Beef is one of the most widely consumed meats across the world. Known for its rich texture and hearty savory flavor it is a staple ingredient in many cuisines. But with beef prices frequently changing, most consumers wonder – how much is beef per pound today?
In this comprehensive guide we’ll break down current beef prices per pound and what impacts costs. Whether you are shopping for ground beef, roasts or premium steaks, understanding the latest market rates will ensure you get the best deal.
Average Retail Beef Prices Per Pound
Beef prices can vary enormously depending on the specific cut, quality grade, retailer, and region. Here are current national average prices per pound for popular beef cuts sold at retail to consumers:
- Ground Beef (80/20) – $4.90
- Ground Chuck – $5.50
- Ground Sirloin – $6.80
- Bottom Round Roast – $5.60
- Top Round Steak – $6.90
- Eye of Round Roast – $6.40
- Sirloin Steak – $8.80
- Flank Steak – $9.70
- Skirt Steak – $12.50
- Tenderloin/Filet Mignon – $19.60
- T-Bone Steak – $12.30
- Porterhouse Steak – $13.90
- Ribeye Steak – $13.70
- Brisket – $3.70
- Short Ribs – $6.90
These average prices account for both conventional beef as well as organic/grass-fed which is typically $2 to $5 more per pound.
Wholesale Beef Prices Per Pound
Restaurants, retailers, and butchers pay wholesale beef prices, generally 40-60% less per pound compared to what consumers pay at retail
Current wholesale beef prices per pound for popular primal cuts are:
- Ground Beef – $3.00-$4.00
- Chuck Roast – $4.00-$5.00
- Rib Roast – $7.00-$9.00
- Loin Roast – $6.50-$8.00
- Round Roast – $5.50-$7.00
- Brisket – $2.00-$3.00
- Plate Short Ribs – $5.50-$6.50
Factors That Impact Beef Prices Per Pound
Several important factors affect the retail and wholesale per pound prices for different beef cuts:
Breed
- Angus beef is the most common and expensive due to its renowned quality and flavor. Other breeds like Hereford and Simmental are cheaper.
Grade
- Higher USDA grades (Prime, Choice) with more marbling and fat are more expensive. Lower grades (Select) with less fat are cheaper.
Cut
- Premium cuts like ribeye, tenderloin, and strip are pricier. Chuck, brisket, and short ribs are cheaper.
Weight
- Smaller <1 lb packages cost more per pound vs. bulk 5+ lb packages.
Organic/Grass-fed
- These specialty beef types cost $2-5 more per pound due to smaller supply and higher production costs.
Location
- Beef prices are slightly higher on the coasts than the Midwest based on local supply and demand.
Season
- Prices dip in fall when supply peaks and rise in spring when supplies tighten.
Retailer
- Butcher shops charge $1-3 more per pound than grocery stores.
Inflation
- Rising production costs gradually increase beef prices over time.
Ground Beef Prices Per Pound
Ground beef is the most budget-friendly beef option for many households. Here are typical per pound prices for different fat contents:
- Ground Chuck (80/20) – $4.50-$5.00
- Ground Beef (85/15) – $4.90-$5.50
- Ground Sirloin (90/10) – $5.50-$6.50
- Organic Ground Beef – $6.00-$7.50
For 5+ lb family packs, prices drop slightly to $4.50-$4.90 per pound. At warehouse clubs like Costco, large 10 lb rolls can cost as low as $3.50 per pound.
Buying bigger packages and freezing portions is a great way to save on ground beef costs. Chuck provides the best value balance of price and flavor.
Historical Beef Price Trends Per Pound
Over the past decade, retail beef prices have gradually increased each year due to a combination of factors:
- 2012 – Steaks averaged $5.90/lb and ground beef $3.60/lb
- 2015 – Steaks averaged $6.20/lb and ground beef $4.10/lb
- 2018 – Steaks averaged $6.90/lb and ground beef $4.70/lb
- 2021 – Steaks averaged $8.50/lb and ground beef $4.90/lb
During the COVID-19 pandemic, beef prices spiked temporarily due to supply chain issues and surging demand. Prices have moderated but remain high compared to 5 years ago. Overall, a gradual rise in beef prices is expected to continue with food inflation.
Ways To Save on Beef Per Pound
Here are some tips to get the best value high-quality beef for your budget:
- Choose cheaper primal cuts like chuck, brisket, and flank
- Buy bulk ground beef packs over 1 lb
- Purchase large roasts and slice into steaks
- Look for manager markdowns on soon-to-expire packages
- Check for weekly sales and seasonal promotions
- Buy big packs at warehouse stores if you have freezer room
- Time purchases for peak fall/winter supply
- Compare prices at ethnic grocers which can have good deals
While beef costs per pound have risen over time, the nutritional benefits make it worth the occasional splurge on premium steaks or roasts for many beef lovers. Monitoring sales and buying bulk packages can help offset the costs. With economical options like roasts and ground beef available at just $3-$6 per pound, beef remains an accessible protein for most shoppers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should a pound of ground beef cost?
Ground chuck costs around $4.75 per pound on average while regular 85/15 ground beef averages close to $5 per pound. Leaner 90/10 ground sirloin costs more around $6 per pound.
What is a good price per pound for a half cow?
A half cow usually costs $3.50 – $5 per pound for the hanging weight, plus additional processing fees. Expect to pay around $8 – $10 per pound for packaged cuts.
How much meat do you yield from a 1,000 lb steer?
The typical yield is about 63% of the live weight. So a 1,000 lb steer will produce a hanging carcass weight of around 630 lbs. After processing you’ll get 420-450 lbs packaged beef.
Is beef expensive right now?
Yes, beef prices are higher than average currently. Ground beef averages close to $5 per pound while steaks are $8.50+ per pound. Prices have risen due to supply chain issues, higher feed costs and increasing demand.
Is beef worth the high cost?
For beef fans, the rich flavor and nutritional benefits make it worthwhile to occasionally splurge on premium steaks or roasts. But there are also more economical beef options at just $3-$6 per pound to fit different budgets.
Knowing the latest beef prices per pound helps you make informed purchasing decisions and find the best deals. While premium cuts can cost over $19 per pound, there are still affordable roasts, ground beef and stew meat at just a fraction of that price. Monitoring sales and buying in bulk are great ways to maximize savings on quality beef.
Tips for Purchasing Beef Wisely
Purchasing beef in bulk can offer significant savings and provide a variety of cuts.
- Benefits:
- Cost Savings: Buying a whole or half cow can reduce the price per pound significantly.
- Variety: You receive a range of cuts, from high-end steaks to economical ground beef and roasts.
- Example: “Purchasing a whole or half cow can significantly reduce the price per pound and provide a variety of cuts” (USDA Agricultural Marketing Service).
For guidance on buying in bulk, refer to the Modern Farmer’s Guide to Buying a Cow.
By joining a CSA program like Genuine Food’s CSA Program, you can benefit from bulk purchasing. CSA members often receive a variety of cuts at a fixed price, ensuring consistent quality and value.
Why Are Beef Prices So High Right Now?
Several factors contribute to high beef prices, including rising feed costs, supply chain issues, and increased consumer demand. For more information, visit the USDA’s Guide on Meat Buying.