The incarceration rates in the United States appear to be on the rise, as evidenced by new analysis conducted by H&P Law using data from the National Prisoner Statistics compiled by the Bureau of Justice Statistics. The total number of prisoners in the U.S. justice system increased by 2.08 percent from 2021 to 2022, with the overall population jumping from 1,205,087 to 1,230,143—an increase of about 25,000 inmates. Mississippi, Montana, and Colorado experienced the largest spikes in prisoner numbers during this period.
Mississippi saw the highest increase in its prison population, with numbers growing by 14.3 percent in 2022 compared to the previous year. Montana and Colorado also saw significant increases, with a rise of 8.8 percent and 8.2 percent respectively. These three states, along with several others, contributed to the national rise in prisoner numbers. This increase in the combined state and federal prisoner population in 2022 marked the first rise since 2013, reversing the 1 percent decline reported in 2021. However, not all states experienced this upward trend, with some, such as Virginia, Oregon, and California, seeing decreases in their prison populations.
In California, inmate numbers fell by 3.8 percent between 2021 and 2022, with the state attributing this decline to policy revisions such as parole consideration for nonviolent felonies, marijuana legalization, and changes to shoplifting penalties. California also closed a state prison in Tracy, the Deuel Vocational Institution, in 2021. As the national trend of rising incarceration rates continues, it is essential to examine the factors driving these increases and decreases in different states, as well as to consider alternative approaches to reducing prison populations and addressing the root causes of crime.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground. By analyzing the latest data on incarceration rates in the United States and highlighting disparities between states, researchers and policymakers can identify areas for improvement in the criminal justice system. Understanding the reasons behind the rise in prisoner numbers in some states and the decline in others can inform more effective strategies for reducing recidivism and promoting rehabilitation among those involved in the justice system. By promoting evidence-based solutions and addressing systemic issues, we can work towards a more equitable and just society for all individuals.
