Fact Check: The average cost of housing a detainee in the U.S. is around $125 per day.

Fact Check: "The average cost of housing a detainee in the U.S. is around $125 per day."

What We Know

The claim that the average cost of housing a detainee in the U.S. is around $125 per day is supported by data from the FY 2022 Jail Cost Report published by the Virginia Compensation Board. According to this report, the average operating cost per inmate per day was $125.37, which reflects an increase from the previous year. The report also notes that costs can vary significantly by location, with some jails reporting costs as low as $61.10 and others as high as $420.90 per day.

Additionally, a report from the Office of Justice Programs indicates that costs per prisoner can vary widely based on factors such as the jail's size, age, and management practices. This variability is important to consider when discussing average costs across different jurisdictions.

Analysis

The data from the Virginia Compensation Board provides a reliable basis for the claim, as it is a government report that aggregates financial information from various jails across the state. The average cost of $125.37 per day is a specific figure derived from comprehensive financial data, making it a credible source.

Moreover, the Office of Justice Programs report corroborates the idea that costs are closely linked to various operational factors, which can influence the average cost across different facilities. This reinforces the understanding that while $125 is a valid average, actual costs may differ based on specific circumstances.

However, it is essential to note that the claim pertains to the average cost in the U.S. as a whole. While the Virginia report provides a solid figure, the average cost may vary in other states or jurisdictions. For example, a report from Pima County indicates that costs there are set to increase to around $125.09 per day, which aligns closely with the Virginia data.

Conclusion

The claim that the average cost of housing a detainee in the U.S. is around $125 per day is True. The evidence from the Virginia Compensation Board's report supports this figure, and while costs can vary by location, the average provided is a reliable estimate based on available data.