Probation and Parole in the United States, 2023

• NCJ Number: 310118
• Date Published: July 2025
• Author(s): Danielle Kaeble
• Length: 43 pages
• Agencies: BJS
• Publication Type: Publication; Statistics

Abstract

This report presents findings on persons under community supervision on probation or parole in the United States in 2023. It includes characteristics of the U.S. community supervision population such as sex, race or ethnicity, and most serious offense. The report provides statistics on movements onto and off community supervision, and details types of exits, such as completing one’s term of supervision, being incarcerated, absconding, or other unsatisfactory outcomes while in the community. Findings are based on data from BJS’s Annual Probation Survey, Annual Parole Survey, and Federal Justice Statistics Program. This report is the 32nd in a series that began in 1981. 

Highlights

• At yearend 2023, an estimated 3,772,000 adults were under community supervision (probation or parole), up 27,900 (0.7%) from January 1, 2023.
• From yearend 2013 to yearend 2023, among comparable agencies, the total adult community supervision population declined 23%.
• During 2023, the number of adults on parole declined from 700,800 to 680,400 (down 2.9%).
• The probation population increased for a second consecutive year in 2023, from 3,064,200 on January 1 to 3,103,400 on December 31 (up 1.3%).

Highlights

• At yearend 2023, an estimated 3,772,000 adults were under community supervision (probation or parole), up 27,900 (0.7%) from January 1, 2023.
• From yearend 2013 to yearend 2023, among comparable agencies, the total adult community supervision population declined 23%.
• During 2023, the number of adults on parole declined from 700,800 to 680,400 (down 2.9%).
• The probation population increased for a second consecutive year in 2023, from 3,064,200 on January 1 to 3,103,400 on December 31 (up 1.3%).