Personal bankruptcy filings are rising sharply across the country. These bankruptcies are almost always a last resort, resulting in serious long-term consequences including difficulty finding housing or employment, lower credit scores, and higher borrowing costs. The surge in bankruptcy filings signals growing financial strain on American households from rising prices, elevated interest rates, and increased unemployment.
Co-Equal has developed estimates of personal bankruptcy filings for the counties represented by each member of Congress. In the counties represented by the average member of Congress:
Nationally, 543,574 individuals or families filed for bankruptcy in 2025 — an increase of 55,121 filings (11%) over 2024.
Note: Estimates were update on February 6, 2026.
