What Were Average U.S. Egg Prices in 2020
Across 2020, U.S. retail prices for large grade-A eggs rose through the year, moving from about $1.08 per dozen in January to a peak near $2.26 per dozen in December, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data cited by the U.S. Egg Board. For the year, the national all-items retail egg price averaged roughly $1.38 to $1.65 per dozen, depending on the dataset and measurement period. Prices were generally higher in coastal regions and in states with stricter environmental or animal-welfare rules, while central and some midwestern states reported lower averages.
These shifts reflected supply-chain disruptions, changes in consumer buying behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic, and adjustments in layer flock sizes. The table below summarizes reported retail prices by month in three representative regions, where available, to illustrate how costs varied over the course of 2020.
| Month | Region | Average Price (USD per dozen, large grade-A) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | U.S. all items | ~$1.08–1.25 | Pre-pandemic baseline; relatively stable |
| April | U.S. all items | ~$1.30–1.55 | COVID-19 disruptions; demand shifts |
| July | Coastal (e.g., CA, NY) | ~$1.70–2.00 | Higher in coastal states |
| October | Midwest (e.g., IA, MO) | ~$1.40–1.70 | Mid-range pricing |
| December | U.S. all items | ~$2.10–2.26 | Year-end peak |
Why Egg Prices Changed in 2020
Early-Year Baseline and Pandemic Disruption
In the first months of 2020, egg prices were relatively steady near pre-pandemic levels. As lockdowns began in March and April, retail demand surged while restaurants shifted to packaged and bulk formats, creating temporary mismatches between where eggs were sold and where they were produced. This imbalance, combined with temporary labor shortages and transportation constraints, pushed prices up in the spring and early summer.
Layer Flock Dynamics and Input Costs
Egg prices are closely tied to the number of laying hens (layer flocks) and their productivity. In 2020, flock sizes adjusted as producers scaled back amid uncertainty, and later rebuilt as demand recovered. Feed costs, although moderate for much of the year, also influenced margins. Together, these factors supported gradual price increases through the spring and summer.
Regional Differences and Regulation
Not all markets moved in lockstep. States with higher production costs, stronger animal-welfare regulations, and greater reliance on imported eggs often saw steeper price hikes. Coastal regions experienced tighter retail competition and higher shipping costs, widening regional gaps. By mid-2020, many inland states maintained lower, more stable prices due to ample regional supply.
How 2020 Egg Prices Compared to Other Years
Relative to 2019, U.S. egg prices in 2020 were higher overall, reflecting pandemic-related volatility. They remained below the peaks seen in late 2016 and 2017, and below the post–bird-flu surge of 2015. Compared with 2021–2022, when prices again jumped sharply due to different supply shocks, 2020 was transitional: elevated from early-year levels but not yet at the extreme highs seen in subsequent years.
| Year | Average Retail Price (USD per dozen, large grade-A) | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | ~$1.30–1.60 | Relatively stable; moderate feed costs |
| 2019 | ~$1.10–1.30 | Near historic lows pre-pandemic |
| 2020 | ~$1.38–1.65 | Pandemic-driven volatility; year-end peak near $2.26 |
| 2021 | ~$1.70–2.00 | Supply-chain and flock-constraints intensified |
| 2022 | ~$2.20–3.00 | Post-bird-flu and inflationary pressures |
What Influenced Regional and Store Price Variation
Retail egg prices in 2020 varied by store format, geography, and inventory choices. Large chains with strong procurement and logistics networks often maintained lower, more stable prices. Smaller grocers and specialty shops, particularly in high-cost coastal states, faced higher freight and compliance costs, which translated into elevated shelf prices. Additionally, promotions and private-label offerings created short-term variability, though the underlying trend was upward as the year progressed.
- Urban coastal stores typically reported the highest prices in 2020.
- Midwestern and Plains states generally saw lower and steadier pricing.
- Stores near major egg-producing regions benefited from shorter supply chains.
How to Put 2020 Egg Prices into Context Today
Because 2020 sits at the inflection point between pre-pandemic stability and the high-volatility period that followed, it serves as a useful baseline for understanding long-term price trends. The upward trajectory that began in 2020 continued into 2022 and 2023, driven by bird-floss outbreaks, energy and labor inflation, and changes in consumer patterns. Comparing 2020 prices with later years clarifies how temporary pandemic effects evolved into structural cost pressures that continue to shape egg economics.
FAQ
Reader questions
What was the average price of a dozen eggs in 2020 nationally?
On average, U.S. consumers paid roughly $1.38 to $1.65 per dozen for large grade-A eggs in retail stores across 2020, with considerable regional variation and a year-end high near $2.26.
Did egg prices spike in 2020 compared to 2019?
Yes. While early 2020 prices were close to 2019 levels, they climbed through the year due to pandemic-related disruptions, reaching noticeably higher levels by late 2020.
Where were egg prices highest in 2020?
Coastal states and major urban centers typically reported the highest prices, influenced by transportation costs, local regulations, and stronger demand for specialty eggs. By fall and winter 2020, as supply chains adapted and production recovered, price increases persisted due to other ongoing cost pressures, setting the stage for the higher prices seen in 2021 and 2022.