages.

https://www.google.com/search?q=Have+higher+minimum+wage+increases+impacted+teem+employment+2025

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

Rural Impact of Minimum Wage 12-22-25

High state minimum wages in 2025 bring mixed impacts to rural areas: they boost wages for low-income workers, improving health and reducing poverty, but can disproportionately challenge small businesses in less populated areas by increasing labor costs, potentially leading to fewer job openings or business closures, especially in sectors like retail and hospitality. While urban areas often see gradual adjustments, one-size-fits-all mandates can hit rural businesses harder due to lower profit margins and higher dependence on low-wage labor, though research also shows benefits like reduced turnover can offset some costs.  

Potential Benefits for Rural Workers & Communities:

Poverty Reduction: Higher wages help low-income rural families afford necessities like food and housing, mitigating inflation's impact.

Improved Health: Studies link minimum wage increases to better health outcomes, reduced smoking, and lower infant mortality in low-wage families.

Economic Stability: Increased spending power can benefit local economies, as workers have more money to spend.

Reduced Turnover: Higher pay can reduce employee turnover, saving businesses money on hiring and training. 

Potential Challenges for Rural Businesses:

Increased Labor Costs: Rural businesses, particularly in retail and services, often have tighter margins and rely more on minimum wage workers, making steep increases harder to absorb.

Business Closures/Reduced Hiring: Some studies suggest higher wages can lead to more firm exits and reduced entry, particularly in less populated areas, as businesses struggle to adapt.

"One-Size-Fits-All" Issues: State-wide mandates don't account for local economic conditions, potentially harming rural areas more than urban centers. 

Key Trends in 2025/2026:

Many states and cities are implementing increases, often tied to inflation, affecting millions.

The gap between the stagnant federal minimum wage and state/local rates continues to widen, increasing pressure on state-level policies. 

Overall: While high minimum wages provide a crucial lifeline to struggling rural workers, the economic impact on rural businesses remains a complex debate, with potential job losses sometimes cited alongside broader economic benefits. 

In 2025, high state minimum wages present a dual impact on rural populations, balancing improved financial security for low-wage workers against unique operational challenges for small rural businesses. 

Positive Impacts on Rural Workers

Reduced Poverty and Financial Security: Minimum wage increases in 21 states in 2025 are projected to lift millions of workers out of poverty. In states like Maine, rising wages have already been linked to a 27% decline in the number of working residents living below the poverty line.

Addressing the "Living Wage" Gap: Even in lower-cost rural areas, traditional $15 wages are increasingly insufficient for 2025 living costs. For example, a single adult in rural Missouri now requires approximately $19.13 per hour ($39,800 annually) to cover basic needs like housing, food, and transportation.

Health and Social Outcomes: Higher wages in rural communities are associated with improved physical and mental health, increased birth weights, and better educational outcomes for children. 

Economic Challenges for Rural Communities

Disproportionate Burden on Small Businesses: Rural economies often rely heavily on startups and small businesses, which employ nearly half the workforce in areas like rural Colorado. These firms frequently struggle more than urban counterparts to absorb mandatory wage hikes.

"One-Size-Fits-All" Risks: Blanket statewide increases can be harder for rural areas to sustain because their local markets often lack the consumer density to support the price increases needed to offset higher labor costs.

Labor Force Dynamics: Research indicates that while higher wages can attract more people into the labor force (a 4.5% increase for a doubling of the wage), they can also lead to higher unemployment if businesses cannot create enough new jobs at the higher rate.

Service Reductions: High labor costs, combined with housing and childcare scarcities, have forced some rural businesses to reduce operating hours or services in 2025. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=high+state+minimum+wage+impact+on+rural+populations+2025

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

US Homicides 12-21-25

As of late 2025, the U.S. is on track for a significant decline in homicides, with some analyses suggesting the lowest murder rate ever recorded since 1960. Preliminary data from various sources indicates a nationwide decrease, continuing a downward trend that began in 2022.  

Key Statistics and Projections for 2025

Significant Drop: Homicides fell 17% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 across 30 U.S. cities that reported data to the Council on Criminal Justice (CCJ).

Murder Rate Projection: The U.S. murder rate for 2025 is estimated to be around 4.38 per 100,000 people, which would be the lowest rate recorded since the mid-1960s.

Total Deaths (Estimated): One estimate projects around 14,500 total murders for the year 2025.

Mass Killings: The number of mass killings in the U.S. for 2025 hit a 20-year low, the lowest level since 2006, according to a database managed by Northeastern University and partners.

Real-Time Data: The Real-Time Crime Index (RTCI), which samples data from hundreds of cities, reported that murder was down 20% through July 2025 compared to the same period the previous year. 

Data Sources and Context

The figures for 2025 are based on preliminary data collected from local police departments and real-time crime trackers. Official final data from the FBI and CDC for the entire calendar year 2025 will not be available until a later date, typically the following year. 

Experts attribute the decline to a "regression to the mean," a statistical phenomenon where unusual spikes in crime (like those seen during the pandemic) return to more typical levels, rather than a single specific cause. 

For more information and detailed reports, you can explore the data from these sources:

Council on Criminal Justice

Gun Violence Archive

FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Statistics

In 2025, U.S. homicide rates continued a significant downward trend that began in 2022. Preliminary data and expert projections suggest that 2025 may record one of the lowest murder rates in U.S. history. 

National Homicide Trends

Significant Decline: As of mid-year 2025, homicides fell by approximately 17% to 21% across major U.S. cities compared to the same period in 2024.

Total Projected Deaths: Analysts estimate that the final murder count for 2025 will be approximately 14,500, which would represent a historic low when adjusted for population.

Gun Homicides: The Gun Violence Archive reported 14,099 total gun-related homicides, murders, or unintentional deaths as of December 19, 2025. Separate data from October 2025 indicated roughly 11,197 shooting deaths through the third quarter. 

Specific Categories & Subsets

Mass Killings: Incidents of mass killings (four or more victims) hit a 20-year low in 2025. By early December, there were only 17 recorded mass killings, the lowest number since 2006.

Mass Shootings: As of November 30, 2025, a total of 390 people were killed and 1,778 wounded in 398 mass shooting incidents.

Officer-Involved Deaths: Data as of late December reported 1,353 suspects killed in officer-involved incidents, while 76 officers were killed in the line of duty. 

Regional Highlights

Columbus, Ohio: Recorded 81 homicides through December 17, 2025, the first time the city's annual total dropped below triple digits in a decade.

Washington, D.C.: Reported a 17% to 18% decline in homicides and violent crime categories through mid-2025 compared to the previous year.

Large City Trends: Cities like Chicago, Philadelphia, and Baltimore saw homicides fall below pre-pandemic levels by mid-2025. 

For the most up-to-date daily figures, the Gun Violence Archive Reports provide real-time tracking of shooting incidents and fatalities across the country. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=us+deaths+by+homicide+2025

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader