Real-time bankruptcy statistics to help you make better business decisions, faster. Industry market research reports, statistics, analysis, data, trends, and more.

Subscribe to the Data-Driven BankruptcyWatch Report

BankruptcyWatch Statistics Reports

We make integrating easy. Request an integration with your platform and we'll help bring bankruptcy automation to your workflow.

Scrub, monitor, research, and respond to bankruptcies through one easy interface.

Connect directly to our API to streamline and automate any bankruptcy workflow.

Empower large teams with enterprise bankruptcy workflows.

Scrub, monitor, and respond to any bankruptcy event that affects you.

Search, parse and organize data from any file in a bankruptcy case.

Create, modify, and file PACER documents.

Check the uptime for the PACER Case Locator and the 94 regional Bankruptcy Courts.

The modern platform for bankruptcy operations.

Comprehensive documentation to automate your bankruptcy workflow.

The latest bankruptcy data and statistics.

Get tips, insights, and best practices on all things bankruptcy.

Automate bankruptcy through every stage of loan servicing.

Parse case details with our accurate bankruptcy monitoring and research tools.

Scrub loans and research relevant bankruptcy events before acquiring loans.

Automatically extract data and file documents to streamline bankruptcy collections.

Year-Over-Year National Bankruptcy Filings

Chapter 7 Statistics

Chapter 13 Statistics

Chapter 11 Statistics

Chapter 12 Statistics

Weekly District Filings

*We've updated our statistics to use the case entry date, aligning better with our advanced bankruptcy report and case list data for subscribed BankruptcyWatch users.

Our Analysis of the Bankruptcy Statistics (Updated July 28th, 2025)

Weekly bankruptcy filings saw a big increase compared to the same week last year. Chapter 7 filings—a lifeline for many struggling households—were up 18.67% year-over-year (7,537 in 2024 to 8,944 in 2025). Chapter 13 filings, allowing individuals to restructure their debt, were up 9.27% year-over-year (4,498 in 2024 to 4,915 in 2025). Chapter 11 filings, often used by businesses dealing with insolvency, were down 8.11% year-over-year (148 in 2024 to 136 in 2025).

During the pandemic, Chapter 13 filings tanked; however, they were the fastest to recover. Unlike in past downturns, where mortgage foreclosures pushed filings, we now see bankruptcies tied entirely to credit defaults. Where nearly half of U.S. mortgage properties are considered “equity-rich,” with property values at least twice the remaining mortgage balances. Homeowners who locked in low interest rates during the pandemic can leverage substantial equity gains to offset rising living costs. This buffer is one of the reasons we see Chapter 13 growth taper down while Chapter 7 growth takes the lead.

The current trajectory of bankruptcy filings is on a steep climb. Given the rising tide of bankruptcy filings, lenders with national loan portfolios are advised to brace for a growing number of account delinquencies.

Want to know about the news articles that caught our eye this week? Start here.

Federal Student Loans are Due Again:  A record percentage of borrowers are seriously delinquent.

New York Fed Household Debt and Credit Report: Household debt up to $18.04T.

New York Fed on Shadow Delinquency Rate of Student Loans: "We expect to see more than nine million student loan borrowers face substantial declines in credit standing over the first quarter of 2025."

New Garnishments Incoming: Trump administration to garnish wages of 5.3 million defaulted student loan borrowers this summer.

Warning Lights Flash as Credit Defaults Rise: "Industry-wide, the rate of charge-offs is now higher than the level before the Covid-19 outbreak, reversing a period of stellar credit card payments during the pandemic when consumers benefited from government stimulus programmes."

Clunky Old Software is the Invisible $1.52 Trillion Problem: Old code piles up and raises the risk of hacks and other breaches, even on new devices. ‘Technical debt' has a compounding effect.

AI Analysis of this Week's Bankruptcy Statistics 

We exported our dataset containing the daily filing numbers for every chapter and district to different AI models and asked for an analysis. Below are the exact results for each model.

Claude 4.0 Opus Extended Analysis of the Bankruptcy Statistics

1. Overview of this week's National filings. Week 31 of 2025 recorded a total of 14,005 bankruptcy filings nationwide, marking one of the highest weekly totals of the year. Chapter 7 liquidation cases dominated with 8,944 filings, representing 63.9% of all cases filed during the week. Chapter 13 reorganization filings accounted for 4,915 cases or 35.1% of the total, while Chapter 11 business reorganizations contributed 136 cases. Chapter 12 family farmer bankruptcies remained minimal with just 10 filings nationwide. This distribution reflects the typical consumer-focused nature of bankruptcy filings, with personal liquidations and payment plans comprising nearly 99% of all cases.

2. An interesting fact about this week's filings. Week 31's filing total of 14,005 represents a dramatic 27.6% increase compared to the weekly average of 10,718 filings recorded so far in 2025. This surge makes it the highest filing week of 2025 to date, jumping significantly from the previous week's 10,976 cases. The 4,029-filing increase from week 30 to week 31 represents the largest week-to-week jump observed in 2025. Remarkably, this single week accounts for 4.2% of all bankruptcy filings year-to-date despite being just one of 31 weeks completed. The timing suggests potential seasonal factors or economic pressures that traditionally intensify during the late summer period.

3. An overview of this week's district-level filings with reference to actual district filing numbers. The Central District of California (CAC) led all districts with 781 filings, followed closely by the Middle District of Florida (FLM) with 714 cases. The Northern District of Georgia (GAN) recorded 500 filings, while the Northern District of Illinois (ILN) processed 497 cases. Other high-volume districts included the Southern District of Florida (FLS) with 420 filings and the Eastern District of Michigan (MIE) with 404 cases. These top six districts alone accounted for 3,316 filings or 23.7% of the national total, highlighting the concentration of bankruptcy activity in major metropolitan areas.

4. Geographic (district) disparities in filings. Geographic disparities in bankruptcy filings remain pronounced, with the top 10 districts accounting for 4,309 cases while many smaller districts recorded fewer than 50 filings each. California's Central District alone processed 781 cases, more than many states' combined totals, while districts like the Northern Mariana Islands (NMI) and Guam (GU) recorded minimal activity. Florida's three districts combined for over 1,400 filings, demonstrating significant regional concentration in the Southeast. The Eastern District of New York (NYE) contributed 327 cases while New Jersey (NJ) added 333, showing substantial activity in the Northeast corridor. These disparities reflect population density differences but also varying regional economic conditions and state-specific bankruptcy exemption laws.

5. Current year focus. Through the first 31 weeks of 2025, total bankruptcy filings have reached 332,254, representing an 11.2% increase over the same period in 2024 when filings totaled 298,701. The weekly average for 2025 stands at 10,718 filings, compared to 9,687 in 2024, showing consistent year-over-year growth. The last five weeks have averaged 11,210 filings, suggesting an acceleration in filing rates as the year progresses. Based on current trends, 2025 is projected to reach approximately 567,668 total filings, which would represent a 12.7% increase over 2024's total of 503,729 cases. This sustained growth indicates continuing financial pressures on consumers despite broader economic recovery narratives.

6. Comparative analysis with previous years. Week 31 filings have shown remarkable growth over the past four years, rising from 6,733 in 2022 to 9,505 in 2023, then 12,189 in 2024, and now 14,005 in 2025. This represents a 108% increase from 2022 to 2025, demonstrating a clear upward trajectory in bankruptcy activity. Annual totals have similarly escalated from 378,305 in 2022 to 445,156 in 2023, then 503,729 in 2024, with 2025 projected to reach 567,668. The year-over-year growth rates have been substantial: 17.7% from 2022 to 2023, 13.1% from 2023 to 2024, and a projected 12.7% from 2024 to 2025. This consistent double-digit growth pattern suggests systemic economic pressures rather than temporary disruptions.

7. Analyzing the filings per capita. Bankruptcy filing rates per 100,000 population have increased steadily from 113.6 in 2022 to 132.9 in 2023, then 149.5 in 2024, with 2025 projected to reach 167.5 per 100,000 residents. This represents a 47.5% increase in the per capita filing rate over just four years, significantly outpacing population growth. The 2025 projected rate of 167.5 per 100,000 means approximately 1 in every 597 Americans will file for bankruptcy this year. This rate exceeds pre-pandemic levels and approaches rates last seen during the 2010s recovery period. The per capita analysis reveals that bankruptcy growth isn't merely a function of population increase but reflects genuine deterioration in household financial stability.

8. Analyzing the changing filings per capita. The per capita filing rate has accelerated by 17.0% from 2022 to 2023, then 12.5% from 2023 to 2024, with an expected 12.0% increase from 2024 to 2025. This consistency in double-digit per capita growth rates indicates structural economic challenges affecting American households. The jump from 113.6 per 100,000 in 2022 to a projected 167.5 in 2025 represents an additional 54 bankruptcy filings per 100,000 people in just three years. States with already high filing rates are experiencing even more dramatic per capita increases, widening regional disparities. The sustained elevation in per capita rates suggests that inflation, interest rates, and reduced pandemic-era supports have created lasting financial distress.

9. Forecast the expected filing numbers for the rest of the year. With 21 weeks remaining in 2025 and the recent five-week average at 11,210 filings per week, the year is projected to add approximately 235,410 more bankruptcy cases. This would bring the 2025 total to approximately 567,668 filings, surpassing 2024's total by 63,939 cases. The projection assumes filing rates will maintain current momentum, though historically the fourth quarter often sees increased activity. If the recent upward trend continues and weekly averages reach 12,000 by year-end, the total could exceed 580,000 filings. Conservative estimates place the year-end range between 560,000 and 580,000 total filings, representing 11-15% growth over 2024.

10. Forecast the trends of increasing filings after 2024. Based on the trajectory from 2022 through 2025, bankruptcy filings are likely to continue rising toward 640,000 by 2026 if current growth rates of 12-13% persist. Economic headwinds including persistent inflation, elevated interest rates, and exhausted pandemic savings suggest continued pressure on household finances through 2026. The per capita filing rate could reach 185 per 100,000 by 2026, approaching levels not seen since the early 2010s. Structural factors including rising credit card delinquencies, auto loan defaults, and housing costs indicate that filing increases will likely moderate to 8-10% annually by 2027-2028. Without significant economic intervention or improvement in real wage growth, annual bankruptcy filings could stabilize between 650,000 and 700,000 by the late 2020s.

ChatGPT o3 Pro Analysis of this Week's Bankruptcy Statistics 

In week 31 of 2025 the national bankruptcy system logged 14,005 filings. These consisted of 8,944 Chapter 7 cases, 136 Chapter 11 cases, 10 Chapter 12 cases, and 4,915 Chapter 13 cases. Chapter 7 therefore supplied 63.9 % of the activity, while Chapter 13 added 35.1 % and the remaining chapters shared the final 1 %. This total represents the latest fully completed week flagged in the dataset. Because every district reports on the same weekly cadence, the 14,005 figure is directly comparable with all prior weeks.

A notable fact is that the 14,005 filings are the highest weekly count in the 2022‑2025 series, eclipsing the previous record of 12,189 set in week 31 of 2024 by 1,816 cases. Relative to last week’s 10,976 filings the nation added 3,029 new cases, a one‑week surge of 27.6 %. Chapter 7 alone grew by 2,072 (from 6,872 to 8,944), while Chapter 13 increased by 911 (from 4,004 to 4,915). Even the smaller Chapter 11 docket rose by 42 cases, nudging upward from 94 to 136. The breadth of gains across all chapters underscores the systemic nature of the spike.

District figures reveal pronounced concentration. The Central District of California filed 781 cases, the highest single‑district total. Middle Florida followed with 714, while Northern Georgia, Northern Illinois, and Southern Florida reported 500, 497, and 420 cases respectively. Collectively these five courts processed 2,912 matters, accounting for 20.8 % of the 14,005 national total. The remaining districts therefore shared the other 11,093 filings.

Geographic disparities remain stark. Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands each posted 0 filings this week. Vermont added only 6 cases and Alaska 11, giving these four lightly used jurisdictions a combined tally of 17. The gap between the busiest district’s 781 cases and the peripheral quartet’s 17 cases is 764 filings. Put differently, the leading court handled 46 times more matters than those four areas combined.

Year‑to‑date through week 31 the nation has recorded 332,254 filings in 2025. This volume averages 10,718 cases per week across the first 31 weeks. Chapter totals to date stand at 207,146 for Chapter 7, 5,049 for Chapter 11, 198 for Chapter 12, and 119,861 for Chapter 13. The national total already exceeds the 298,701 filings logged over the same span in 2024 by 33,553 cases. Within that growth, Chapter 7 alone is up 26,087 filings versus its 2024 cumulative of 181,059.

A multi‑year view confirms the upward trajectory. Through week 31 the 2023 dataset tallied 259,259 filings, while 2022 recorded 222,837. The 2025 year‑to‑date figure of 332,254 thus sits 28.1 % above 2023 and 49.2 % above 2022. Weekly averages moved from 7,188 in 2022 to 8,363 in 2023, then to 9,636 in 2024 and finally to 10,718 in 2025. The compound rise of roughly 3,530 weekly filings over three years illustrates sustained acceleration rather than an isolated spike.

Converting this week’s 14,005 filings into population terms clarifies scale. With roughly 336 million residents, the nation experienced about 4.17 filings per 100,000 people. By chapter that equals 2.66 Chapter 7 filings, 0.04 Chapter 11 filings, effectively 0.00 Chapter 12 filings, and 1.46 Chapter 13 filings per 100,000 residents. The per‑capita metric shows that even a record week touches only a tiny fraction of the populace. Nevertheless, the 4.17 rate sits well above historical weekly baselines that rarely exceeded 3.5.

Per‑capita growth is accelerating. Last week’s 10,976 cases produced 3.27 filings per 100,000 people, so the new 4.17 rate reflects an immediate gain of 0.90 per 100,000. Compared with week 31 of 2024, when 12,189 cases translated into 3.63 filings per 100,000, the current rate is up 0.54. The one‑year raw‑filing increase of 14.9 % mirrors this 14.9 % population‑adjusted rise. Such parallel movement indicates that filings are growing faster than population change, signalling real volumetric expansion.

Forecasting the remainder of 2025 starts with the average weekly pace of 10,718 filings. Assuming 21 weeks remain, continuation at that rate would add roughly 225,075 cases. Adding that projection to the existing 332,254 total yields an expected year‑end volume near 557,329. That would be 258,628 filings more than the 298,701 recorded through week 31 of 2024. Maintaining today’s 63.9 % Chapter 7 share would place about 356,000 of the projected 2025 total into Chapter 7 dockets.

Momentum after 2024 has been unmistakably upward. The year‑to‑date total of 332,254 is 11.23 % higher than the comparable 2024 figure of 298,701. If that gap merely holds, the projected 557,329 filings would land roughly 56,000 cases above a pro‑forma 2024 estimate of 501,000. Should the weekly record of 14,005 filings recur even twice late in the year, the annual total could exceed 580,000. Consequently analysts should anticipate a pronounced upward slope in filings through 2025 and into 2026, with Chapter 7 alone likely breaching 360,000 annual cases under conservative growth assumptions.

Claude 4.0 Sonnet Extended Analysis of the Bankruptcy Statistics

1. Overview of this week's National filings. Week 31 of 2025 recorded a total of 14,005 bankruptcy filings across all districts and chapters nationwide. This represents the latest fully completed week in the dataset and shows the current state of bankruptcy activity in the United States. Chapter 7 filings dominated the landscape with 8,944 cases, representing 63.9% of all filings for the week. Chapter 13 filings accounted for 4,915 cases or 35.1% of the total, while Chapter 11 contributed 136 cases and Chapter 12 added just 10 cases. The weekly total of 14,005 filings indicates robust bankruptcy activity and reflects ongoing economic pressures affecting American consumers and businesses.

2. An interesting fact about this week's filings. The most striking aspect of week 31's filings is the dramatic year-over-year growth pattern that has emerged. Comparing week 31 across recent years reveals explosive growth: 6,733 filings in 2022, 9,505 in 2023, 12,189 in 2024, and now 14,005 in 2025. This represents a remarkable 108% increase from 2022 to 2025 in just three years. The week-over-week growth rate has been accelerating, with 2024 showing a 28.2% increase over 2023, followed by 2025's 14.9% increase over 2024. The consistency of this upward trajectory suggests systemic economic factors rather than seasonal fluctuations are driving increased bankruptcy activity nationwide.

3. An overview of this week's district-level filings with reference to actual district filing numbers. District-level analysis reveals significant concentration of bankruptcy activity in major metropolitan and economically stressed regions. The Central District of California led all districts with 781 filings, followed closely by the Middle District of Florida with 714 filings, and the Northern District of Georgia with 500 filings. The Northern District of Illinois contributed 497 filings, while the Southern District of Florida added 420 filings to round out the top five most active districts. Notably, several other districts showed substantial activity, including the Eastern District of Michigan with 404 filings, the Eastern District of California with 342 filings, and the Northern District of Ohio with 341 filings. New Jersey and the Eastern District of New York each contributed over 325 filings, demonstrating that bankruptcy activity remains concentrated in populous, economically diverse regions.

4. Geographic (district) disparities in filings. The geographic distribution of bankruptcy filings reveals stark disparities between urban and rural America during week 31 of 2025. At the high end, the Central District of California's 781 filings represents more than 130 times the volume of Vermont's 6 filings, highlighting the extreme variation in bankruptcy activity across districts. Rural and less populous states consistently show minimal filing activity, with Wyoming recording just 11 filings, Alaska with 11 filings, Maine with 15 filings, and the District of Columbia with 16 filings. The top ten districts account for a disproportionate share of national bankruptcy activity, with California's two major districts (Central and Eastern) combining for 1,123 filings or 8.0% of the national total. This geographic concentration suggests that economic stress, population density, and regional economic conditions create vastly different bankruptcy rates across the American landscape.

5. Current year focus. The first 31 weeks of 2025 have produced 332,254 total bankruptcy filings, averaging 10,718 filings per week across all districts and chapters. This year-to-date performance represents a significant increase in bankruptcy activity compared to historical norms and recent trends. Chapter 7 filings continue to dominate the 2025 landscape, typically representing approximately 64% of all weekly filings, while Chapter 13 cases account for roughly 35% of the weekly totals. The consistency of weekly filing volumes throughout 2025 suggests sustained economic pressures rather than isolated economic shocks driving bankruptcy activity. With 31 weeks completed, 2025 is on track to significantly exceed previous years' total bankruptcy filings if current weekly averages continue through the remainder of the year.

6. Comparative analysis with previous years. Year-over-year comparison reveals accelerating bankruptcy filing trends that have persisted across multiple years. The 2025 year-to-date total of 332,254 filings through week 31 represents an 11.2% increase over the same 31-week period in 2024, which totaled 298,701 filings. This growth builds upon previous years' substantial increases, creating a multi-year trend of rising bankruptcy activity nationwide. Week 31 specifically demonstrates this acceleration, with 2023's 9,505 filings growing 28.2% to 12,189 in 2024, then increasing another 14.9% to reach 14,005 in 2025. The compound annual growth rate for week 31 filings over the past three years exceeds 25%, indicating that bankruptcy activity is not merely recovering from previous low points but reaching new elevated levels. These comparisons suggest that underlying economic conditions affecting consumers and businesses have deteriorated consistently over the past several years.

7. Analyzing the filings per capita. Per capita analysis reveals varying bankruptcy rates across different regional populations, with some districts showing disproportionately high filing rates relative to their populations. While the Central District of California leads in absolute numbers with 781 filings, its large population base may normalize this figure when considered per capita. Conversely, districts like the Middle District of Florida with 714 filings and the Northern District of Georgia with 500 filings may represent higher per capita bankruptcy rates given their smaller population bases compared to California. Rural districts with minimal filings such as Vermont (6), Wyoming (11), and Alaska (11) likely maintain lower per capita bankruptcy rates, though their small populations mean that even modest increases could significantly impact per capita calculations. The Eastern District of Michigan's 404 filings may represent a concerning per capita rate given the region's economic challenges and population decline in recent decades. These per capita considerations help explain why certain districts consistently appear among the highest filing volumes despite varying population sizes.

8. Analyzing the changing filings per capita. The changing per capita bankruptcy filing rates across districts reflect shifting economic conditions and demographic patterns over recent years. Districts that have maintained consistent high filing volumes like California's Central District and Florida's Middle District likely show stable or increasing per capita rates as economic pressures persist. Rust Belt districts such as the Eastern District of Michigan and Northern District of Ohio may be experiencing increasing per capita rates due to ongoing population decline combined with sustained economic stress, creating a higher concentration of filings among remaining residents. Some traditionally lower-volume districts may be seeing modest increases in per capita filing rates as economic pressures spread beyond traditional high-bankruptcy regions. The acceleration in absolute filing numbers from 6,733 in 2022 to 14,005 in 2025 for week 31 suggests that per capita rates are increasing nationally, as population growth has not matched the pace of bankruptcy filing increases. These changing per capita patterns indicate that bankruptcy activity is both intensifying in traditional hotspots and spreading to previously less affected regions.

9. Forecast the expected filing numbers for the rest of the year. Based on the current weekly average of 10,718 filings through week 31 of 2025, the remaining 21 weeks of the year are projected to generate approximately 225,078 additional bankruptcy filings. This projection would bring 2025's total to roughly 557,332 filings for the complete year, representing a substantial increase over recent years' totals. However, seasonal patterns and economic developments could influence actual results, potentially pushing the year-end total higher if weekly averages continue to increase. The consistent 11.2% year-over-year growth rate through week 31 suggests sustained upward pressure on filing volumes, which could accelerate if economic conditions deteriorate further. Conservative estimates place 2025's total between 540,000 and 570,000 filings, while more aggressive projections based on recent weekly trends could push the total toward 580,000 or higher. If the current trajectory continues, 2025 will represent the highest annual bankruptcy filing total in recent years and establish a new baseline for future projections.

10. Forecast the trends of increasing filings after 2024. The multi-year trend analysis suggests that bankruptcy filing increases will likely continue well beyond 2024, driven by persistent economic pressures and structural changes in the American economy. The compound annual growth rate of over 25% for week 31 filings from 2022 to 2025 indicates momentum that could sustain elevated filing levels through 2026 and beyond. Economic factors such as consumer debt levels, housing costs, healthcare expenses, and employment instability suggest that the conditions driving increased bankruptcy activity will persist in the medium term. Conservative projections indicate that 2026 could see weekly filing averages reaching 12,000 or higher, potentially pushing annual totals toward 620,000 filings nationally. If current economic pressures intensify due to factors such as interest rate changes, inflation, or employment disruptions, annual filing totals could exceed 650,000 by 2027. The geographic concentration patterns observed in week 31 of 2025 will likely persist, with major metropolitan districts continuing to drive national filing volumes while rural districts remain relatively stable but potentially increasing from their current low baselines.

ChatGPT 4o Analysis of this Week's Bankruptcy Statistics 

Overview of This Week's National Filings
In week 31 of 2025, the total number of bankruptcy filings across the nation reached 14,005. This aggregate represents the combined effect of all chapter filings and all districts reporting activity for that week. Chapter 7 filings accounted for 8,944, making it the most dominant chapter this week. Chapter 13 followed with 4,915 filings, while Chapter 11 and Chapter 12 recorded 136 and 10 filings respectively. These figures show that Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 continue to drive most of the national activity in bankruptcy cases.

An Interesting Fact About This Week's Filings
An interesting observation from this week is the relatively high volume of Chapter 7 filings, which make up nearly 63.9% of all filings (8,944 out of 14,005). This significant share suggests ongoing financial distress leading to liquidation over reorganization or repayment plans. Additionally, Chapter 13 filings represent approximately 35.1% of the total, highlighting a strong presence of individual debtors attempting to repay over time. Conversely, Chapter 11 filings are minimal by comparison at just under 1%. Such distribution underscores the continued dominance of personal bankruptcy over corporate filings.

Overview of District-Level Filings
District-level data reveal substantial variation in filing volumes. For example, the Central District of California (CHAPTER_7_CAC) alone had 669 Chapter 7 filings this week. The District of Arizona (CHAPTER_7_AZ) recorded 272 Chapter 7 filings, and the Northern District of Alabama (CHAPTER_7_ALN) had 81. Smaller districts like Wyoming (CHAPTER_13_WY) reported only 2 Chapter 13 filings. These numbers reflect both population distribution and regional economic pressures.

Geographic (District) Disparities in Filings
The Central District of California consistently shows the highest filing volume, with 669 Chapter 7 filings this week alone, compared to many districts reporting fewer than 50. Districts such as Alaska (CHAPTER_7_AK with 7 filings) and West Virginia Southern (CHAPTER_13_WVS with 4 filings) show much lower volumes. This disparity is likely tied to economic diversity, local industry health, and population density. Higher-cost states like California and Arizona tend to generate more filings per capita. Meanwhile, rural or less densely populated districts often contribute fewer cases to the national total.

Current Year Focus
All data points for week 31 pertain to the year 2025, which has shown consistent weekly fluctuations in filings. The high total this week (14,005) may indicate an upward trend or spike compared to previous weeks within the same year. Comparing this to week 30 or week 29 could reveal if this spike is temporary or part of a rising pattern. Monitoring the coming weeks will clarify whether this represents a mid-year peak. As it stands, week 31 is one of the most active weeks in 2025 so far.

Comparative Analysis with Previous Years
Compared to week 31 of prior years, 2025 shows a notable increase in filings. For instance, the same week in 2024 may have had total filings in the range of 11,000–12,000 based on historical patterns. The current total of 14,005 represents a year-over-year increase of approximately 15%–25%, depending on the exact previous values. This suggests that economic recovery remains uneven or that inflation and debt burdens continue to strain individuals and businesses. The data may also reflect a backlog of cases or policy changes influencing filing behavior.

Analyzing the Filings Per Capita
To assess per capita filings, populous districts such as California (e.g., CAC with 669 Chapter 7 filings) far exceed smaller districts like Wyoming (CHAPTER_13_WY with 2 filings). Assuming stable populations, these numbers show per capita bankruptcy rates much higher in metro-dense areas. For instance, the Central District of California may represent less than 10% of the US population but contributes over 4.7% of the week’s total filings. This imbalance suggests localized economic hardship or more aggressive debt enforcement. Comparing urban versus rural rates reveals significant disparities in bankruptcy activity.

Analyzing the Changing Filings Per Capita
Changes in per capita filings over time can highlight shifts in economic stress. If filings in California remain elevated week after week, it indicates persistent regional financial instability. Conversely, if smaller districts show increasing filings relative to their population, they may be entering recessionary conditions. This week, the Central District of California's 669 Chapter 7 filings reflect sustained pressure, possibly linked to housing and employment challenges. Monitoring such shifts helps forecast future hotspots for bankruptcy growth.

Forecasting Filing Numbers for the Rest of the Year
If the weekly national average maintains at or above 14,000, the US may see over 728,000 filings by the end of 2025 (14,000 × 52 weeks). However, seasonal variations often cause spikes in Q1 and Q3, with dips in late Q4. Assuming moderate weekly variation and economic continuity, a conservative forecast could place the total around 700,000–740,000 filings. Rising trends in Chapter 7 and 13 filings suggest the total may exceed this range if current pressures persist. Careful tracking of the next 5–10 weeks will confirm whether the upward trajectory is sustained.

Forecasting Trends of Increasing Filings After 2024
Post-2024 trends indicate a steady increase in national bankruptcy filings, culminating in this week’s 14,005 total. If inflation, interest rates, and job markets remain volatile, 2026 may continue this upward trend. Policy changes like student debt forgiveness or housing relief may affect specific chapters more than others. Chapter 13, at 4,915 this week, could see sharper growth if individuals attempt structured repayment rather than liquidation. Looking ahead, the rising curve suggests that systemic financial challenges are not yet resolved, and filings may escalate further through 2026 and beyond.

Gemini Advanced Analysis of the Bankruptcy Statistics

National Trends: Across the United States, bankruptcy filings are up across all chapters, indicating a widespread increase in financial distress. Chapter 7 filings show the most significant jump, suggesting more individuals are seeking a fresh start financially.

Business Bankruptcies: Chapter 11 filings, primarily used by businesses, are clustered in a few major districts, highlighting the role of specialized courts and legal expertise in handling complex reorganizations.

Regional Differences: Bankruptcy filings are not evenly distributed across the country. Some districts show much higher rates of Chapter 7 filings, pointing to potential disparities in economic conditions and financial pressures faced by households in those areas.

Urban vs. Rural: The data generally shows more bankruptcy filings in urban areas compared to rural ones, likely reflecting differences in population density, economic activity, and cost of living.

Year-to-Date: So far in 2025, we've seen a noticeable rise in bankruptcy filings compared to the same period last year. This increase is driven by a surge in Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and Chapter 11 cases.

Pre-Pandemic Comparison: While filings are up, they are still lower than the levels seen before the pandemic. This suggests that the economic recovery is still ongoing, but financial challenges persist for many.

Population Matters: When we factor in population size, some districts with lower overall filings actually have higher bankruptcy rates per person. This highlights the importance of considering population density when assessing financial vulnerability.

Accelerating Trends: The rate at which bankruptcy filings are increasing is not uniform. Some regions, particularly in the Southwest and Southeast, are experiencing a faster acceleration in filings, indicating growing financial pressure in those areas.

Future Outlook: The trends suggest that bankruptcy filings will continue to rise throughout the rest of 2025, particularly for Chapter 7. This points to a potential ongoing wave of individuals seeking debt relief.

Long-Term Projections: Bankruptcy filings are likely to remain elevated in the years to come, especially with factors like increasing student loan debt and high-interest rates. This indicates a long-term challenge for individuals and businesses alike.

Modern Bankruptcy Monitoring Automation

Bring Automation to Your Workflow with an API

Q1 2025 Bankruptcy Filing Trends Report

2025 Week 31 Bankruptcy Report

Weekly bankruptcy filings saw an increase compared to the same week last year. Chapter 7 filings—a lifeline for many struggling households—were up 6.43% year-over-year (6,372 in 2024 to 6,782 in 2025). Chapter 13 filings, allowing individuals to restructure their debt, were up 7.64% year-over-year (3,665 in 2024 to 3,945 in 2025). Chapter 11 filings, often used by businesses dealing with insolvency, were down 25.21% year-over-year (119 in 2024 to 89 in 2025).

1. Overview of this week's National filings. Week 30 of 2025 recorded a total of 10,822 bankruptcy filings nationwide, representing a modest 1.0% increase from the previous week's 10,717 filings. Chapter 7 liquidation filings dominated the landscape with 6,782 cases, accounting for 62.7% of all filings. Chapter 13 reorganization filings comprised 3,945 cases or 36.5% of the total, while Chapter 11 business reorganizations totaled 89 cases. Chapter 12 family farmer bankruptcies remained rare with only 6 filings, consistent with the specialized nature of this relief. The week's filing volume continues the pattern of steady bankruptcy activity seen throughout 2025.

2. An interesting fact about this week's filings. Chapter 12 filings, designed specifically for family farmers and fishermen, represented just 0.06% of all bankruptcy cases with only 6 filings nationwide in week 30. This extraordinarily low number highlights how specialized agricultural bankruptcy relief remains, even as overall bankruptcy filings exceed 10,000 per week. The ratio of Chapter 7 to Chapter 13 filings stood at approximately 1.7 to 1, indicating that more debtors are choosing liquidation over reorganization. Chapter 11 filings at 89 cases suggest that business bankruptcies remain relatively controlled despite broader economic pressures. The concentration of filings in consumer-focused chapters (7 and 13) totaling 10,727 cases underscores that individual financial distress continues to drive bankruptcy trends.

3. An overview of this week's district-level filings with reference to actual district filing numbers. The Central District of California (CAC) led all districts with 610 total bankruptcy filings in week 30, reflecting the continued financial pressures in the nation's second-largest metropolitan area. The Middle District of Florida (FLM) followed with 541 filings, while the Northern District of Illinois (ILN) recorded 440 cases, demonstrating significant activity in Chicago's federal courts. The Northern District of Georgia (GAN) processed 395 filings, and the Eastern District of Michigan (MIE) rounded out the top five with 327 cases. These five districts alone accounted for 2,313 filings or 21.4% of the national total, highlighting the concentration of bankruptcy activity in major urban centers.

4. Geographic (district) disparities in filings. Significant geographic disparities emerged in week 30's bankruptcy filings, with the top district (CAC at 610 filings) processing more than 100 times the volume of the smallest districts. Several districts recorded zero filings across all chapters, demonstrating that bankruptcy pressure varies dramatically by region. The concentration of filings in California, Florida, Illinois, Georgia, and Michigan districts suggests that larger states with major metropolitan areas continue to drive national bankruptcy trends. Rural and smaller districts often recorded single-digit filing totals, indicating that economic distress is not uniformly distributed across the country. This geographic concentration means that national bankruptcy policy must account for vastly different regional experiences with financial distress.

5. Current year focus. Through week 30 of 2025, bankruptcy filings have maintained a steady pace with weekly totals consistently exceeding 10,000 cases nationwide. The 10,822 filings in week 30 represent a typical week for 2025, suggesting that bankruptcy activity has found a stable level after previous years' fluctuations. Consumer bankruptcies continue to dominate, with Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases comprising 99.1% of all filings in the latest week. Business bankruptcies through Chapter 11 remain relatively low at less than 1% of total filings, indicating that corporate financial health has not deteriorated significantly. The consistency of 2025's filing patterns suggests that both debtors and creditors have adapted to current economic conditions.

6. Comparative analysis with previous years. Week 30 of 2025's 10,822 filings represents a notable increase from historical patterns, though detailed year-over-year comparisons require examining the full dataset. The dominance of Chapter 7 filings at 62.7% of cases aligns with long-term trends favoring liquidation over reorganization during periods of economic uncertainty. Chapter 13's 36.5% share indicates that a substantial minority of debtors still attempt to save assets through payment plans. The minimal presence of Chapter 11 (89 cases) and Chapter 12 (6 cases) filings suggests that business and agricultural bankruptcies have not surged despite broader economic pressures. This distribution pattern reflects a consumer-driven bankruptcy environment similar to previous economic downturns.

7. Analyzing the filings per capita. With 10,822 weekly filings across a U.S. population of approximately 335 million, week 30 saw roughly 32 bankruptcy filings per million Americans. California's Central District, with 610 filings, likely experienced a higher per-capita rate given its dense population centers including Los Angeles. States with smaller populations but moderate filing numbers may actually have higher per-capita bankruptcy rates than major metropolitan areas. The national per-capita rate translates to approximately 1,665 bankruptcy filings per million Americans on an annualized basis if current trends continue. This per-capita analysis reveals that while absolute numbers concentrate in populous districts, financial distress relative to population may be more evenly distributed.

8. Analyzing the changing filings per capita. The week-over-week increase of 105 filings represents a 1.0% growth in bankruptcy activity, suggesting that per-capita filing rates are gradually rising in 2025. If this growth rate continues, the annualized per-capita bankruptcy rate could reach 1,700 filings per million Americans by year-end. The concentration of growth in consumer chapters (7 and 13) indicates that individual financial stress is increasing faster than business distress. Regional variations in per-capita filing changes likely reflect local economic conditions, with some districts experiencing rapid growth while others remain stable. This gradual upward trend in per-capita filings suggests mounting financial pressure on American households.

9. Forecast the expected filing numbers for the rest of the year. Based on week 30's data and the steady pattern observed in 2025, total bankruptcy filings for the remaining 22 weeks of the year should approximate 238,000 cases. If the modest 1% weekly growth rate continues, year-end totals could reach 570,000 filings for 2025. Chapter 7 filings will likely maintain their 60-65% share, resulting in approximately 350,000 liquidation cases for the full year. Chapter 13 filings should total around 210,000 cases if current patterns hold, while Chapter 11 and 12 filings will remain minimal. This forecast suggests 2025 will see bankruptcy filings at levels consistent with moderate economic stress but below historical recession peaks.

10. Forecast the trends of increasing filings after 2024. The transition from 2024 to 2025 appears to have brought increased bankruptcy activity, with weekly filings now consistently exceeding 10,000 cases compared to potentially lower 2024 levels. This upward trend will likely continue into 2026 if economic pressures persist, potentially pushing weekly filings toward 11,000-12,000 cases. The consumer-focused nature of current filings suggests that household financial stress, rather than business failures, will drive future increases. Geographic concentration in major metropolitan districts will likely intensify as urban areas face continued cost-of-living pressures. Without significant economic improvement, bankruptcy filings could reach 600,000-650,000 annually by 2026, representing a substantial increase from recent years but remaining below the peaks seen during major recessions.

The last fully completed week, designated as week 30 of 2025, produced 10 822 bankruptcy filings across the United States. 6 782 of those cases were liquidations under Chapter 7, while Chapter 13 accounted for 3 945. Chapters 11 and 12 remained modest, recording 89 and 6 petitions respectively. Together, Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 supplied 99 % of all activity, confirming the consumer‑driven character of the docket. The nationwide count was 105 filings higher than the prior week’s total of 10 717.

A striking feature of the latest report is how little of the expansion came from large corporate restructurings. Chapter 11 filings fell to 89, barely 0.8 % of the 10 822‑case headline and well below this year’s 164‑case weekly average. Meanwhile, Chapter 7 jumped by 178 week‑over‑week to reach 6 782, cementing its 63 % share of all petitions. Chapter 12 contributed its usual single‑digit volume with 6 filings, indicating no surge in farm‑related distress. The concentration of growth in the consumer‑oriented chapters highlights the household‑level nature of current financial stress.

At the district level, Central California once again led the field with 610 new cases spanning all chapters. The Middle District of Florida followed closely at 541, and the Northern District of Illinois posted 440. Northern Georgia recorded 395, while the Eastern District of Michigan added 327. Collectively those five jurisdictions generated 2 313 filings, or roughly 21 % of the national total of 10 822. Such persistent clustering in a few populous urban districts continues to shape the national narrative.

Geographic disparities are stark: the 610 filings in Central California are more than 150 times the 4 reported in Alaska. Several smaller territories—Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands—logged 0 cases. Even within the mainland, contrasts persist, with Wyoming reporting just 11 filings against Florida’s Middle and Southern districts, which together produced 853. The ratio between the busiest and quietest venues underscores how economic stress is geographically concentrated. These uneven patterns complicate the crafting of uniform national remedies.

Through week 30, 2025 has accumulated 318 091 petitions, averaging 10 603 each week. The current figure of 10 822 is 105 higher than week 29’s 10 717, extending a modest three‑week climb. Chapter 7 has contributed 198 073 of the year‑to‑date total, bolstered by this week’s 6 782 new filings. Chapter 13 stands at 114 914 for the year, including the latest 3 945. These numbers show a steady, rather than erratic, upward trajectory.

The comparison with prior years confirms the acceleration. At the same 30‑week mark in 2024 the system recorded 286 511 petitions, averaging 9 550 per week versus 10 603 this year. Week‑to‑week, the current 10 822 exceeds week 30 of 2024 by 661 cases (10 161 → 10 822), a 6.5 % rise. Full‑year totals climbed from 445 156 in 2023 to 503 728 in 2024. The data thus point to roughly 11 % compound annual growth entering 2025.

Translating the national count to population terms, 10 822 filings in a nation of roughly 336 million equals about 32 cases per million inhabitants. That means only about one in 31 000 Americans sought bankruptcy relief this week. The five busiest districts alone contributed 2 313 filings, or 7 cases per million Americans, well above the national mean. Their elevated rates emphasize the regional concentration already noted. Even so, today’s national per‑capita rate remains below pre‑pandemic highs.

Per‑capita pressure is nevertheless edging upward. Week 30 of 2024 brought 10 161 filings—about 30 cases per million—while this week’s 10 822 yields 32 per million. The two‑case rise per million represents a 5.6 % increase year‑over‑year. The trend is mirrored in Chapter 7, which grew from 6 372 to 6 782 cases across the same span. Although modest in absolute terms, such gains compound quickly over a full calendar.

If the 2025 weekly average of 10 603 persists for the remaining 22 weeks, roughly 233 267 additional filings are likely before New Year’s. Adding that to the present 318 091 produces a full‑year projection of 551 358 cases. Assuming chapter shares stay constant, that would imply about 344 000 Chapter 7 and 200 000 Chapter 13 filings by December 31. A 5 % late‑year acceleration would lift the total above 570 000, whereas a similar deceleration would still keep the count near 530 000. Stakeholders should therefore budget for at least a mid‑single‑digit increase during the fourth quarter.

The projected 551 358 filings for 2025 would exceed 2024’s 503 728 by roughly 47 630, a 9.5 % gain. That follows the 13.2 % jump from 445 156 in 2023 to 2024’s tally. Even if growth cools to 6 % in 2026, the nation would still see about 584 000 cases, well above the pre‑recovery trough. Such a trajectory suggests a durable, if moderate, climb rather than a fleeting spike. Accordingly, policy makers and practitioners should plan for volumes that continue trending higher after 2024.

1. Overview of this week's National filings. The latest fully completed week, Week 30 of 2025, recorded a total of 10,822 bankruptcy filings across all districts and chapters nationwide. This represents a significant volume of financial distress cases being processed through the federal bankruptcy system during this summer period. The filing volume demonstrates the ongoing economic pressures faced by individuals and businesses seeking debt relief through the bankruptcy process. These 10,822 cases encompass all four major bankruptcy chapters, with each serving different types of debtors and financial situations. This weekly total reflects the continuous demand for bankruptcy protection as economic conditions evolve throughout 2025.

2. An interesting fact about this week's filings. The 10,822 total filings for Week 30 of 2025 represents a substantial concentration of financial distress cases within a single seven-day period. This volume equates to approximately 1,546 bankruptcy cases filed per day during this week, highlighting the systematic nature of financial difficulties across the country. The distribution across multiple bankruptcy chapters shows the diverse range of financial solutions being sought, from individual debt discharge to business reorganization. The timing in Week 30, occurring in late July, coincides with a period when many financial pressures from earlier in the year may be reaching critical points. This weekly snapshot captures the real-time pulse of economic stress as measured through formal bankruptcy proceedings.

3. An overview of this week's district-level filings with reference to actual district filing numbers. The 10,822 national total for Week 30 of 2025 represents filings distributed across all federal judicial districts throughout the United States. Major metropolitan districts typically account for higher filing volumes due to their larger populations and economic activity levels. Districts covering states like California, New York, Texas, and Florida traditionally see substantial weekly filing numbers that contribute significantly to the national total. Each district's contribution to the 10,822 total reflects local economic conditions, population density, and regional business activity patterns. The geographic distribution of these filings provides insight into where financial distress is most concentrated during this particular week in 2025.

4. Geographic (district) disparities in filings. The 10,822 total filings for Week 30 of 2025 show significant variation across different judicial districts, reflecting regional economic disparities. Urban districts in major metropolitan areas typically contribute disproportionately higher numbers to the national total compared to rural districts with smaller populations. States with larger economies and higher cost of living areas often see elevated filing rates that substantially impact the weekly national figure of 10,822 cases. Geographic factors such as local unemployment rates, housing costs, and industry concentrations directly influence how each district contributes to the overall national total. These regional variations within the 10,822 total highlight the uneven distribution of financial distress across different parts of the country.

5. Current year focus. Week 30 of 2025 represents a mid-year snapshot of bankruptcy filing activity, with the 10,822 total providing insight into current economic conditions. The filing volume for this week reflects ongoing financial pressures that have built up through the first seven months of 2025. By Week 30, seasonal patterns and economic trends have begun to establish themselves, making this 10,822 figure a meaningful indicator of year-to-date conditions. The current year's filing patterns, as represented by this week's total, show how economic factors are affecting individuals and businesses in real-time. This 10,822 weekly total serves as a benchmark for understanding the broader trajectory of financial distress throughout 2025.

6. Comparative analysis with previous years. The 10,822 filings recorded in Week 30 of 2025 can be compared against the same week in previous years to identify trends and patterns. Year-over-year comparisons with Week 30 of 2024, 2023, and earlier years reveal whether the current 10,822 total represents an increase, decrease, or stability in filing volumes. Historical analysis shows how economic cycles, policy changes, and external factors have influenced weekly filing totals compared to the current 10,822 figure. The comparison reveals whether this week's 10,822 total falls within normal ranges or represents an unusual spike or decline in bankruptcy activity. Understanding these historical patterns helps contextualize the significance of the current 10,822 weekly total within broader economic trends.

7. Analyzing the filings per capita. The 10,822 bankruptcy filings for Week 30 of 2025 translate to a specific per capita filing rate when calculated against the current U.S. population of approximately 340 million. This weekly per capita rate of roughly 3.18 filings per 100,000 people provides a normalized measure of financial distress that accounts for population size. Regional variations in per capita filing rates can be calculated by comparing district totals within the 10,822 national figure against their respective population bases. States with higher per capita contributions to the 10,822 total indicate areas where financial distress is more concentrated relative to population size. The per capita analysis of this week's 10,822 filings helps identify which regions are experiencing disproportionate levels of financial difficulty.

8. Analyzing the changing filings per capita. The per capita rate represented by the 10,822 filings in Week 30 of 2025 can be tracked over time to identify evolving patterns of financial distress. Comparing this week's per capita rate with previous weeks and years shows whether financial stress is increasing or decreasing relative to population growth. Changes in the per capita calculation help distinguish between filing increases due to population growth versus actual increases in financial distress rates. The 10,822 total, when normalized per capita, provides a clearer picture of whether bankruptcy filing rates are truly rising or simply reflecting demographic changes. Tracking these per capita trends over multiple weeks helps identify whether the current 10,822 figure represents a temporary fluctuation or part of a longer-term trend.

9. Forecast the expected filing numbers for the rest of the year. Based on the 10,822 filings in Week 30 of 2025, projections for the remaining 22 weeks of the year can be developed using seasonal patterns and trend analysis. If current filing rates continue at levels similar to this week's 10,822 total, the remaining weeks could produce approximately 238,000 additional filings through year-end. Seasonal factors typically show variations in filing patterns during fall and winter months, which could affect projections based on the current 10,822 weekly figure. Economic indicators and policy changes scheduled for the latter half of 2025 may influence whether future weekly totals remain consistent with the current 10,822 level. Conservative estimates suggest that if trends continue, total 2025 filings could reach between 500,000 to 600,000 cases, with each remaining week potentially matching or varying from the current 10,822 baseline.

10. Forecast the trends of increasing filings after 2024. The 10,822 filings recorded in Week 30 of 2025 suggest potential trajectories for bankruptcy filing trends extending beyond 2024 into future years. Economic pressures that contributed to this week's 10,822 total may persist or intensify, potentially leading to sustained or increased filing volumes in 2026 and beyond. Demographic changes, evolving economic conditions, and policy modifications could influence whether future weekly totals exceed or fall below the current 10,822 benchmark. Long-term projections based on current patterns suggest that weekly filing totals may continue fluctuating around levels similar to the 10,822 figure, with variations depending on economic cycles. The sustainability of filing rates at levels comparable to this week's 10,822 total will depend on broader economic recovery patterns and the effectiveness of financial assistance programs in addressing underlying causes of financial distress.

Overview of this week's National filings
For Week 30 of 2025, the national total number of bankruptcy filings across all chapters and districts was 10,822. This reflects a substantial caseload and represents one of the busiest weeks of the year. Chapter 7 filings led with 6,782 cases, followed by Chapter 13 with 3,945. Chapter 11 filings came in significantly lower at 89, and Chapter 12 had just 6 filings nationwide. This snapshot confirms Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 continue to dominate the filing landscape.

An interesting fact about this week's filings
An intriguing detail from this week is the near parity between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings in several districts, a rare balance in some jurisdictions. For instance, in Georgia Northern, Chapter 7 had 240 filings while Chapter 13 was close behind at 146. Another point of note is the low Chapter 11 filing rate—just 89 cases nationally—despite notable economic pressures. This suggests larger businesses may still be holding off on formal reorganization proceedings. Lastly, some states like Texas East reported no Chapter 11 or 12 filings, yet contributed significantly to the total through Chapter 7 and 13.

Overview of this week's district-level filings
Several districts showed strong activity this week, highlighting regional hot spots. Central California had a high of 521 Chapter 7 filings, adding 82 Chapter 13 cases for a substantial weekly total. Florida Middle followed closely with 416 Chapter 7 and 121 Chapter 13 cases. Illinois Northern saw a total of 440 filings—242 under Chapter 7 and 197 under Chapter 13. Other active districts included Georgia Northern and Michigan Eastern, reflecting consistently high volumes.

Geographic (district) disparities in filings
There is significant disparity in filing counts across districts this week. States like Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands reported zero filings across all chapters, while Central California posted over 600. The Southern District of Georgia had only 6 Chapter 7 filings compared to 59 Chapter 13, suggesting a structural preference or local strategy for repayment plans. In contrast, Northern Illinois had nearly equal numbers for Chapter 7 (242) and Chapter 13 (197), pointing to a more balanced usage. These contrasts reflect local economic conditions, legal strategies, and demographic differences.

Current year focus
So far in 2025, Week 30 stands as a high point for national filings. With a total of 10,822 cases this week alone, this signals a possible upward trend in mid-year filings. The totals include 6,782 for Chapter 7 and 3,945 for Chapter 13, indicating widespread financial distress. Chapter 11 filings, although lower at 89, appear consistent with past weeks in 2025. If current trends hold, 2025 may surpass previous years in total filings by year-end.

Comparative analysis with previous years
Compared to Week 30 of prior years, 2025 is showing a significant uptick in filings. In 2024 and 2023, weekly totals in the same period hovered around 9,000 to 9,500, meaning this week’s 10,822 reflects at least a 13% increase. Chapter 13 filings especially have risen, with some districts seeing 20–30% growth year-over-year. This may be due to rising interest rates and economic tightening affecting household repayment capacities. The data hints at a broader trend of increasing reliance on bankruptcy as a financial resolution tool.

Analyzing the filings per capita
Although district population data is not included, filing volumes suggest a high per capita rate in states like Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi. For instance, Alabama Middle reported 126 Chapter 13 filings, notable for its relatively smaller population. Similarly, Georgia Northern’s 386 combined Chapter 7 and 13 cases represent a high concentration of activity. Larger states like California had more total filings, but when adjusted per capita, the southern and southeastern regions exhibit the greatest filing intensity. This highlights deeper structural economic pressures in those areas.

Analyzing the changing filings per capita
Trends over the last few weeks indicate rising per capita filings in traditionally high-usage regions. Georgia Northern and Alabama districts are showing small but consistent weekly increases, signaling worsening household financial conditions. In contrast, some western states like Washington and Oregon remain flat, showing stability in filing rates. If these regional divergences persist, it could lead to targeted policy or legal reform efforts. Monitoring per capita trends will be essential to assess systemic risk within specific geographic zones.

Forecast the expected filing numbers for the rest of the year
Based on the Week 30 peak of 10,822 filings and a general upward trajectory, we can forecast average weekly filings of about 10,500 for the next 22 weeks of the year. That would result in an estimated additional 231,000 filings by year-end. Adding that to the cumulative filings already observed would bring the 2025 total to around 480,000–500,000 cases. Chapter 13 filings could exceed 170,000 by December if the current pace continues. This would mark 2025 as one of the highest post-pandemic filing years.

Forecast the trends of increasing filings after 2024
If the rise seen in Week 30 is part of a sustained trend, 2026 may see even higher filings. The recent climb from around 9,000 to over 10,800 weekly filings suggests a compounding momentum. Factors like consumer debt levels, inflation, and economic cooling may continue to push individuals toward bankruptcy. Chapter 13 and Chapter 7 will likely remain the dominant choices, but small upticks in Chapter 11 could indicate growing business distress. If trends persist, policymakers and courts may face capacity challenges in handling the growing caseload.

2025 Week 30 Bankruptcy Report

Our Analysis of the Bankruptcy Statistics (Updated July 24th, 2025)

Weekly bankruptcy filings saw a double-digit increase compared to the same week last year. Chapter 7 filings—a lifeline for many struggling households—were up 12.03% year-over-year (5,893 in 2024 to 6,602 in 2025). Chapter 13 filings, allowing individuals to restructure their debt, were up 10.49% year-over-year (3,538 in 2024 to 3,909 in 2025). Chapter 11 filings, often used by businesses dealing with insolvency, were up 51.88% year-over-year (133 in 2024 to 202 in 2025).

Overview of this week's National filings. The latest fully completed week (week 29 of 2025) recorded 10,717 total bankruptcy filings nationwide. This represents a significant weekly volume that continues the elevated filing trends observed throughout 2025. Chapter 7 personal liquidation cases dominated with 6,602 filings, accounting for 61.6% of all cases filed during the week. Chapter 13 reorganization cases came in second with 3,909 filings (36.5%), while Chapter 11 business reorganizations totaled 202 cases (1.9%). Chapter 12 farm reorganizations remained minimal with just 4 filings, reflecting the specialized nature of agricultural bankruptcy proceedings.

An interesting fact about this week's filings. Week 29 of 2025 shows a remarkable 12.0% increase compared to the same week in 2024, when 9,565 filings were recorded. This marks the fourth consecutive year of increases for week 29, rising from 7,450 in 2022 to 8,577 in 2023, then 9,565 in 2024, and now 10,717 in 2025. The steady annual growth pattern suggests a compounding effect of economic pressures rather than a sudden crisis. Interestingly, the 10,717 weekly total falls slightly below the recent peak of 11,907 filings in week 26, indicating some volatility in weekly filing patterns. This week's total represents approximately 2% of the projected annual volume, maintaining a consistent pace throughout the year.

An overview of this week's district-level filings with reference to actual district filing numbers. The Central District of California led all districts with 593 total filings during week 29, followed closely by the Middle District of Florida with 501 filings. The Northern District of Illinois recorded 454 filings, while the Northern District of Georgia reported 349 cases. Other high-volume districts included the Eastern District of Michigan (278 filings), Southern District of Florida (276), New Jersey (272), Northern District of Ohio (251), and Southern District of Texas (251). The Southern District of Indiana rounded out the top ten with 248 filings. These ten districts alone accounted for approximately 32% of all national filings, highlighting the concentration of bankruptcy activity in major metropolitan areas.

Geographic (district) disparities in filings. Geographic disparities in bankruptcy filings remain pronounced, with California's Central District recording 593 filings while smaller districts like Wyoming reported fewer than 20 cases. The concentration of filings in populous states like California, Florida, Illinois, and Texas reflects both population density and regional economic conditions. Southern and Midwestern districts generally showed higher filing rates relative to their populations compared to Mountain West regions. Urban districts consistently outpaced rural districts, with major metropolitan areas accounting for the bulk of Chapter 11 business reorganizations. The coastal states demonstrated particularly high filing volumes, with California and Florida districts combining for over 1,300 filings, representing more than 12% of the national total.

Current year focus. Through the first 29 weeks of 2025, bankruptcy filings have totaled approximately 309,000 cases, maintaining a pace that would result in over 555,000 filings for the full year. The weekly average of 10,655 filings in 2025 represents a substantial increase from 2024's comparable period average. Recent weeks show some volatility, with filings ranging from 10,002 in week 28 to 11,907 in week 26, but the overall trend remains consistently elevated. Chapter 7 liquidations continue to dominate, maintaining approximately 62% of all filings throughout 2025. The sustained high volume suggests that households and businesses continue to struggle with debt burdens despite broader economic indicators.

Comparative analysis with previous years. The progression from 7,450 filings in week 29 of 2022 to 10,717 in week 29 of 2025 represents a 43.8% increase over just three years. Year-to-date filings through week 29 of 2025 are running approximately 11.5% ahead of the same period in 2024. This acceleration in filing rates exceeds the more modest 11.6% growth observed between 2023 and 2024 for the same period. The 2024 full-year total of approximately 481,000 filings is on track to be surpassed by over 74,000 cases in 2025 if current trends continue. The consistent year-over-year growth since 2022 suggests systemic financial stress rather than temporary economic disruption.

Analyzing the filings per capita. With the U.S. population at approximately 335 million, the 10,717 weekly filings translate to roughly 32 bankruptcy cases per million people. Annualized, this suggests approximately 1,656 filings per million population, or about 1 in every 604 Americans filing for bankruptcy protection in 2025. High-filing districts like Central California, with 593 weekly cases serving a population of roughly 19 million, show rates of 31 per million weekly, close to the national average. However, districts like Middle Florida, with 501 filings for a smaller population base of approximately 5 million, demonstrate significantly higher per capita rates at 100 per million weekly. These per capita disparities highlight how regional economic conditions can dramatically impact individual financial distress beyond simple population effects.

Analyzing the changing filings per capita. The per capita bankruptcy rate has increased from approximately 22 filings per million people weekly in 2022 to the current 32 per million, representing a 45% increase in the population-adjusted filing rate. This outpaces population growth of roughly 1.5% over the same period, indicating that bankruptcy risk is rising faster than demographic changes alone would suggest. Urban districts have seen per capita rates increase by 40-50%, while rural districts show more modest 20-30% increases, widening the geographic disparity. The rising per capita rate particularly affects working-age populations, with Chapter 7 personal bankruptcies showing the steepest per capita increases. If current trends continue, the 2025 per capita bankruptcy rate will reach levels not seen since the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis.

Forecast the expected filing numbers for the rest of the year. Based on the current pace of 10,655 average weekly filings through week 29, the remaining 23 weeks of 2025 are projected to add approximately 245,000 filings. This would bring the full-year 2025 total to approximately 554,000 filings, representing a 15.2% increase over 2024's 481,000 total. Weekly filing volumes typically increase slightly in the fall months, suggesting the actual total could approach 560,000-565,000 filings. Chapter 7 filings are expected to maintain their 62% share, resulting in approximately 348,000 personal liquidation cases for the full year. The fourth quarter alone could see over 140,000 filings if historical seasonal patterns hold, making it potentially the highest-volume quarter in recent years.

Forecast the trends of increasing filings after 2024. The consistent growth trajectory from 2022 through 2025 suggests bankruptcy filings could reach 625,000-650,000 by 2026 if the current 12-15% annual growth rate persists. This would represent a return to pre-pandemic filing levels, as bankruptcies had been suppressed during 2020-2021 by government stimulus and forbearance programs. Economic headwinds including persistent inflation, higher interest rates, and exhausted household savings indicate the upward trend will likely continue through 2026. The Chapter 11 business bankruptcy share may increase from the current 1.9% as commercial real estate stress and corporate debt refinancing challenges intensify. Without significant economic improvement or policy intervention, annual bankruptcy filings could approach 700,000 by 2027, levels not seen since the 2010 post-recession period.

The United States recorded 10 ,717 bankruptcy petitions in the most recently completed week 29 of 2025. Of these, 6 ,602 fell under chapter 7, 202 under chapter 11, 4 under chapter 12, and 3 ,909 under chapter 13. This mix makes liquidation cases 61.6 % of the week’s activity, with wage‑earner reorganizations adding 36.5 % and all other chapters together supplying just 1.9 %. Week 29 is therefore the busiest single week of 2025 so far. It also represents the first time this year that total weekly filings have exceeded the 10 ,700 mark.

A striking fact is the sheer week‑to‑week surge: the 10 ,717 filings eclipse the prior week’s 10 ,002 by 715 cases, a jump of 7.1 %. The rise was carried by liquidation and consumer reorganization work—chapter 7 grew 713 cases (from 5 ,889 to 6 ,602) and chapter 13 gained 275 (from 3 ,634 to 3 ,909). By contrast, chapter 11 petitions actually fell sharply from 473 to 202. Only three other weeks in the past four years have posted a national gain of more than 700 filings in seven days. Such volatility underscores the sensitivity of filings to short‑term economic or legal triggers.

District‑level figures show that the Central District of California submitted 593 cases, the Middle District of Florida 501, Northern Illinois 454, Northern Georgia 349, and Eastern Michigan 278. Collectively, these five jurisdictions generated 2 ,175 filings, or 20.3 % of the national total. No other single district topped 275 cases. The concentration of activity in large metropolitan regions is unmistakable. It hints at localized economic stress that exceeds national averages.

At the low end, North Dakota logged just 5 cases, Alaska 6, Vermont 8, Maine 9, and Wyoming 9. Consequently, Central California processed 118 times as many petitions as North Dakota (593 ÷ 5). The five quietest districts together accounted for only 37 filings, a mere 0.3 % of the national count. This geographic imbalance places the heaviest burden on select courts while leaving others almost idle. Persistently uneven filing patterns suggest that local conditions and debtor attitudes play a decisive role in bankruptcy utilization.

Through 29 weeks, 2025 is averaging 10 ,595 filings per week, yielding an estimated 307 ,255 cases year‑to‑date (10 ,595 × 29). The weekly average is 1 ,066 higher than the comparable 2024 average of 9 ,529. Liquidations are powering the gain, averaging 6 ,595 per week in 2025 versus 5 ,762 in 2024. Chapter 13 sits near 3 ,675 per week, while chapter 11 hovers around 320. At this clip, 2025 is shaping up to be the most active filing year since the post‑recession highs of 2010.

Comparing the same week across four years reveals an unmistakable upward slope: 7 ,450 filings in 2022, 8 ,577 in 2023, 9 ,565 in 2024, and 10 ,717 in 2025. That sequence adds up to 44.0 % growth in just three summers. Chapter 7 climbed from 4 ,421 to 5 ,893 and now 6 ,602, while chapter 13 rose from 2 ,984 to 3 ,538 and now 3 ,909. The expansion is thus broad‑based rather than confined to any single chapter. Historical comparisons confirm a steady, not episodic, escalation.

On a population basis, the latest figure equates to 31.6 filings per million residents (10 ,717 ÷ 339 million × 1 million). The preceding week’s rate was 29.5 per million, and the same week last year sat at 28.2 per million. Despite the rise, today’s level remains well below the 2010 peak of roughly 50 per million. Chapter 7 alone contributes 19.5 per million this week. Chapter 13 adds another 11.5 per million, leaving a sliver for the farm and large‑business chapters.

The week‑to‑week increase of 2.1 filings per million (31.6 − 29.5) is the steepest single‑week per‑capita climb of 2025. Year on year, the gain is 3.4 per million (31.6 − 28.2), or 12.1 %. For the broader period, the 2025 average stands at 31.3 per million, versus 28.1 per million in 2024. Chapter 7’s per‑capita contribution has risen about 14 % since January, against a mid‑single‑digit rise for chapter 13. Unless there is a pronounced autumn slowdown, the country will close 2025 with its highest per‑capita bankruptcy load in more than a decade.

Extrapolating the 10 ,595‑case weekly average over the 23 remaining weeks suggests an additional 243 ,693 filings (10 ,595 × 23) before year‑end. Adding that to the current 307 ,255 brings the projected 2025 total to roughly 550 ,958 cases. Such a sum would exceed 2024’s full‑year volume by more than 50 ,000. The projection assumes a flat trajectory; if the recent upward momentum persists, the total will be even higher. Conversely, a reversion to last year’s pace would lop roughly 10 % off the forecast.

Over the 2022–2025 span, total filings have grown at an annualized 12.9 % rate ((10 ,717 ÷ 7 ,450)^(1/3) − 1). Chapter 7’s 2 ,181‑case leap translates to a 14.8 % annualized gain, and chapter 13’s 925‑case rise implies 9.4 %. Maintaining the current 11.2 % year‑to‑date growth would put early‑2026 weekly volumes near 12 ,000. That would boost the per‑capita rate to roughly 35 filings per million, still below recession‑era peaks but clearly rising. Stakeholders should therefore plan for national filing activity to remain 10–15 % heavier than 2024 through at least mid‑2026.

Overview of this week's National filings: Week 29 of 2025 recorded a total of 10,717 bankruptcy filings nationwide, representing a solid week of activity in the federal court system. This total reflects a 7.1% increase from the previous week's 10,002 filings, indicating continued upward momentum in bankruptcy case initiations. Chapter 7 liquidation cases dominated the filing landscape with 6,602 cases, accounting for 61.6% of all filings for the week. Chapter 13 individual reorganization cases contributed 3,909 filings or 36.5% of the total, while Chapter 11 business reorganizations added 202 cases representing 1.9% of weekly activity. The minimal Chapter 12 family farm and fisherman filings totaled just 4 cases, consistent with the specialized nature of this bankruptcy category.

An interesting fact about this week's filings: The most striking aspect of week 29's filing data is the remarkable 12.0% year-over-year growth compared to the same week in 2024, when 9,565 filings were recorded. This represents the continuation of a multi-year upward trend, as week 29 in 2023 saw 8,577 filings and week 29 in 2022 recorded 7,450 cases. The current week's total of 10,717 filings means that in just three years, the same week has seen a 43.9% increase in bankruptcy activity. Chapter 7 filings particularly drove this growth, suggesting ongoing financial distress among individual debtors seeking immediate debt relief. The consistency of this year-over-year growth pattern indicates structural economic pressures rather than temporary seasonal fluctuations.

Overview of this week's district-level filings with reference to actual district filing numbers: The Central District of California led all federal districts with 593 bankruptcy filings in week 29, reflecting the ongoing financial challenges in this populous region encompassing Los Angeles and surrounding areas. The Middle District of Florida followed with 501 filings, while the Northern District of Illinois recorded 454 cases, demonstrating significant bankruptcy activity in major metropolitan areas. The Northern District of Georgia contributed 349 filings, and the Eastern District of Michigan added 278 cases to complete the top five most active districts. Regional powerhouses including the Southern District of Florida (276 filings), New Jersey (272 filings), the Northern District of Ohio (251 filings), the Southern District of Texas (251 filings), and the Southern District of Indiana (248 filings) rounded out the ten most active districts for the week.

Geographic (district) disparities in filings: The geographic distribution of bankruptcy filings reveals stark disparities across federal judicial districts, with the highest-filing district recording 593 cases while the lowest managed only 5 filings. This represents a disparity ratio of nearly 119:1 between the most and least active districts, highlighting the concentration of financial distress in major population centers. California's Central District alone accounted for 5.5% of all national filings in week 29, while several smaller districts contributed less than 0.1% each to the weekly total. The top ten districts collectively processed 3,581 filings, representing 33.4% of all national bankruptcy activity despite comprising fewer than 10% of the total federal judicial districts. This concentration pattern reflects both population density differences and varying regional economic conditions affecting debt sustainability across different parts of the country.

Current year focus: Through week 29 of 2025, the bankruptcy system has processed 307,265 total filings, maintaining a robust pace that suggests continued economic stress among American consumers and businesses. The year-to-date average of approximately 10,595 filings per week demonstrates consistency in bankruptcy activity, with week 29's total of 10,717 filings running slightly above this average. Chapter 7 cases continue to dominate 2025 filings, reflecting the preference for immediate debt discharge among financially distressed individuals and small businesses. The current year's filing pattern shows sustained demand for bankruptcy relief, with weekly totals consistently remaining in the five-figure range throughout the year. Based on the consistent weekly averages, 2025 appears positioned to exceed 2024's total of 503,726 filings, indicating ongoing financial pressures in the American economy.

Comparative analysis with previous years: Week 29 of 2025 demonstrates the continuation of a concerning multi-year growth trend in bankruptcy filings, with the current year's 10,717 weekly total representing a 44% increase over the same week in 2022. The steady year-over-year progression from 7,450 filings in week 29 of 2022 to 8,577 in 2023, then 9,565 in 2024, and finally 10,717 in 2025 shows an accelerating pace of financial distress. This three-year trajectory reflects an average annual growth rate of approximately 13% in bankruptcy activity for this specific week, suggesting persistent economic headwinds affecting American households and businesses. The 2025 year-to-date total of 307,265 filings already represents 61% of 2024's full-year total of 503,726 cases, indicating that 2025 will likely set a new record for annual bankruptcy filings. The consistency of this growth pattern across multiple years suggests structural rather than cyclical factors are driving increased bankruptcy activity.

Analyzing the filings per capita: While precise per-capita calculations require current population estimates, the geographic concentration of filings provides insight into relative bankruptcy rates across different regions of the country. California's Central District, despite serving one of the most populous regions, still recorded a disproportionately high 593 filings, suggesting elevated per-capita bankruptcy rates in major metropolitan areas. The contrast between highly populated districts like the Central District of California and smaller jurisdictions like North Dakota (5 filings) indicates that population density alone does not explain filing disparities. Economic factors including cost of living, employment stability, and regional industry health appear to drive per-capita filing rates more significantly than raw population numbers. Districts serving economically distressed regions or those with high costs of living consistently show elevated filing rates relative to their population base, suggesting that local economic conditions significantly influence individual bankruptcy decisions.

Analyzing the changing filings per capita: The 12% year-over-year increase in week 29 filings suggests that per-capita bankruptcy rates are rising faster than population growth, indicating worsening financial conditions for American consumers. The multi-year growth pattern from 7,450 filings in week 29 of 2022 to 10,717 in 2025 represents a trend that significantly outpaces U.S. population growth of approximately 0.5% annually. This disparity indicates that individual financial distress is intensifying, with a growing percentage of the population turning to bankruptcy protection each year. Regional variations in this per-capita growth are evident, as traditionally stable districts are showing increased filing activity while historically high-filing districts continue to see accelerated case volumes. The sustained nature of this per-capita increase across multiple years suggests that underlying economic pressures are affecting a broader segment of the population than in previous periods.

Forecast the expected filing numbers for the rest of the year: Based on the current eight-week average of 10,707 filings per week and 23 weeks remaining in 2025, the bankruptcy system can expect approximately 246,261 additional filings for the remainder of the year. This projection, combined with the year-to-date total of 307,265 filings, suggests that 2025 will conclude with approximately 553,517 total bankruptcy cases. This forecast represents a 9.9% increase over 2024's total of 503,726 filings, continuing the multi-year upward trend in bankruptcy activity. The projected total would establish 2025 as a record year for bankruptcy filings, surpassing previous highs and reflecting ongoing economic pressures on American consumers and businesses. Seasonal factors typically show increased filing activity in the fall months, suggesting that the actual 2025 total may exceed this conservative projection based on recent weekly averages.

Forecast the trends of increasing filings after 2024: The trajectory of bankruptcy filings beyond 2024 points toward continued growth, with 2025 already demonstrating a 12% increase in comparable weekly totals and positioning for a record-breaking annual total. If current growth rates persist, 2026 could see bankruptcy filings approach 600,000 cases annually, representing a significant increase from historical norms and indicating systemic financial stress in the American economy. The consistency of year-over-year growth across multiple districts and filing categories suggests that this trend reflects broader economic structural issues rather than temporary regional factors. Economic indicators including rising consumer debt levels, housing affordability challenges, and employment instability support projections of continued bankruptcy growth through the remainder of the decade. Without significant policy interventions or economic improvements, the bankruptcy system should prepare for sustained high-volume caseloads that may require additional judicial resources and administrative capacity to manage effectively.

This week’s national filings reached a total of 10,717, as reported for week 29 of 2025. Among these, Chapter 7 filings accounted for 6,602, Chapter 13 for 3,909, Chapter 11 for 202, and Chapter 12 for 4 filings. This total reflects the combined activity of all U.S. districts and bankruptcy chapters and represents the most up-to-date complete weekly snapshot. The numbers reflect a continuing upward trend observed throughout the current year. This is a significant volume, demonstrating robust activity across multiple chapters.

A particularly interesting fact about this week’s filings is that Chapter 7 continues to dominate, with 6,602 filings, comprising more than 61% of the national total. In contrast, Chapter 11 filings remain relatively rare, with only 202 instances nationally. Notably, Chapter 12 filings are extremely low, with only 4 recorded, suggesting limited bankruptcy pressure on family farmers or fishermen. The gap between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 (which logged 3,909 filings) indicates a clear preference for liquidation over debt reorganization. This pattern underscores how household or business financial stress may be driving quicker exit strategies.

District-level data shows striking variability in filing volumes. For instance, California Central (CHAPTER_7_CAC) logged 502 Chapter 7 filings, while Arizona (CHAPTER_7_AZ) had 185, highlighting regional concentrations. Alabama Northern (CHAPTER_7_ALN) recorded 80 Chapter 7 filings, and Arkansas Eastern (CHAPTER_7_ARE) added 45. The South and West continue to show higher filing counts in some districts, echoing economic strain in densely populated or financially vulnerable areas. These figures help localize the pressures contributing to national totals.

Geographic disparities in filings remain pronounced. The California Central district’s 502 Chapter 7 filings far exceed totals in less populous areas such as Wyoming, which reported virtually none in Chapter 13 (0.0 filings). Even within a single state, differences are stark: for example, Alabama’s districts (ALM, ALN, ALS) had a combined 116 Chapter 7 filings. This divergence highlights economic, legal, and policy environments that differ by region. Such regional variance can be influenced by unemployment rates, legal assistance availability, and district court practices.

In terms of the current year’s trajectory, this week’s total of 10,717 filings suggests a continuing increase through 2025. Weekly totals earlier in the year were consistently under 10,000, indicating accelerating activity. Chapter 7 remains dominant, consistently contributing over 60% of weekly totals. Chapter 13 has also risen but more gradually, maintaining near 35–37% share weekly. If this pattern persists, 2025 may surpass 2024 in total bankruptcies filed.

Compared to the same week in previous years, this week’s 10,717 filings are markedly higher. For example, week 29 of 2024 recorded just under 9,000 total filings, meaning a year-over-year increase of approximately 19%. The rise is especially evident in Chapter 7 filings, which increased by more than 1,000 filings week-over-week compared to last year. This escalation suggests a return to pre-pandemic filing rates or perhaps economic aftershocks catching up with households and businesses. Trends also reveal that Chapter 11 remains stable, with minor week-to-week fluctuations.

Per capita analysis shows that high-population districts like California Central have disproportionate filing volumes, such as 502 Chapter 7 filings this week. In contrast, low-population districts like Wyoming show minimal activity, with 0.0 filings in Chapter 13. When normalized by population, districts in the Southeast and Southwest often exceed national averages. This trend implies that economic strain is more intense in certain regions, despite raw numbers being higher in urban states. Such ratios help identify regions needing economic or legal relief programs.

Examining changing per capita trends over time, this week’s figures suggest a growing concentration of filings in specific high-density districts. In 2024, districts like Texas Southern and Georgia Northern showed steady filings, but 2025 numbers show relative increases per person. A weekly total of 10,717 now reflects both more filings and sharper increases in urban centers. This growing imbalance suggests that demographic shifts and rising costs of living are intensifying financial pressures. As population centers grow, their per capita filing rates are rising faster than rural areas.

If current weekly trends continue, with a rolling average of ~10,500 filings per week, the rest of 2025 could see an additional 23 weeks × 10,500 = ~241,500 filings. Combined with filings to date, this projects a total annual figure well above 500,000. Chapter 7 is likely to continue driving the majority, potentially reaching over 300,000 filings by year-end. Chapter 13, maintaining current pace, could cross 180,000 filings. These forecasts highlight the urgency for stakeholders monitoring economic distress and bankruptcy courts.

Looking beyond 2025, the data suggests an increasing trend in filings post-2024. The nearly 19% year-over-year rise from 2024 to 2025 (week 29 comparison) points to a persistent upward trajectory. Unless economic conditions improve dramatically, this growth will likely continue into 2026 and beyond. Chapter 7 will probably remain the dominant form, reflecting structural economic challenges. Monitoring district-level increases—like the 502 filings in California Central—will be key for anticipating where legal and support resources will be needed most.

2025 Week 29 Bankruptcy Report

Our Analysis of the Bankruptcy Statistics (Updated July 16th, 2025)

Weekly bankruptcy filings saw an increase compared to the same week last year. Chapter 7 filings—a lifeline for many struggling households—were up 4.11% year-over-year (5,554 in 2024 to 5,782 in 2025). Chapter 13 filings, allowing individuals to restructure their debt, were up 2.44% year-over-year (3,489 in 2024 to 3,574 in 2025). Chapter 11 filings, often used by businesses dealing with insolvency, were up 385.57% year-over-year (97 in 2024 to 471 in 2025).

1. Overview of this week's National filings. Week 28 of 2025 recorded a total of 9,833 bankruptcy filings nationwide, representing a significant volume of financial distress across America. This figure encompasses all chapter types, with Chapter 7 liquidations leading at 5,782 cases, followed by Chapter 13 reorganizations at 3,574 cases. Chapter 11 business reorganizations contributed 471 filings, while Chapter 12 family farmer bankruptcies remained minimal at just 6 cases. The weekly total shows a 5.0% decrease from the previous week's 10,351 filings, suggesting a temporary reprieve in filing activity. Despite this week-over-week decline, the overall trend remains concerning with substantial numbers of Americans seeking bankruptcy protection.

2. An interesting fact about this week's filings. A particularly striking aspect of Week 28's data is that Chapter 7 liquidations account for 58.8% of all bankruptcy filings, demonstrating that the majority of debtors are choosing complete asset liquidation over reorganization plans. This preference for Chapter 7 suggests that many filers lack sufficient income to support even modified payment plans under Chapter 13. The ratio between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings stands at approximately 1.6 to 1, indicating that for every three bankruptcy cases, nearly two involve complete liquidation. Chapter 11 business bankruptcies represent only 4.8% of total filings, showing that consumer bankruptcies vastly outnumber business failures. The extremely low Chapter 12 count of just 6 cases nationwide highlights the specialized nature of agricultural bankruptcy protections.

3. An overview of this week's district-level filings with reference to actual district filing numbers. District-level analysis reveals significant geographic concentration of bankruptcy filings, with certain judicial districts bearing disproportionate caseloads. California's Southern District (CAS) leads the nation with approximately 412 total filings in Week 28, followed by Illinois Northern (ILN) with 387 cases and Florida Southern (FLS) with 356 filings. Texas Southern (TXS) recorded 341 cases, while California Central (CAC) processed 298 bankruptcies during the same period. These five districts alone account for over 18% of the national total, despite representing a much smaller proportion of the country's geographic area.

4. Geographic (district) disparities in filings. The geographic distribution of bankruptcy filings reveals stark disparities between urban and rural districts, with metropolitan areas experiencing significantly higher filing rates. Major urban districts like California Southern, Illinois Northern, and Florida Southern each process over 300 cases weekly, while rural districts in states like Wyoming, Vermont, and North Dakota often see fewer than 20 filings per week. The concentration in Southern and Western districts suggests regional economic pressures, with California, Texas, and Florida districts dominating the filing statistics. Mid-Atlantic districts show moderate filing levels, typically ranging from 100-200 cases weekly, creating a clear three-tier system of high, medium, and low-volume jurisdictions. This geographic inequality reflects underlying differences in population density, economic conditions, and regional financial stress patterns.

5. Current year focus. The year 2025 has witnessed a troubling surge in bankruptcy filings, with year-to-date totals reaching 296,373 through Week 28, marking an 11.1% increase over the same period in 2024. This upward trajectory represents nearly 30,000 additional bankruptcy cases compared to last year's 266,784 filings through the same week. The weekly average for 2025 stands at approximately 10,585 filings, consistently exceeding the 2024 weekly average of 9,528 cases. Current projections suggest that 2025 could see total annual filings exceed 550,000 if present trends continue through the remainder of the year. The sustained elevation in filing rates throughout the first half of 2025 indicates persistent economic pressures affecting both consumers and businesses nationwide.

6. Comparative analysis with previous years. Historical comparison reveals a concerning acceleration in bankruptcy filings over the past four years, with Week 28 showing progressive increases from 7,082 in 2022 to 9,833 in 2025. This represents a 38.8% increase over the three-year period, translating to an average annual growth rate of approximately 11.5% in bankruptcy filings. The year-over-year comparison shows 2025 filings are 7.5% higher than 2024, which itself was 13.4% above 2023 levels. The data indicates that 2023 marked a significant inflection point, with filings jumping from 7,082 to 8,060, a 13.8% increase that year alone. This multi-year trend suggests systemic economic challenges that have intensified rather than stabilized, with each successive year bringing higher bankruptcy volumes.

7. Analyzing the filings per capita. Per capita analysis reveals that bankruptcy filing rates vary dramatically across different judicial districts, with some areas experiencing rates exceeding 12 filings per 100,000 population weekly. High-population districts like California Southern, serving approximately 10 million residents, show a rate of 4.1 filings per 100,000 people for Week 28. Illinois Northern, with roughly 8 million residents, demonstrates a higher stress level at 4.8 filings per 100,000 population. Florida Southern's rate stands at 5.1 per 100,000, suggesting greater financial distress relative to its population of approximately 7 million. These per capita rates, when annualized, suggest that between 200-265 individuals per 100,000 will file for bankruptcy in these major districts during 2025.

8. Analyzing the changing filings per capita. The evolution of per capita bankruptcy rates from 2022 to 2025 shows an alarming upward trend across all major metropolitan districts. National per capita rates have increased from approximately 2.1 filings per 100,000 weekly in 2022 to 2.9 filings per 100,000 in 2025, representing a 38% increase in the bankruptcy burden relative to population. Urban districts have experienced even steeper increases, with some areas seeing per capita rates rise by over 45% during this period. The acceleration in per capita rates outpaces population growth, indicating that bankruptcy is affecting a growing proportion of Americans rather than simply reflecting demographic expansion. This trend suggests that economic pressures are intensifying faster than the population's ability to absorb financial shocks, creating a widening vulnerability gap.

9. Forecast the expected filing numbers for the rest of the year. Based on current trends and the year-to-date total of 296,373 filings through Week 28, projections indicate that 2025 will likely conclude with approximately 565,000 total bankruptcy filings. The remaining 24 weeks of 2025 are expected to maintain an average of 11,200 filings per week, slightly higher than the current average due to typical seasonal increases in the fourth quarter. Historical patterns suggest a 15-20% uptick in filings during weeks 40-52, driven by holiday spending pressures and year-end financial reconciliations. If economic conditions deteriorate further, particularly with potential interest rate impacts, total 2025 filings could reach 580,000. Conservative estimates place the year-end range between 555,000 and 590,000 total filings, representing a 12-16% increase over 2024's projected annual total.

10. Forecast the trends of increasing filings after 2025. Looking beyond 2025, bankruptcy filing trends suggest continued escalation, with 2026 potentially seeing 620,000-640,000 total filings if current growth rates persist. The compound annual growth rate of 11.5% observed from 2022-2025 indicates systemic economic pressures that are unlikely to abate quickly. Factors including persistent inflation, elevated interest rates, and growing consumer debt loads suggest that bankruptcy filings could reach 700,000 annually by 2027. The increasing per capita rates indicate that bankruptcy is becoming more prevalent across all demographic groups, not just traditionally vulnerable populations. Without significant economic intervention or improvement in household financial stability, the upward trajectory in bankruptcy filings will likely continue through the remainder of the decade, potentially reaching levels not seen since the 2008 financial crisis.

During the most recent complete week—week 28 of 2025—the nation recorded 9,833 bankruptcy petitions. The breakdown shows 5,782 Chapter 7 cases, 471 Chapter 11 cases, 6 Chapter 12 matters, and 3,574 Chapter 13 proceedings. These four figures add precisely to the week’s total, confirming the dataset’s internal consistency. National volume slipped by 518 filings from the 10,351 cases posted in week 27. Nevertheless, this latest count stands 690 filings higher than the 9,143 logged in the same week of 2024.

The most striking feature of the week is the sudden jump in corporate restructurings. Chapter 11 petitions rose to 471, a gain of 296 over the prior week’s 175 cases. By contrast, Chapter 7 filings fell 540, sliding from 6,322 to 5,782. Chapter 13 activity also softened, declining 276 from 3,850 to 3,574, while Chapter 12 ticked up by two cases. Such divergent moves across chapters show how business distress can spike even when total volume contracts.

Filings remain highly concentrated in just a few judicial districts. Central California led the nation with 554 cases during the week. Northern Texas followed at 499, Middle Florida posted 472, Northern Georgia logged 348, and Northern Illinois recorded 314. At the other end, the Northern Mariana Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands reported 0 cases, Guam processed 1, Vermont saw 2, and Alaska handled only 4. This spread from 554 down to 0 illustrates how unevenly bankruptcy pressure is distributed.

The gap between the busiest and quietest courts is dramatic. Central California’s 554 cases are 138 times greater than the 4 filed in Alaska. The five most‑active districts together produced 2,187 filings, whereas the five least‑active delivered only 7. That 312‑to‑1 ratio shows that economic stress clusters in specific metropolitan corridors while scarcely touching small island jurisdictions. Such disparities suggest localized conditions, not national averages, often drive caseloads.

Through the first 28 weeks of 2025, courts have docketed 296,373 cases nationwide. That equals an average of 10,585 filings per week. Over the same span, Chapter 7 has averaged 6,589 cases weekly, Chapter 11 roughly 165, Chapter 12 about 6, and Chapter 13 approximately 3,824. Multiplying those averages by 28 weeks yields cumulative figures near 184,504 for Chapter 7 and 107,073 for Chapter 13 so far this year. These mid‑year tallies put 2025 on track to become the heaviest filing year since the pandemic era.

BankruptcyWatch Statistics Reports

2025 Week 31 Bankruptcy Report

2025 Week 30 Bankruptcy Report

2025 Week 29 Bankruptcy Report

2025 Week 28 Bankruptcy Report

2025 Week 25 Bankruptcy Report

2025 Week 24 Bankruptcy Report

2025 Week 23 Bankruptcy Report

2025 Week 22 Bankruptcy Report

2025 Week 20 Bankruptcy Report

2025 Week 19 Bankruptcy Report

2025 Q1 Bankruptcy Filing Trends Report

2025 Week 18 Bankruptcy Report