American boxer Muhammad Ali (1942 – 2016) spars with British boxer Joe Bugner (left) outside the Dominion Theatre on Tottenham Court Road in London, UK, 3rd December 1974. (Photo by Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
It's officially 2024, and it's the start of a brand new year. Of course, 2023 had its highs, lows, and memorable moments. But what was life like in America 50 years ago in 1974?
The first point that comes to mind is the cost of living. Inflation is certainly present, although some experts believe it is on the decline. World Population Review states that as of December, "the average household in the United States spends $61,334 a year on expenses." Almost 35% of that is aligned to household, living, rent, or mortgage costs.
Furthermore, "the average American believes a family needs at least $85,000 in annual household income to get by," The Hill states. So, how does that compare? According to Census.gov, the median household income in 1974, was $11,100. This was with a high inflation level at the time as well.
What Else (Besides Money) Was Going On 50 Years Ago?
If you flip back in your history books you will find 1974 was quite the eventful year. Let's start with this monstrous headline from The New York Times: "Nixon Resigns." Vice President Gerald Ford automatically then became the president of the United States. He would remain in office until 1977.
What About Sports?
On January 13, 1974, the Miami Dolphins defeated the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl VIII. Though they were technically the 1973 season winner here, it marked the Dolphins' back-to-back championship season. This was the last time the Dolphins won the Super Bowl. The 1974 season champion (played in January 1975) was the Pittsburgh Steelers.
In baseball, the Oakland A's won the World Series. The Philadelphia Flyers won the 1974 Stanley Cup. Finally, the Boston Celtics won their 12th NBA title, in an exciting seven-game series.
In addition, the most notable sporting event of the year was none of the above. In October, Muhammad Ali took on George Foreman in the "Rumble in the Jungle."
Entertainment
A 31-year-old Barbara Streisand had the number one song of the year with "The Way We Were." Led by a teenage Michael Jackson, the Jackson 5 were also storming up the charts with "Dancing Machine." Other popular songs 50 years ago include "Bennie and the Jets" by Elton John, and "The Joker" by Steve Miller Band.
The highest-grossing film of 1974 was The Towering Inferno, starring Steve McQueen and Paul Newman. Not too far behind that was Mel Brooks' Blazing Saddles, starring Gene Wilder.
Honorable Mention
Other notable fun facts about what life was like 50 years ago in America in 1974: a new author in his mid-20's published his first novel entitled Carrie. This relatively unknown writer goes by the name of Stephen King.
Lastly, in 50 years the world has doubled its population. The People History claims 4 billion people globally was met in 1974, whereas, the Census currently has the world population at 8 billion.
