$87,000 to $122,000 a year is what states spend per incarcerated woman, versus about $70,000 for men, the Council on Criminal Justice said in two new reports.
A 50% cut in women’s prison time would raise annual arrests by only 0.3% in Illinois and 0.2% in North Carolina, with nine in 10 of those additional arrests projected to be nonviolent.
Those shorter sentences could save as much as $94.1 million in Illinois and $102.7 million in North Carolina, while women’s incarceration nationwide could cost up to $34 billion annually by 2035.
Women’s prison population has risen more than 600% since 1980, and researchers said the fiscal toll is understated because it excludes an estimated $2.8 billion a year in lost unpaid caregiving and household labor.
Could cutting women's prison sentences in half save billions of dollars without compromising public safety?
Why does imprisoning a woman cost 75% more than a man, and what is the hidden multi-billion dollar price for society?
617% Increase in Women's Incarceration: Economic, Social, and Racial Impacts Demand Urgent Reform
Overview
Women's incarceration in the U.S. is not only rising rapidly but is also much more expensive than men's, mainly because women in jail have unique needs and face complex challenges. Many incarcerated women have experienced trauma, mental health issues, and substance use disorders, which are deeply connected to their involvement in the justice system. These factors lead to higher healthcare and pharmacological costs, and put extra stress on correctional staff who often lack specialized training. Addressing these root causes with gender-responsive and trauma-informed care is essential to reduce costs and improve outcomes for women, families, and communities.