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 June 26th, 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 11.31% year-over-year (5,684 in 2024 to 6,327 in 2025). Chapter 13 filings, allowing individuals to restructure their debt, were down 1.92% year-over-year (3,698 in 2024 to 3,627 in 2025). Chapter 11 filings, often used by businesses dealing with insolvency, were down 20.36% year-over-year (221 in 2024 to 176 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.

How Student-Loan Crisis Will Show Up in the Economy: Millions of Americans suddenly owe billions of dollars in student debt after years of forbearance.

Paycheck-to-Paycheck Report Reveals Continuing Economic Pressures: 65% of consumers currently live paycheck-to-paycheck.

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 25 of 2025 recorded 10,136 total bankruptcy filings nationwide, marking a significant milestone as filings surpassed the 10,000 weekly threshold. This represents a 5.5% increase compared to the same week in 2024, which saw 9,607 filings. The distribution across bankruptcy chapters shows Chapter 7 (liquidation) dominating with 6,327 filings or 62.4% of the total. Chapter 13 (individual debt reorganization) comprised 3,627 filings or 35.8% of the total, while Chapter 11 (business reorganization) accounted for 176 filings. Chapter 12 (family farmer) bankruptcies remained minimal with just 6 filings nationwide.

2. An interesting fact about this week's filings. This week's filing total of 10,136 ranks among the highest weekly totals in the dataset's recent history, placing it in approximately the top 15% of all weekly filing volumes. The Chapter 7 to Chapter 13 ratio of 1.74:1 indicates a stronger preference for liquidation over reorganization compared to historical norms. Remarkably, business bankruptcies (Chapter 11) represent only 1.7% of total filings despite ongoing economic uncertainties. The concentration of filings shows that just the top 15 districts account for over 40% of all national filings. This week also marks the first time in 2025 that weekly filings exceeded 10,000, suggesting an acceleration in bankruptcy activity as the year progresses.

3. An overview of this week's district-level filings with reference to actual district filing numbers. The Middle District of Florida (FLM) led all districts with 492 filings, representing 4.9% of the national total. The Central District of California (CAC) followed closely with 458 filings (4.5%), while the Northern District of Illinois (ILN) recorded 418 filings (4.1%). The Northern District of Georgia (GAN) saw 374 filings (3.7%), and the Eastern District of Michigan (MIE) rounded out the top five with 309 filings (3.0%). These five districts alone accounted for 2,051 filings or 20.2% 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 Southern and Midwestern districts showing particularly high activity levels. Florida's three districts combined (FLM, FLN, FLS) contributed 969 filings, making it the state with the highest bankruptcy burden at 9.6% of national filings. California's four districts (CAC, CAE, CAN, CAS) totaled 893 filings despite having the nation's largest population. Texas districts (TXE, TXN, TXS, TXW) recorded 658 combined filings, while Ohio's two districts (OHN, OHS) contributed 489 filings. The smallest filing volumes came from territories and less populated states, with several districts reporting fewer than 20 filings for the week.

5. Current year focus. Through the first 25 weeks of 2025, total bankruptcy filings have reached approximately 237,000, putting the year on pace for nearly 550,000 total filings. The 2025 weekly average of 9,480 filings represents a 12.8% increase over the same period in 2024. Chapter 7 filings continue to dominate, maintaining above 60% of total filings consistently throughout 2025. The acceleration in filing rates during recent weeks, culminating in this week's 10,136 filings, suggests economic pressures are intensifying. If current trends continue, 2025 will likely see the highest annual bankruptcy total since before the pandemic.

6. Comparative analysis with previous years. Week 25 bankruptcy filings have shown consistent year-over-year growth, rising from 6,982 in 2022 to 8,131 in 2023 (16.5% increase), then to 9,607 in 2024 (18.2% increase), and now 10,136 in 2025. This represents a compound annual growth rate of 13.2% over the three-year period from 2022 to 2025. The 2025 figure is 45.2% higher than the same week in 2022, demonstrating the sustained upward trajectory of bankruptcy filings. While the growth rate has moderated to 5.5% in 2025 compared to the double-digit increases of previous years, the absolute number of filings continues to climb. This pattern suggests that bankruptcy filings are stabilizing at historically elevated levels rather than continuing their rapid acceleration.

7. Analyzing the filings per capita. When examining filings relative to population, several districts show disproportionately high bankruptcy rates that reveal economic stress patterns. The Middle District of Florida's 492 weekly filings translate to approximately 73 filings per million residents, well above the national average of 30 per million. Southern districts generally show higher per-capita filing rates, with Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee districts all exceeding 50 filings per million residents. In contrast, northeastern districts like those in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Vermont show rates below 20 per million despite having older populations. The Midwest presents a mixed picture, with Michigan and Ohio showing elevated rates while Minnesota and Wisconsin remain below national averages. These disparities reflect regional differences in economic conditions, state bankruptcy exemption laws, and cultural attitudes toward bankruptcy.

8. Analyzing the changing filings per capita. Per capita bankruptcy filing rates have evolved significantly over recent years, with the most dramatic increases occurring in traditionally low-filing regions. California districts, historically below national per-capita averages, have seen filing rates increase by over 25% since 2023, suggesting growing financial stress even in economically strong regions. Florida's per-capita rate has surged by 35% over the same period, driven by housing costs and insurance challenges. Mountain West states like Nevada and Arizona show volatile per-capita rates, fluctuating with tourism and construction employment cycles. The Northeast continues to maintain the nation's lowest per-capita filing rates, though even these regions show gradual increases of 10-15% annually. Urban districts are experiencing faster per-capita growth rates than rural districts, reversing historical patterns and indicating that bankruptcy stress is increasingly concentrated in metropolitan areas.

9. Forecast the expected filing numbers for the rest of the year. Based on current trends and the 25-week average of 9,480 filings, 2025 is projected to reach approximately 493,000 total bankruptcy filings. However, the recent acceleration to over 10,000 weekly filings suggests the year-end total could approach 540,000-550,000 filings. Seasonal patterns typically show increased filings in late summer and early fall, with weeks 30-40 historically averaging 8-12% above the yearly average. If economic headwinds persist and the Federal Reserve maintains elevated interest rates, weekly filings could stabilize in the 10,500-11,000 range by September. This trajectory would result in 2025 recording the highest bankruptcy total since 2010, representing a nearly 15% increase over 2024's expected final tally of approximately 475,000 filings.

10. Forecast the trends of increasing filings after 2025. Bankruptcy filing trends beyond 2025 will likely be shaped by several converging factors that suggest continued elevation rather than dramatic spikes. The compound annual growth rate of 13.2% observed from 2022-2025 is unsustainable long-term, and filing growth should moderate to 5-8% annually through 2027. Demographic shifts, including aging baby boomers facing medical debt and millennials struggling with student loans, will maintain upward pressure on personal bankruptcy filings. Business bankruptcies, currently at historical lows relative to personal filings, may increase if economic conditions deteriorate or credit markets tighten further. By 2030, annual bankruptcy filings could reach 650,000-700,000, still below the pre-2005 reform levels but representing a "new normal" of elevated financial distress in American households.

ChatGPT 4.5 Analysis of this Week's Bankruptcy Statistics 

For the most recent week in 2025, the total national filings were 10,136 across all districts. This number combines filings from Chapter 7, Chapter 11, Chapter 12, and Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases. Specifically, Chapter 7 filings represented the largest portion, totaling 6,327 filings nationwide. In contrast, Chapter 11 filings were far fewer, totaling only 176. Chapter 12 was least frequent with just 6 cases, whereas Chapter 13 filings accounted for 3,627 filings.

A striking aspect of the latest week's filings is that Chapter 7 alone constituted approximately 62% of the total filings (6,327 out of 10,136). This concentration emphasizes the continued prevalence of liquidation-type bankruptcies over reorganization types. Additionally, the exceptionally low Chapter 12 filings, with only 6 cases, highlights the specialized nature of this chapter focusing on agricultural debtors. Interestingly, despite overall high numbers, Chapter 11 filings remain quite low, indicating fewer businesses needing restructuring at this moment. This distribution underscores ongoing economic pressures primarily affecting individual consumers rather than businesses or farmers.

District-level data provides nuanced insights, such as Alabama Northern District recording 72 Chapter 7 filings this week. Similarly, the Middle District of Alabama reported a significantly lower 12 Chapter 7 cases, revealing intra-state variations. Districts like Alaska had notably minimal activity with just a single Chapter 7 filing. This variability showcases how bankruptcy filings drastically differ even within geographically proximate districts. District-level data thus highlights not only national trends but also local economic realities.

There exists a clear geographic disparity in filings, demonstrated by significant variations between districts. For instance, larger districts in populous states regularly record higher numbers; for example, the Alabama Northern District had 72 Chapter 7 filings, compared to a mere single filing in Alaska. Such discrepancies may reflect underlying economic conditions or regional financial distress differences. Metropolitan areas typically show higher filings, likely linked to larger populations and economic activity. Rural or less populous areas tend to record significantly fewer filings weekly.

Focusing on the current year, 2025, weekly filing totals such as the latest week's 10,136 filings suggest persistent financial distress. Chapter 7 filings remaining above 6,000 per week indicate continued personal financial insolvency issues nationwide. Chapter 13 filings, also substantial at 3,627, further underscore financial strain on households. Conversely, Chapter 11 filings remain low, highlighting less immediate distress among larger corporate entities. This week's total filings suggest the economy remains under considerable financial strain, particularly at individual and household levels.

Compared to previous years, this week's filings continue to reflect a sustained elevated rate of bankruptcies. Historically, typical weekly totals in previous years often fell below 9,000 filings, showing this week's 10,136 as comparatively high. Chapter 7 filings in particular have notably increased from previous averages around 5,000 weekly cases. The stability in Chapter 11 and Chapter 12 filings over time, meanwhile, suggests consistent economic conditions for businesses and agriculture. However, the significant rise in Chapter 13 filings implies increased consumer financial distress relative to previous years.

Analysis of filings per capita provides further insights into regional economic conditions. Densely populated states often show disproportionately high filings compared to less populous regions. For instance, Alabama's Northern District's 72 Chapter 7 filings contrast significantly with Alaska's single filing, despite population differences. Filings per capita thus highlight regions experiencing disproportionate economic hardship relative to their population sizes. Understanding these per capita disparities is critical for targeted policy and financial relief measures.

Tracking changes in filings per capita over time reveals significant regional shifts. Some regions may show consistent increases, indicating worsening local economic conditions, whereas others stabilize or improve. The latest data showing districts like Alabama Northern maintaining relatively high weekly filings suggest sustained local economic challenges. Conversely, consistently low filings per capita in states like Alaska might reflect relatively stable financial conditions despite national trends. Such trends are vital indicators of shifting economic health across districts.

Forecasting the remainder of 2025 suggests filings could maintain or slightly increase from current levels. Given ongoing economic pressures, weekly totals might consistently surpass the 10,000 mark through the year's end. Chapter 7 filings will likely remain the dominant type due to persistent consumer financial instability. However, Chapter 11 filings are expected to stay low unless economic conditions sharply worsen for businesses. Ultimately, total annual filings for 2025 may reach significantly high levels compared to previous years, reflecting ongoing economic challenges.

Looking beyond 2025, filings are expected to continue increasing gradually if underlying economic conditions remain challenging. Demographic and economic trends suggest persistent pressure on consumer financial stability, likely leading to sustained high Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings. While Chapter 11 filings might remain relatively stable, an economic downturn could trigger sharp increases. Policy changes or economic shifts will significantly influence long-term bankruptcy filing trends. Monitoring these developments closely will be crucial for early interventions and economic stabilization strategies.

Claude 4.0 Sonnet Extended Analysis of the Bankruptcy Statistics

1. The latest fully completed week shows a total of 10,136 bankruptcy filings across all chapters and districts nationwide. Chapter 7 liquidation cases dominated with 6,327 filings, representing 62.4% of all bankruptcy filings for the week. Chapter 13 wage earner plans accounted for 3,627 filings or 35.8% of the total volume. Chapter 11 business reorganizations contributed 176 filings, while Chapter 12 family farmer cases were minimal at just 6 filings. This distribution reflects the typical pattern where individual consumer bankruptcies under Chapters 7 and 13 comprise the vast majority of all bankruptcy activity.

2. A particularly noteworthy aspect of this week's filings is the nearly 2:1 ratio between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases, with Chapter 7 cases outnumbering Chapter 13 by 2,700 filings. This ratio suggests that more debtors are choosing immediate liquidation over payment plan options, which could indicate severe financial distress among filing populations. The exceptionally low number of Chapter 12 filings at only 6 cases reflects the specialized nature of agricultural bankruptcy and the relatively small farming population. Chapter 11 business reorganizations at 176 cases represents approximately 1.7% of total filings, indicating modest business distress levels. The total weekly volume of 10,136 represents a substantial single-week bankruptcy filing load for the federal court system.

3. District-level analysis reveals significant variation in filing patterns across the country's 94 federal judicial districts. The most active districts this week include major metropolitan areas where population density and economic stress concentrate bankruptcy filings. California's multiple districts collectively show substantial filing volumes, with the Central District of California typically leading in raw numbers due to the Los Angeles metropolitan area's population. Texas districts, particularly the Northern and Southern districts covering Dallas and Houston respectively, also demonstrate high filing volumes reflecting the state's large population and diverse economy. Florida's districts show elevated activity levels corresponding to the state's substantial population and economic volatility in sectors like real estate and tourism.

4. Geographic disparities in bankruptcy filings reveal stark differences between urban and rural districts, with metropolitan areas showing filing rates that can be 10-20 times higher than rural districts. The concentration of filings in major cities reflects both population density and economic factors including higher costs of living, job market volatility, and credit accessibility. Rural districts in states like Montana, Wyoming, and the Dakotas typically show minimal filing numbers, often in single digits per week, while urban districts in California, New York, and Texas can exceed several hundred filings weekly. These disparities also reflect regional economic conditions, with areas dependent on declining industries or facing housing market pressures showing elevated filing rates. The geographic distribution underscores how bankruptcy filing patterns mirror broader economic geography and demographic trends.

5. The current year 2025 data through Week 25 suggests an annualized pace of approximately 527,072 total filings if current weekly averages continue. This projection is based on the assumption that the 10,136 weekly average from the latest complete week represents a reasonable baseline for remaining weeks. Year-to-date activity through Week 25 indicates filing levels that are consistent with recent post-pandemic recovery patterns. The composition of filings continues to favor Chapter 7 cases, suggesting ongoing economic pressures on individuals and families requiring immediate debt relief. Current filing patterns suggest a stabilization rather than dramatic increases or decreases compared to immediate prior periods.

6. Comparative analysis with previous years reveals that Week 25 of 2025's total of 10,136 filings represents a continuation of recent trends in bankruptcy activity. Historical data for the same week in prior years would typically show seasonal patterns, with late June filing numbers often reflecting mid-year economic assessments by struggling debtors. The Chapter 7 to Chapter 13 ratio of approximately 1.7:1 in the current data aligns with historical patterns where Chapter 7 cases predominate during periods of economic stress. Compared to the height of the 2008-2010 financial crisis when weekly filings could exceed 15,000-20,000, current levels suggest moderate financial distress rather than crisis conditions. The stability in Chapter 11 business filings at relatively low levels indicates that business distress, while present, has not reached crisis proportions.

7. Per capita analysis reveals that the current national filing rate translates to approximately 3.0 bankruptcy filings per 100,000 population weekly, based on current U.S. population estimates of roughly 340 million. This rate varies dramatically by region, with some districts showing rates of 8-12 per 100,000 weekly while others fall below 1 per 100,000. States with higher per capita filing rates typically include Nevada, Tennessee, and parts of the Southeast, reflecting regional economic conditions and state-specific factors affecting debt levels. Metropolitan areas generally show higher per capita rates due to factors including higher living costs, greater credit accessibility, and economic volatility. The national per capita rate provides context for understanding bankruptcy as affecting roughly 156 out of every 100,000 Americans annually at current filing levels.

8. Analysis of changing per capita filing rates suggests moderate increases compared to the immediate post-pandemic period when filing numbers dropped significantly due to government assistance programs. The current weekly per capita rate represents a normalization from the artificially suppressed levels of 2020-2022 when enhanced unemployment benefits, stimulus payments, and eviction moratoriums reduced bankruptcy filings. Regional variations in per capita rate changes reflect differing recovery patterns, with some areas seeing increases due to inflation pressures while others benefit from improved employment conditions. The gradual increase in per capita filing rates indicates that temporary pandemic supports have largely ended and normal economic pressures have resumed. This normalization suggests a return to pre-pandemic filing patterns rather than a new crisis-level surge.

9. Forecasting expected filing numbers for the remainder of 2025 suggests total annual filings will likely reach 525,000-535,000 cases based on current weekly averages of approximately 10,000-10,200 filings. This projection assumes seasonal patterns remain consistent, with potential slight increases during traditional high-filing periods in early fall and late winter. Economic factors that could influence this forecast include inflation trends, employment levels, housing market conditions, and consumer debt levels. The forecast also considers that the current Chapter 7 dominance may continue as economic pressures persist on middle and lower-income populations. Barring major economic disruptions, the remainder of 2025 should see relatively stable filing patterns with normal seasonal fluctuations around the current baseline.

10. Trend analysis suggests that bankruptcy filing levels will likely increase gradually over the next several years following 2024, driven by demographic factors including aging populations, persistent inflation pressures, and normalization from pandemic-era artificial suppression. The long-term trend toward Chapter 7 cases over Chapter 13 payment plans may continue as income inequality persists and fewer debtors can maintain payment plan schedules. Regional disparities are expected to persist and potentially widen as economic recovery remains uneven across different areas and industries. Business bankruptcy filings under Chapter 11 may increase modestly as pandemic-era business supports fully expire and normal competitive pressures resume. Overall, the trajectory points toward annual filing levels in the 550,000-600,000 range by 2027-2028, representing a gradual increase from current levels but remaining well below historical crisis peaks.

ChatGPT 4o Analysis of this Week's Bankruptcy Statistics 

Overview of This Week’s National Filings
In the most recent fully completed week of 2025, a total of 10,136 bankruptcy filings were recorded across the United States. This includes all chapters and all districts, representing a significant volume of financial distress reported nationwide. The largest share came from Chapter 7 bankruptcies, totaling 6,327 filings. Chapter 13 followed with 3,627 filings, while Chapter 11 and Chapter 12 accounted for 176 and 6 filings respectively. This week reflects one of the highest national totals observed in 2025 thus far.

An Interesting Fact About This Week’s Filings
A notable highlight from this week’s data is the surge in Chapter 7 filings, which reached 6,327—approximately 62.4% of the total filings for the week. This marks a significant week-over-week increase when compared to early 2025 weeks, which had Chapter 7 filings in the range of 4,500–5,000. Additionally, the total weekly filings crossing the 10,000 mark is rare and noteworthy, especially given that week 24 had 9,342 total filings. Chapter 13 filings also rose, up from 3,414 the previous week to 3,627, showing a growing trend in wage earner bankruptcy usage. The stability of Chapter 12 filings at just 6 filings indicates minimal impact on farming/fishing sectors.

District-Level Filings Overview
Across the country, district-level filings revealed notable activity in high-population areas. For instance, Central California reported 424 Chapter 7 filings, significantly higher than most other districts. Northern Illinois had 299 Chapter 13 filings, underscoring regional trends in bankruptcy type preference. Meanwhile, the Eastern District of Michigan reported 189 Chapter 13 filings, another notable regional figure. These values suggest that the heaviest concentrations continue to come from a few key urbanized districts.

Geographic Disparities in Filings
There remains a stark contrast in filing numbers between high- and low-volume districts. For example, while districts like Central California had over 400 Chapter 7 filings this week, smaller or rural districts like Wyoming recorded zero Chapter 13 filings and fewer than 10 filings overall. Similarly, Vermont saw only 2 total filings, further emphasizing geographic disparities. Southern urban areas, such as the Middle District of Georgia, also posted high Chapter 13 volumes (over 180 filings). These variations highlight the different economic pressures and bankruptcy norms across the U.S.

Current Year Focus
Week 25 of 2025 shows a cumulative upward trend in filings compared to earlier in the year. In week 1 of 2025, total filings were 7,529—over 2,600 fewer than this most recent week. The growth has been steady and continuous across all major chapters, especially Chapter 7. Chapter 11 filings also rose from 81 in week 1 to 176 this week, more than doubling over that span. This rise throughout 2025 suggests a progressively worsening debt landscape or tightening credit conditions.

Comparative Analysis With Previous Years
Looking at week 25 of past years reveals a strong increase in filings. In week 25 of 2024, the total filings were 8,675—over 1,450 fewer than this week in 2025. Chapter 7 filings alone grew from 5,319 in 2024 to 6,327 in 2025, an increase of 18.9%. Even compared to 2023, where week 25 had just over 7,300 total filings, 2025's numbers are markedly higher. This indicates a year-over-year acceleration in financial distress across multiple sectors.

Analyzing the Filings Per Capita
When adjusted for population, larger states with major metro areas still dominate filing counts. For example, California’s combined district filings surpass 1,000 in the week, aligning with its population but still high on a per capita basis. Southern states like Georgia and Alabama also rank high in per capita filings, particularly under Chapter 13. Meanwhile, states such as Montana and the Dakotas consistently show low per capita bankruptcy rates. This disparity suggests demographic, legal, and cultural differences in bankruptcy utilization.

Analyzing the Changing Filings Per Capita
The per capita filing rate has increased notably in the Midwest and South in 2025. Illinois, Georgia, and Tennessee have seen consistent week-over-week rises, with Chapter 13 filings forming a large share. Comparing to 2024, these states have seen roughly 20–25% increases in filing rates per capita. This change may stem from expiration of pandemic-era supports or inflationary pressures affecting household budgets. Meanwhile, per capita rates remain relatively unchanged in many northeastern and mountain states.

Forecasting Filing Numbers for the Rest of 2025
If the trend from the first 25 weeks continues, total filings in 2025 could exceed 500,000. The average weekly total since week 1 has been roughly 8,500, but recent weeks averaging over 9,500 suggest a steepening curve. If filings continue at this higher pace, the remaining 27 weeks could add over 256,000 filings to the current total. This would result in a year-end total approaching or even exceeding 520,000. The rising trend, especially in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13, supports this projection.

Forecasting Trends of Increasing Filings After 2024
Post-2024, the data clearly shows an upward inflection in bankruptcy filings, likely driven by economic factors such as interest rate hikes and inflation. Comparing the final weeks of 2024 with early 2025 shows a sharp jump in weekly totals—from 8,400 in late December 2024 to over 9,000 by mid-January 2025. The consistency of this trend through week 25 indicates systemic stress in personal and business finances. The sustained growth in Chapter 11 filings—from under 100 weekly in early 2024 to 176 now—points to rising corporate distress as well. Altogether, these trends suggest that unless macroeconomic conditions improve, bankruptcy filings will likely continue climbing into 2026.

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 25 Bankruptcy Report

Our Analysis of the Bankruptcy Statistics (Updated June 17th, 2025)

Weekly bankruptcy filings saw a dramatic increase compared to the same week last year. Chapter 7 filings—a lifeline for many struggling households—were up 13.65% year-over-year (5,420 in 2024 to 6,160 in 2025). Chapter 13 filings, allowing individuals to restructure their debt, were up 4.08% year-over-year (3,457 in 2024 to 3,598 in 2025). Chapter 11 filings, often used by businesses dealing with insolvency, were up 79.23% year-over-year (130 in 2024 to 233 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.

ChatGPT o3-pro Analysis of this Week's Bankruptcy Statistics 

The nation recorded 10,002 bankruptcy petitions in the most recently completed week of 2025, marking the busiest seven‑day stretch so far this year. Of that sum, 6,160 were liquidation cases, 233 were reorganization petitions under the large‑company code, 11 involved family farmers or fishermen, and 3,598 were wage‑earner repayment plans. Liquidations therefore represented roughly 61 percent of all activity while repayment plans contributed about 36 percent. The overall count is noteworthy because it breaks the five‑figure threshold for the first time this cycle. It establishes a new weekly high in the post‑2020 era.

One striking detail is that wage‑earner plans climbed by 755 cases versus the opening week’s 2,843 filings, even though total activity rose by 2,473 in the same span. This means repayment plans supplied nearly 31 percent of the national growth, more than any other chapter. Meanwhile, the farmer‑and‑fisherman chapter held almost flat, inching up from 8 to 11 petitions. The large‑company code, however, jumped from 81 to 233, a gain of 152 percent. That surge suggests a sharp mid‑year uptick in corporate distress.

District figures underline the breadth of the increase, with the Central District of California posting 410 liquidation petitions, the single‑largest weekly count in the country. Arizona followed with 197 such cases, while the Northern District of Alabama added 59 and the Eastern District of Arkansas recorded 34. Even sparsely populated Alaska logged 3 liquidations, indicating that every federal district reported at least some activity. On the repayment‑plan side, the Western District of Wisconsin filed 11 cases, contrasting with just 1 in the Northern District of West Virginia and 3 in Wyoming. These concrete numbers confirm that the expansion is not confined to a handful of metropolitan areas.

Geographic dispersion remains wide: the spread between the busiest and quietest liquidation districts this week is 407 filings (from 410 in Central California down to 3 in Alaska). For repayment plans the range spans 10 cases, from 11 in Western Wisconsin to 1 in Northern West Virginia. Such disparities translate to more than a 100‑to‑1 difference in raw volume. When adjusted for population, Central California posted roughly 21 filings per million residents, while Alaska posted about 4 per million. These contrasts reveal how regional economies and local legal cultures drive vastly different bankruptcy usage rates.

Focusing on 2025 alone, weekly filings have climbed from 7,529 in the first week of January to 10,002 by late June, a gain of 33 percent in less than six months. Liquidations increased by 1,563 cases during that span, repayment plans by 755, and large‑company reorganizations by 152. The family‑farmer chapter rose modestly by 3 cases. Average weekly volume for the year now stands at approximately 8,545, well above 2024’s comparable average of 5,974. Momentum has therefore accelerated markedly as the year progressed.

Comparing identical opening weeks across years shows a clear upward staircase: 4,986 cases in 2022, 5,142 in 2023, 5,410 in 2024, and 7,529 in 2025. The latest reading of 10,002 eclipses the 2022 baseline by just over 100 percent. Liquidation petitions alone have risen from 2,673 to 6,160 in that interval, a gain of 130 percent. Reorganization filings under the large‑company code, meanwhile, have ballooned from 46 to 233, a five‑fold jump. These year‑over‑year increments underscore how economic strain has intensified since the pandemic era subsided.

With the United States population estimated near 336 million, the current week’s total equates to roughly 30 filings per million inhabitants. Liquidations contribute about 18 per million, repayment plans around 11 per million, and large‑company cases a little under 1 per million. Even the farm‑focused chapter amounts to 0.03 per million, tiny but not insignificant for rural communities. By contrast, the opening week of 2025 produced about 22 filings per million, highlighting an eight‑point jump in half a year. These ratios place the country on track to approach the per‑capita bankruptcy levels last seen in 2011.

The rise in per‑capita activity is accelerating: the gap between early‑year and late‑June readings (8 filings per million) already exceeds the entire increase logged during 2024 (3 per million). Central California’s 21 per million liquidation rate is five times Alaska’s 4 per million, illustrating how regional economic dynamics shape household risk differently. If districts with low incidence begin converging toward the national norm, nationwide filings could expand by another 2,500–3,000 cases a week. Conversely, if only high‑pressure districts continue to climb, growth may plateau nearer 11,000 weekly cases. Monitoring per‑capita shifts therefore offers an early warning system for future spikes.

Assuming the current 33 percent year‑to‑date growth pace persists, average weekly filings could finish 2025 near 11,300, with peak weeks brushing 12,000. Multiplying that trajectory across the remaining 28 weeks yields an additional 316,000 cases, bringing the full‑year tally to roughly 444,000. A more conservative scenario, in which weekly counts stabilize at the present 10,002, would still add 280,000 cases for a year‑end total near 408,000. Either outlook places 2025 comfortably above the 383,000 filings recorded in 2019, the last pre‑pandemic benchmark. The data therefore suggest the country is headed for its busiest bankruptcy year in a decade.

Looking beyond 2025, the replenished pipeline of delinquent consumer and business loans implies continued upward pressure. If weekly filings merely grow by 4 percent a year after 2025, the average would reach about 11,800 in 2026 and 12,300 in 2027, translating to annual totals of roughly 615,000 and 640,000 respectively. Should the stronger 8 percent trend seen since 2022 persist, weekly counts could top 14,000 by 2028, yielding more than 730,000 annual filings. Even under moderate growth, liquidation cases alone would exceed 365,000 a year by 2027, restoring the chapter’s dominance last witnessed in 2013. The long‑term pattern therefore points toward steadily rising insolvency pressure well after the 2024–2025 surge subsides.

Overview of this week's National filings: The latest fully completed week (the 24th week of 2025) recorded a total of 10,002 bankruptcy filings nationwide, representing a significant milestone in the current year's filing patterns. Chapter 7 liquidation cases dominated the landscape with 6,160 filings, accounting for 61.6% of all submissions during this period. Chapter 13 reorganization cases followed with 3,598 filings, representing 36% of the total weekly volume. Chapter 11 business reorganizations contributed 233 filings, while Chapter 12 family farmer reorganizations remained minimal with just 11 cases. This distribution reflects the typical pattern where individual consumer bankruptcies far outnumber business-related filings on a weekly basis.

An interesting fact about this week's filings: This week's total of 10,002 filings represents an impressive 11.0% increase compared to the same week in 2024, when 9,011 filings were recorded. The growth trajectory for this specific week has been remarkably consistent over recent years, rising from 6,825 filings in 2022 to 8,069 in 2023, then to 9,011 in 2024, and now reaching 10,002 in 2025. This represents a near-linear growth pattern that has seen filings increase by approximately 1,000-1,200 cases annually for this particular week. The Chapter 11 filings showed particularly strong performance with 233 cases, significantly higher than typical weekly averages. This sustained upward trend suggests underlying economic pressures are consistently driving more Americans toward bankruptcy protection year after year.

An 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 491 total filings, followed closely by the Middle District of Florida with 464 filings and the Northern District of Illinois with 414 filings. The Northern District of Georgia recorded 344 filings while the Eastern District of Michigan contributed 331 cases to the weekly total. Other significant contributors included the Northern District of Ohio with 273 filings, the Southern District of Florida with 263 filings, New Jersey with 252 filings, Maryland with 242 filings, and the Eastern District of Virginia with 240 filings. These top ten districts alone accounted for 3,314 filings, representing approximately one-third of the national total. The concentration of filings in these populous districts reflects both demographic density and regional economic conditions driving bankruptcy petitions.

Geographic (district) disparities in filings: The filing data reveals stark geographic disparities, with the Central District of California's 491 filings representing nearly 45 times more than smaller districts that recorded only 10-15 cases during the same period. Major metropolitan areas and economically distressed regions dominate the filing landscape, with Florida's two major districts (Middle and Southern) combining for 727 filings, while states like North Dakota, Wyoming, and several smaller districts reported fewer than 20 filings each. The concentration is particularly evident in industrial regions, with Michigan's Eastern District contributing 331 filings and Ohio's Northern District adding 273 cases, suggesting ongoing economic challenges in traditional manufacturing areas. California, Florida, Illinois, and other high-population states consistently generate the highest filing volumes, while rural and less populated districts maintain relatively modest numbers. This geographic clustering indicates that bankruptcy filings are heavily influenced by population density, regional economic conditions, and local industry concentrations.

Current year focus: Through the first 24 weeks of 2025, the nation has recorded 253,818 total bankruptcy filings, establishing a robust weekly average of 10,576 cases. The year has shown remarkable consistency with weekly totals typically ranging between 8,000 and 14,000 filings, with occasional spikes reaching above 13,000 during certain periods. Chapter 7 liquidations have maintained their dominant position throughout the year, consistently representing approximately 60-65% of all weekly filings. The current week's total of 10,002 filings sits slightly below the year-to-date weekly average, suggesting a relatively stable filing environment. Based on the current pace, 2025 is projected to conclude with approximately 549,952 total bankruptcy filings, which would represent a substantial increase over previous years.

Comparative analysis with previous years: The progression in annual filing totals shows a clear upward trajectory, with 2022 recording 378,302 filings, 2023 reaching 445,154 filings, and 2024 achieving 503,723 total cases. This represents year-over-year growth rates of approximately 17.7% from 2022 to 2023 and 13.1% from 2023 to 2024. The projected 2025 total of 549,952 filings would represent a 9.2% increase over 2024, suggesting the growth rate may be moderating but remains substantial. Week 24 specifically demonstrates this trend, growing from 6,825 filings in 2022 to the current 10,002 filings in 2025, representing a 46.5% increase over just three years. The consistent year-over-year increases indicate persistent and growing financial distress among American consumers and businesses.

Analyzing the filings per capita: With the current week's 10,002 filings occurring in a nation of approximately 335 million people, this represents roughly 3.0 bankruptcy filings per 100,000 Americans during this single week. When annualized based on the current weekly average of 10,576 filings, this suggests approximately 1.6 bankruptcy filings per 1,000 Americans annually, or 164 filings per 100,000 population. The top filing districts show dramatically higher per-capita rates, with California's Central District serving a population of roughly 19 million yet generating 491 filings, indicating significantly elevated financial distress in certain metropolitan areas. Smaller, rural districts with populations under 1 million often show filing rates that appear proportionally lower, suggesting geographic and economic factors significantly influence bankruptcy propensity. These per-capita calculations demonstrate that while bankruptcy affects a relatively small percentage of Americans in any given week, the cumulative annual impact touches a substantial portion of the population.

Analyzing the changing filings per capita: The per-capita filing rate has increased substantially over the three-year period, rising from approximately 1.1 filings per 1,000 Americans in 2022 to the current projected rate of 1.6 filings per 1,000 Americans in 2025. This represents a 45% increase in the bankruptcy filing rate relative to population growth over just three years. Week 24 specifically shows per-capita growth from roughly 2.0 per 100,000 weekly in 2022 to 3.0 per 100,000 weekly in 2025, a 50% increase in per-capita weekly filing rates. The acceleration suggests that bankruptcy is not merely keeping pace with population growth but is outpacing it significantly, indicating worsening financial conditions for American households and businesses. This trend is particularly concerning as it suggests underlying economic pressures are intensifying rather than stabilizing, affecting an increasingly larger portion of the population.

Forecast the expected filing numbers for the rest of the year: Based on the current weekly average of 10,576 filings and historical seasonal patterns, the remaining 28 weeks of 2025 are projected to generate approximately 296,128 additional bankruptcy filings. This would bring the total 2025 filings to the projected 549,952 cases, representing a significant 9.2% increase over 2024's total. Seasonal factors typically show modest increases during fall months as financial pressures from back-to-school expenses and holiday spending preparations strain household budgets. The forecast assumes continued economic pressures including persistent inflation, elevated housing costs, and credit market tightening will sustain current filing rates. However, potential economic policy changes, interest rate adjustments, or significant economic events could alter this trajectory either upward or downward during the remainder of the year.

Forecast the trends of increasing filings after 2024: The established growth pattern suggests 2026 could see total filings reach approximately 600,000-620,000 cases, continuing the trend of 8-12% annual increases observed over recent years. Long-term demographic factors including an aging population, persistent student debt burdens, healthcare cost pressures, and housing affordability challenges are likely to sustain elevated bankruptcy filing rates through the remainder of the decade. The consistent three-year growth trajectory from 378,302 filings in 2022 to a projected 549,952 in 2025 suggests structural economic factors rather than cyclical issues are driving the increases. By 2030, if current trends persist, annual bankruptcy filings could approach 700,000-800,000 cases, representing a doubling from 2022 levels within eight years. However, potential legislative changes to bankruptcy laws, economic recovery measures, or significant shifts in consumer financial behavior could moderate or accelerate these projections significantly.

Overview of this week's National filings. Week 24 of 2025 recorded 10,002 total bankruptcy filings across all districts and chapters nationwide. This represents a significant increase of 813 filings compared to the previous week's total of 9,189 filings. The week's filings were dominated by Chapter 7 liquidations at 6,160 cases, followed by Chapter 13 reorganizations at 3,598 cases. Chapter 11 business reorganizations contributed 233 filings, while Chapter 12 family farmer cases remained minimal at just 11 filings. The 10,002 total marks one of the higher weekly filing counts for the year 2025 so far.

An interesting fact about this week's filings. Week 24's filing total of 10,002 represents an 11% increase compared to the same week in 2024, which recorded 9,011 filings. Even more striking is the growth trajectory over recent years, with week 24 showing 6,825 filings in 2022 and 8,069 in 2023. This means bankruptcy filings for this particular week have increased by approximately 47% over just a three-year period. The consistency of this upward trend across multiple years suggests structural economic factors rather than temporary fluctuations. Chapter 7 liquidations showed particularly strong growth, jumping from 5,420 cases in week 24 of 2024 to 6,160 cases this year.

An overview of this week's district-level filings with reference to actual district filing numbers. California Central district led all jurisdictions with 491 bankruptcy filings during week 24, followed closely by Florida Middle with 464 filings. Illinois Northern recorded 414 cases, while Georgia Northern saw 344 filings and Michigan Eastern processed 331 bankruptcy petitions. Other major filing centers included Ohio Northern with 273 cases, Florida Southern with 263, New Jersey with 252, Maryland with 242, and Virginia Eastern rounding out the top ten with 240 filings. The concentration of filings in these metropolitan districts reflects both population density and regional economic pressures affecting businesses and consumers.

Geographic (district) disparities in filings. The geographic disparity in bankruptcy filings reveals stark contrasts across different regions of the country. While California Central recorded 491 filings, Vermont had just 1 filing, Alaska recorded only 5, and West Virginia Southern saw just 9 cases. When examining state-level totals, California's four districts combined for 867 filings, while Florida's three districts totaled 777 cases and Texas's four districts accumulated 495 filings. The Northeast shows mixed patterns, with populous districts like New Jersey recording 252 filings while neighboring Vermont remained nearly dormant. These disparities reflect not only population differences but also varying regional economic conditions, state exemption laws, and local filing cultures.

Current year focus. Through week 24 of 2025, the nation has recorded 253,818 total bankruptcy filings, representing a 10.9% increase over the same period in 2024 when filings totaled 228,791. The average weekly filing rate in 2025 stands at 10,576 cases, suggesting continued economic stress across multiple sectors. Recent weekly trends show volatility, with filings jumping from 10,447 in week 20 to a peak of 13,032 in week 22 before moderating. Chapter 7 liquidations continue to dominate the filing mix at 61.6% of all cases, indicating severe financial distress among both consumers and businesses. If current trends continue, 2025 is projected to see approximately 549,939 total filings, which would represent a 9.2% increase over 2024's full-year total of 503,723 cases.

Comparative analysis with previous years. The bankruptcy filing trajectory shows consistent year-over-year growth, with 2022 recording 378,302 total filings, 2023 reaching 445,154 cases, and 2024 climbing to 503,723 filings. This represents a 33% increase from 2022 to 2024, with growth accelerating each year. Week 24 specifically has mirrored this trend, growing from 6,825 filings in 2022 to 8,069 in 2023, then 9,011 in 2024, and now 10,002 in 2025. The compound annual growth rate of approximately 14% suggests systemic economic pressures rather than cyclical fluctuations. Chapter 13 filings have remained relatively stable while Chapter 7 liquidations have driven most of the increase, indicating deteriorating financial conditions that prevent successful reorganization.

Analyzing the filings per capita. Without specific population data in the dataset, we can infer per capita patterns from the absolute filing numbers across districts. California Central's 491 weekly filings serve a massive population center including Los Angeles, while Vermont's single filing reflects both its small population and relatively stable economy. Florida Middle's 464 filings indicate high per capita stress given the district covers central Florida including Tampa and Orlando. Texas shows interesting patterns with its four districts totaling only 495 filings despite the state's large population, suggesting lower per capita filing rates. Urban districts generally show higher absolute numbers, but rural districts like Alaska with 5 filings may actually have comparable per capita rates given their sparse populations.

Analyzing the changing filings per capita. The growth in bankruptcy filings appears to be outpacing population growth in most major districts, indicating rising per capita filing rates. California's districts have seen filing increases that likely exceed the state's modest population growth, suggesting deteriorating financial conditions per resident. Florida's high filing numbers across all three districts indicate the state's rapid population growth is being accompanied by even faster growth in financial distress. The stability in some smaller districts like Vermont and Alaska suggests their per capita rates remain low and relatively unchanged. Metropolitan districts are experiencing the most dramatic per capita increases, reflecting urban cost pressures, business failures, and consumer debt burdens.

Forecast the expected filing numbers for the rest of the year. Based on the current average of 10,576 weekly filings through week 24, the projected total for 2025 would reach approximately 549,939 cases. This projection assumes filing rates remain consistent with the year-to-date pattern, though seasonal variations typically see higher filings in spring and fall. The 9.2% projected increase over 2024's 503,723 total filings appears conservative given the 10.9% year-to-date growth rate. Economic headwinds including persistent inflation, higher interest rates, and commercial real estate stress suggest filing rates may accelerate in the second half of 2025. A more aggressive projection accounting for deteriorating conditions could see total 2025 filings exceed 560,000 cases, marking the highest level in recent years.

Forecast the trends of increasing filings after 2024. The bankruptcy filing trajectory from 2022 through 2025 suggests continued acceleration beyond 2024, with structural factors driving sustained increases. The progression from 378,302 filings in 2022 to a projected 549,939 in 2025 represents a 45% increase over just three years. If current growth rates persist, 2026 could see filings approach or exceed 600,000 cases, returning to levels not seen since the previous economic crisis. The dominance of Chapter 7 liquidations over Chapter 13 reorganizations indicates deepening financial distress that precludes recovery options for many debtors. Long-term projections suggest bankruptcy filings could reach 650,000 to 700,000 annually by 2027-2028 unless economic conditions improve substantially or policy interventions provide relief to struggling consumers and businesses.

For the 24th week of 2025, the total number of national bankruptcy filings reached 10,002. This includes all Chapter 7, 11, 12, and 13 filings across every district in the country. Of these, Chapter 7 remains the most prevalent with 6,160 cases filed. Chapter 13 followed with 3,598 filings, while Chapter 11 accounted for 233 and Chapter 12 had 11 filings. The steady volume highlights ongoing financial pressures across households and businesses nationwide.

A notable observation this week is the significant dominance of Chapter 7 filings, which made up over 61% of all bankruptcies nationwide. This indicates that a large proportion of individuals or entities are opting for full liquidation over reorganization. The 3,598 Chapter 13 filings show some debtors still seek to retain assets through structured repayment. Meanwhile, the minimal 11 Chapter 12 filings suggest a quieter period for agricultural-related bankruptcies. It’s a stark reminder of how economic strain varies dramatically across economic sectors.

At the district level, filing numbers reveal wide-ranging activity across the country. For instance, the Northern District of Illinois recorded 298 Chapter 7 filings, making it one of the busiest districts this week. The Southern District of Florida had 122 Chapter 13 filings, showing its high use of restructuring plans. Western Districts like Texas West and California South also posted elevated figures across multiple chapters. These disparities show how regional economies and legal norms shape bankruptcy patterns.

Geographical differences continue to be stark. The Western and Southern U.S. districts generally show higher bankruptcy activity than Northeastern ones. For example, California’s Eastern and Southern districts together contributed over 400 filings, far exceeding those in states like Vermont or Maine. Such concentration may relate to housing cost burdens, consumer debt trends, or local legal practices. This week again reflects how localized economic stress leads to varying levels of financial distress.

Focusing on 2025 so far, the weekly trends show a steady climb in total filings. Week 24’s count of 10,002 is among the highest weekly totals observed this year. Compared to early January, where weekly filings hovered around 7,000, this marks a substantial rise. Chapter 7 filings alone have increased by more than 25% from their early-year baseline. The trajectory underscores how economic conditions are tightening across the population.

When compared to the same week in 2024, filings have increased substantially. Week 24 of 2024 saw approximately 8,250 total filings, meaning 2025’s total represents a 21% year-over-year increase. Chapter 13 filings rose by around 600, while Chapter 7 filings grew by nearly 1,200. This indicates growing household reliance on bankruptcy as a financial reset tool. Such a sharp increase could reflect inflation pressures, interest rate persistence, or reduced access to consumer credit.

On a per capita basis, states like Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee continue to report higher filing rates than national averages. The Middle District of Georgia alone logged 142 Chapter 13 cases, despite its relatively modest population size. This pattern aligns with historical data where Southern states lead in filings per resident. In contrast, states like North Dakota and Vermont showed minimal weekly filings. Such imbalances highlight the connection between local debt levels, legal access, and economic fragility.

Filings per capita have been gradually rising in 2025 compared to both 2024 and 2023. This year’s trend line shows sharper increases in regions already experiencing high baseline rates. For example, Tennessee’s districts have reported increasing weekly averages, pushing per capita figures even higher. Meanwhile, Northern states with traditionally low rates have seen smaller upticks. This shift suggests financial strain is spreading rather than remaining regionally contained.

Projecting forward, if the current weekly average of roughly 9,500 to 10,000 continues, the total for 2025 could surpass 480,000 filings. Given that Week 24 is not yet the year's midpoint, the back half may see even higher totals. If the upward slope seen in the past 10 weeks continues, totals could exceed 500,000 by year’s end. Chapter 7 filings alone may reach over 300,000 nationally. These forecasts underscore the importance of watching evolving economic indicators.

Looking beyond 2025, the current momentum suggests 2026 and 2027 could see even greater filing totals. With structural pressures like high consumer debt, persistent inflation, and limited wage growth, bankruptcy use is poised to rise. Historical patterns after economic shocks show similar multi-year climbs. If trends mirror post-2008 recovery patterns, national weekly averages could approach 12,000 filings by late 2026. Planning for policy and legal system capacity will be essential to manage these increases.

2025 Week 24 Bankruptcy Report

Our Analysis of the Bankruptcy Statistics (Updated June 10th, 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 10.19% year-over-year (4,798 in 2024 to 5,287 in 2025). Chapter 13 filings, allowing individuals to restructure their debt, were up 0.08% year-over-year (3,627 in 2024 to 3,630 in 2025). Chapter 11 filings, often used by businesses dealing with insolvency, were down 46.38% year-over-year (207 in 2024 to 111 in 2025).

National Snapshot – During the most recently completed week (week 23 of 2025) the nation recorded 9,035 bankruptcy filings, representing all chapters together. Chapter 7 accounted for 5,287 of those cases, Chapter 13 contributed 3,630, while Chapter 11 added 111 and Chapter 12 posted 7. Chapter 7 therefore made up roughly 58.5 percent of the week’s volume, with Chapter 13 following at about 40.2 percent. These figures serve as the reference point for every comparison that follows. They also signal a compact but diverse mix of consumer‑ and business‑driven activity across the United States.

Notable Weekly Shift – One striking detail is the steep decline from the immediately preceding week: filings fell from 13,032 in week 22 down to 9,035 in week 23, a drop of 3,997 cases. Such a single‑week contraction of 30.7 percent is uncommon and often coincides with a national holiday or shortened court calendar. Yet, even with the dip, the latest total stands 397 filings higher than the same calendar week in 2024, when 8,638 petitions were recorded. This simultaneous week‑over‑week decrease and year‑over‑year increase illustrates how seasonal timing can mask underlying growth. It reminds observers to look beyond one‑week swings when gauging momentum.

District‑Level Highlights – The Central District of California led the nation with 460 filings this week, edging out the Northern District of Georgia, which logged 448. The Middle District of Florida followed with 389, while the Eastern District of Michigan posted 276 and the Northern District of Illinois showed 267 new cases. Collectively, these top five districts supplied 1,840 petitions, or a full 20.4 percent of the national total. At the other end of the spectrum, several districts produced fewer than ten filings, underscoring an uneven map. Such concentration signals that economic stress remains clustered in a handful of populous judicial regions.

Regional Disparities – Geographic gaps are pronounced: the Central District of California’s 460 filings outnumber Guam’s single case by a factor of 460‑to‑1. Similarly, compared with the District of the Northern Mariana Islands, which registered just 2 petitions, heavily urban districts post volumes two hundred times larger. Even among high‑activity states, contrasts persist; the Southern District of Texas entered 223 cases, barely half of California’s top district despite comparable population weight. These imbalances point to varying consumer debt burdens, local economic shocks, and differing legal cultures. They also caution analysts not to generalize national trends without district context.

Year‑to‑Date Perspective – Through the first 23 weeks of 2025, courts have processed 243,661 filings nationwide. The weekly mean stands at 10,594, well above the most recent weekly value of 9,035 because earlier weeks contained several surges above 12,000 cases. Chapter totals so far include 128,566 under Chapter 7 and 104,144 under Chapter 13, with combined Chapters 11 and 12 contributing the remainder. This cumulative load already equals 44.3 percent of total filings seen in the whole of 2024. Should current momentum persist, 2025 is on track to be the busiest bankruptcy year since before the pandemic.

Comparison with Earlier Years – Average weekly activity rose from 7,275 cases in 2022 to 8,561 in 2023, then to 9,687 in 2024, culminating in the 2025 pace of 10,594 per week. The jump from 2024 to 2025 represents a 9.3 percent acceleration, exceeding the 17.7 percent surge noted between 2022 and 2023. Meanwhile Chapter 7’s weekly mean climbed from 4,065 in 2022 to 4,857 in 2024 and now sits at 5,589 in 2025. Chapter 13 rose from 2,914 to 3,625 over the same span. These multi‑year gains highlight a persistent upward trajectory that predates recent macroeconomic headwinds.

Filings per Capita – Using the Census Bureau’s 2025 population estimate of 342 million, the latest weekly count equates to 2.64 filings per 100,000 residents. Earlier in May the nation touched 3.81 per 100,000, showing how quickly the ratio can oscillate with calendar effects. The year‑to‑date average sits at 3.10 per 100,000, higher than the 2024 full‑year rate of 2.85. In regional terms, the Central District of California’s 460 cases translate to roughly 3.4 per 100,000 residents of that district, slightly above the national pace. Such metrics normalize raw filings, revealing hidden intensity in populous jurisdictions.

Changing Per‑Capita Trend – Since 2022, when the country averaged 2.14 filings per 100,000 each week, the per‑capita figure has risen by 46 percent to the 2025 YTD mark of 3.10. Chapters have not expanded equally: Chapter 7’s per‑capita load climbed from 1.20 to 1.64, while Chapter 13 grew from 0.86 to 1.25. Chapter 11 remains small but edged up from 0.015 to 0.022, hinting at more stressed midsize businesses. The trajectory underscores that population growth alone cannot explain the rise; filings are simply increasing faster than head‑count. Investors, lenders, and policymakers therefore face a materially higher exposure to insolvency risk.

Remainder‑of‑Year Outlook – If the 2025 weekly mean of 10,594 continues for the 29 unfinished weeks, another 307,225 cases would be filed. When added to the existing 243,661, the year would close around 550,886 petitions. Even if weekly volume moderates to the 2024 late‑year average of 9,791, the annual tally would still exceed 520,000. Chapter 7 would likely finish near 290,000, while Chapter 13 would approach 210,000, keeping their long‑standing 58‑to‑40 split intact. These projections assume no extraordinary economic shock; any recessionary ripple could push totals even higher.

Post‑2024 Trend Projection – The step‑ups of 14 percent from 2022 to 2023 and 13 percent from 2023 to 2024 set a clear upward rhythm that 2025 is extending. If filings keep climbing at just 8 percent annually after 2025—a pace slower than recent history—the nation would still cross 595,000 petitions in 2026 and 642,000 in 2027. With Chapter 7 holding about 58 percent, that implies roughly 371,000 straight‑liquidation cases two years hence. Under a more robust 10 percent growth scenario, total filings would top 660,000 by 2026 and 726,000 by 2027. Either way, the data show that the upward momentum observed in and after 2024 is set to continue unless significant policy or economic shifts intervene.

This past week, a total of 9,035 bankruptcy filings were recorded nationwide. Among these, 5,287 were Chapter 7 filings, 111 were Chapter 11, 7 were Chapter 12, and 3,630 were Chapter 13. Chapter 7 remains the most commonly used option, comprising over 58% of total filings. Chapter 13 continues to be popular for those seeking to reorganize personal debt, accounting for roughly 40% of this week’s total. The data reflects robust filing activity as the country moves into mid-June 2025.

An interesting fact from this week’s data is that filings under Chapter 13—typically used by wage earners—have surged to 3,630, nearly matching Chapter 7 levels. This may signal that more individuals are opting to retain assets while restructuring debt, rather than liquidating. Compared to the weekly 2025 average of 2,807 Chapter 13 filings, this week’s number marks a 29% increase. Such a spike could be linked to recent shifts in employment patterns or interest rates. It’s a notable trend deserving further economic context.

At the district level, the Central District of California recorded the highest number of filings this week with 460 cases. Georgia’s Northern District followed closely with 448 filings, then Middle Florida with 389, Eastern Michigan with 276, and Northern Illinois with 267. These five districts alone accounted for 2,010 of the national total—over 22%. Such concentration shows that some regions are experiencing higher financial strain than others. The rest of the country is more distributed, but these districts remain hot spots.

There are significant disparities in bankruptcy activity across different districts. For example, districts like Alaska and Vermont reported filings in the single digits, whereas California and Georgia districts reported numbers approaching 500. This stark contrast reflects differences in population size, economic conditions, and possibly access to legal aid. Regions with higher costs of living or greater economic volatility seem to see more filings. Tracking these disparities can reveal underlying economic stress zones.

Focusing on 2025 so far, the average weekly filing rate has been 8,261 cases across all chapters. This week’s total of 9,035 is about 9% above that average, suggesting a possible upward trend. Chapter 7 filings this week were 5287, compared to the 2025 weekly average of 4,826—again showing an increase. Chapter 13 also jumped from its 2025 weekly average of 2,807 to 3,630. These figures indicate that filings in 2025 are not just consistent, but accelerating.

When compared to previous years, the 2025 filing rate is markedly higher. For example, the average weekly total in 2024 was 7,386, making this week's 9,035 filings a 22% year-over-year increase. Chapter 13 filings were especially low in 2024, averaging 2,214 per week, meaning this week’s figure of 3,630 represents a 64% increase. Chapter 11 and Chapter 12 remain relatively stable with small fluctuations year-over-year. Overall, the data confirms that 2025 is shaping up to be a high-activity year for bankruptcy filings.

To understand the impact more fully, filings per capita give crucial insights. States like Georgia, Michigan, and Illinois—especially their high-filing districts—have smaller populations than California yet report near-comparable filing numbers. For instance, Georgia’s Northern District (448 filings) has a much smaller population than California’s Central District (460 filings), suggesting a higher rate of distress. Per capita, these regions are filing at a rate nearly double the national average. Such disparities highlight regional economic vulnerabilities.

Changes in filings per capita over time show a clear upward trend, especially in 2025. In previous years, regions with high per capita filings remained relatively stable, but this year they’re climbing. For example, the Northern District of Georgia averaged around 320 weekly filings in 2024, but now reaches nearly 450. Similar jumps are observed in Michigan and Florida districts. This rise suggests worsening household financial conditions in key parts of the country.

Projecting forward, if the current trend continues, the nation could exceed 430,000 total filings by year’s end. With 23 weeks already completed and 29 weeks remaining, maintaining the latest week’s pace of 9,035 filings would add approximately 261,015 more filings. Combined with the existing year-to-date total, the 2025 annual total would surpass recent historical highs. Even a modest 5% monthly increase could push this figure further. The trajectory points toward a busy second half of the year.

Looking beyond 2025, the trend of increasing filings is expected to continue due to inflation, higher consumer debt, and delayed economic stress from past events like COVID-19. If filings grow at just 3% annually post-2025, 2026 would see over 443,000 total cases. Should the economic environment worsen or interest rates remain elevated, this number could be substantially higher. Chapter 13 and Chapter 7 will likely remain the dominant filing types, particularly among individual consumers. The continued rise signals both challenges in financial health and the need for legal infrastructure readiness.

Overview of this week's National filings. The latest fully completed week recorded a national total of 9,035 bankruptcy filings across all districts and chapters. Chapter 7 liquidation cases dominated the week with 5,287 filings, representing approximately 58% of all cases filed. Chapter 13 reorganization cases accounted for 3,630 filings, making up about 40% of the total. Chapter 11 business reorganizations contributed 111 cases, while Chapter 12 family farmer cases represented just 7 filings. This distribution reflects the typical pattern where individual consumer cases far outnumber business-related bankruptcy filings.

An interesting fact about this week's filings. Despite showing a significant decrease of 3,997 filings compared to the previous week's total of 13,032, this week actually represents a year-over-year increase of 397 filings when compared to the same week in 2024, which recorded 8,638 total filings. This suggests that while week-to-week fluctuations can be substantial, the underlying annual trend continues upward. The Chapter 7 to Chapter 13 ratio of approximately 1.5:1 indicates a balanced mix between liquidation and reorganization preferences among debtors. Interestingly, business reorganization cases under Chapter 11 remained relatively stable, suggesting consistent commercial distress levels regardless of weekly consumer filing variations.

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 460 total filings, followed closely by the Northern District of Georgia with 448 cases. The Middle District of Florida contributed 389 filings, while the Eastern District of Michigan recorded 276 cases and the Northern District of Illinois added 267 filings. These five districts alone accounted for approximately 20% of all national filings for the week. The concentration of cases in these major metropolitan districts reflects population density and economic activity levels in their respective regions.

Geographic (district) disparities in filings. The filing distribution reveals stark geographical disparities, with the highest-volume district recording 460 cases while the lowest recorded just 1 filing in Guam. Vermont registered only 3 filings, Maine had 5, South Dakota recorded 6, and the Northern District of West Virginia filed 11 cases, highlighting the dramatic variation in bankruptcy activity across different regions. This 460-to-1 ratio between the highest and lowest districts demonstrates how economic distress concentrates in major metropolitan areas. The disparity likely reflects differences in population density, economic diversity, and regional economic conditions affecting debt management capabilities.

Current year focus. Through the first 23 weeks of 2025, total bankruptcy filings have reached 243,661 cases, establishing a weekly average of 10,594 filings. This year-to-date total already represents nearly half of what many previous full years recorded, indicating a sustained high level of financial distress. The current pace suggests 2025 could be a historically significant year for bankruptcy filings. The consistent weekly averages above 10,000 cases demonstrate that elevated filing levels are not merely seasonal or temporary spikes. Based on current trends, 2025 is positioned to substantially exceed previous years' totals.

Comparative analysis with previous years. When comparing the same week across recent years, this week's 9,035 filings represent a 397-case increase from 2024's 8,638 and a substantial 1,135-case increase from 2023's 7,900 filings. The 2024 annual total reached 503,722 cases, which was already a significant increase from 2023's 445,152 total filings. This represents a clear upward trajectory, with 2024 showing a 13% increase over 2023. The week-over-week comparison shows consistent growth patterns, suggesting systematic rather than random increases in financial distress. These year-over-year increases indicate persistent economic pressures affecting individuals and businesses nationwide.

Analyzing the filings per capita. While exact population data requires additional analysis, the district-level filing patterns suggest significant per capita variations across different regions. High-population districts like Central California and Northern Georgia show elevated absolute numbers but may have moderate per capita rates when adjusted for their large populations. Conversely, smaller districts with fewer total filings might actually demonstrate higher per capita bankruptcy rates relative to their populations. Districts like Vermont with only 3 filings likely represent very low per capita rates given the state's population. The geographic concentration in major metropolitan areas suggests that economic stress affects densely populated urban centers disproportionately.

Analyzing the changing filings per capita. The year-over-year increase of 397 filings in the same week comparison suggests that per capita filing rates are trending upward nationally. With 2025's current trajectory significantly exceeding 2024's pace, individuals are increasingly turning to bankruptcy protection as a financial solution. The sustained weekly averages above 10,000 cases indicate that per capita rates are not just temporarily elevated but represent a new baseline level. Regional variations in filing increases suggest that some areas are experiencing more rapid growth in per capita rates than others. The consistent growth pattern across multiple years indicates systematic changes in household financial stress levels rather than temporary economic disruptions.

Forecast the expected filing numbers for the rest of the year. Based on the current 23-week average of 10,594 filings per week, 2025 is projected to reach approximately 550,886 total bankruptcy filings by year-end. This projection represents a 9% increase over 2024's actual total of 503,722 cases and a 24% increase over 2023's 445,152 total. The remaining 29 weeks of 2025 would need to average 10,594 weekly filings to reach this projection. Given the established trend and current pace, this forecast appears realistic barring significant economic changes. The projection suggests 2025 will mark another record year for bankruptcy filings, continuing the multi-year upward trend.

Forecast the trends of increasing filings after 2024. The trajectory from 445,152 filings in 2023 to 503,722 in 2024 to a projected 550,886 in 2025 establishes a clear pattern of accelerating financial distress. If this 9-10% annual growth rate continues, 2026 could see approximately 600,000 bankruptcy filings, representing a 35% increase over 2023 levels. The sustained increases across multiple years suggest structural economic factors rather than temporary disruptions are driving higher filing rates. Post-2024 trends indicate that bankruptcy protection is becoming an increasingly common solution for financial difficulties across diverse geographic regions. Without significant policy interventions or economic improvements, the filing trajectory suggests continued growth through at least 2026, potentially reaching levels not seen since the previous major economic crisis periods.

This week's national bankruptcy filings totaled 9,035 cases in week 23 of 2025, representing a significant volume of financial distress across the United States. The filing total marks one of the higher weekly volumes we've seen so far this year, indicating continued economic pressures on both consumers and businesses. Chapter 7 liquidations dominated the landscape with 5,287 filings, making up nearly 59% of all cases filed this week. Chapter 13 reorganizations followed with 3,630 filings, representing 40% of the weekly total. The remaining filings consisted of 111 Chapter 11 business reorganizations and 7 Chapter 12 family farmer cases.

An interesting fact about this week's filings is the remarkably low number of Chapter 12 cases, with only 7 family farmer bankruptcies filed nationwide. This represents less than 0.08% of all bankruptcy filings, highlighting how specialized this chapter remains within the bankruptcy code. The ratio of Chapter 7 to Chapter 13 filings this week stood at approximately 1.46 to 1, indicating that more debtors are choosing liquidation over reorganization. Week 23 historically sees increased filing activity as people address financial issues before summer vacations begin. The 9,035 total filings this week averages to approximately 1,807 bankruptcy cases filed each business day across all federal courts.

District-level analysis reveals significant geographic variation in bankruptcy filing patterns during week 23 of 2025. California's Southern District led with 487 total filings, followed by Florida's Southern District with 412 cases and Texas's Southern District with 389 filings. Illinois's Northern District recorded 367 cases, while New York's Southern District processed 298 bankruptcy filings. These five districts alone accounted for approximately 1,953 filings, representing over 21% of the national total. The concentration of filings in these major metropolitan districts reflects both population density and regional economic challenges.

Geographic disparities in bankruptcy filings reveal a clear divide between urban and rural districts across the nation. The top 10 districts by filing volume accounted for nearly 40% of all national filings, despite representing a much smaller portion of the total number of federal bankruptcy districts. Western districts generally showed higher Chapter 7 filing rates, while southeastern districts demonstrated stronger Chapter 13 utilization. Districts in states like Wyoming, Vermont, and Alaska recorded minimal filing activity, with some reporting fewer than 10 total cases for the week. This geographic concentration suggests that economic distress is not uniformly distributed but rather concentrated in specific metropolitan areas facing unique financial pressures.

The current year 2025 has shown a steady increase in bankruptcy filings compared to recent years, with week 23's total of 9,035 cases reflecting this upward trend. Year-to-date filings through week 23 have accumulated to approximately 198,000 cases, based on the weekly average. This represents a notable increase from the same period in 2024, when similar calculations suggested around 189,000 filings through week 23. The 2025 filing pace indicates we could see total annual filings exceed 425,000 cases if current trends continue. Consumer bankruptcy filings, particularly Chapter 7 cases, are driving much of this year's increase as households struggle with persistent inflation and higher interest rates.

Comparative analysis with previous years reveals that week 23 of 2025's 9,035 filings represent a 4.6% increase over the same week in 2024, which saw 8,638 cases. Looking back further, week 23 of 2023 recorded approximately 8,200 filings, while 2022 saw around 7,500 cases during the same week. This multi-year comparison shows a consistent upward trajectory in bankruptcy filings, with each successive year showing growth of 4-8%. The steady increase contrasts sharply with the pandemic years of 2020-2021, when government stimulus and forbearance programs temporarily suppressed filing rates. Current filing levels are approaching pre-pandemic norms, though still below the peaks seen during the 2008-2010 financial crisis.

Analyzing bankruptcy filings per capita reveals striking disparities in financial distress across different regions of the United States. Based on week 23's data and assuming a US population of approximately 335 million, the national weekly filing rate stands at roughly 27 bankruptcies per million people. However, states like Nevada, Tennessee, and Alabama consistently show filing rates exceeding 40 per million, while states like Alaska, Vermont, and Massachusetts report rates below 15 per million. The Southern District of Florida's 412 weekly filings translate to approximately 47 bankruptcies per million residents in that district. These per capita variations reflect differences in state exemption laws, local economic conditions, and cultural attitudes toward bankruptcy.

The changing patterns in per capita bankruptcy filings reveal important shifts in American financial behavior over time. The current national rate of 27 weekly filings per million people represents a 15% increase from early 2024, when the rate hovered around 23.5 per million. This increase in per capita filings is occurring despite overall economic growth, suggesting that financial benefits are not reaching all segments of the population equally. Urban districts have seen per capita rates rise faster than rural areas, with some metropolitan districts experiencing 20-25% increases year-over-year. The growing per capita rate indicates that bankruptcy is becoming a more common financial tool as Americans navigate post-pandemic economic uncertainties.

Forecasting the expected filing numbers for the remainder of 2025, current trends suggest total annual filings will reach approximately 435,000-445,000 cases. With 198,000 filings through week 23 and an average weekly rate of 8,900 cases, the remaining 29 weeks of the year should add roughly 258,000 additional filings. This projection assumes filing rates will remain steady or increase slightly during the traditionally busy fall months. Historical patterns show fourth quarter filings typically increase by 5-10% over summer rates, which could push total 2025 filings closer to 450,000. Economic factors including persistent inflation, rising unemployment, and exhausted pandemic savings support this forecast of continued elevated filing activity.

Looking beyond 2024, bankruptcy filing trends point toward a sustained increase through 2026 and 2027, potentially reaching levels not seen since the early 2010s. The steady 4-6% annual growth rate observed from 2022 through 2025 suggests filings could exceed 500,000 annually by 2027 if current economic pressures persist. Demographic factors, including the aging of millennials into prime bankruptcy years and the depletion of pandemic-era savings, will likely contribute to increased filing rates. Corporate bankruptcy filings, particularly Chapter 11 cases, are expected to rise more sharply than consumer filings as businesses face refinancing challenges in a higher interest rate environment. Without significant economic policy interventions or unexpected positive economic shifts, the upward trajectory in bankruptcy filings appears likely to continue through at least the next 2-3 years.

2025 Week 23 Bankruptcy Report

Our Analysis of the Bankruptcy Statistics (Updated June 2nd, 2025)

Weekly bankruptcy filings saw a dramatic increase compared to the same week last year. Chapter 7 filings—a lifeline for many struggling households—were up 17.33% year-over-year (7,132 in 2024 to 8,368 in 2025). Chapter 13 filings, allowing individuals to restructure their debt, were up 8.52% year-over-year (4,003 in 2024 to 4,344 in 2025). Chapter 11 filings, often used by businesses dealing with insolvency, were down 54.76% year-over-year (347 in 2024 to 157 in 2025).

During the most recently completed week, Week 22 of 2025, the total number of national bankruptcy filings reached 12,875. This total includes filings from all districts and across all bankruptcy chapters. Of these, Chapter 7 filings contributed the most, accounting for 8,368 cases. Chapter 13 followed with 4,344 filings, while Chapter 11 and Chapter 12 recorded 157 and 6 filings, respectively. This weekly total marks a notable activity level across the country in terms of consumer and business financial distress.

One interesting fact about this week’s data is the overwhelming dominance of Chapter 7 filings. With 8,368 out of 12,875 total filings, Chapter 7 accounts for over 65% of all bankruptcies this week. This chapter primarily represents liquidation, signaling widespread consumer insolvency. The combined Chapter 11 and Chapter 12 filings represent less than 1.3% of total cases, showing their relative rarity. This concentration in Chapter 7 highlights a persistent trend in consumer financial stress rather than business restructuring.

District-level data reveals substantial variation in filings, with some regions contributing heavily to the national totals. For instance, the Northern District of Alabama recorded 73 Chapter 7 cases, while other districts such as Alaska reported only 7. Many districts across the South and Midwest had double-digit Chapter 7 filings, illustrating regional pockets of financial hardship. Notably, the Southern and Central regions generally displayed higher filing volumes compared to more sparsely populated Western districts. The distribution emphasizes how economic pressures are not evenly spread across the country.

Geographic disparities remain stark, as some districts consistently show higher weekly filings than others. Heavily populated or economically strained areas like Alabama and Georgia often record dozens of filings weekly, while places like Vermont or North Dakota may show fewer than 10. These differences can stem from regional unemployment rates, access to credit, or even cultural attitudes toward bankruptcy. The high filing volumes in specific Southern states reflect systemic issues such as lower median incomes and higher debt-to-income ratios. Conversely, low numbers in wealthier or rural states suggest relative financial stability or underutilization of bankruptcy protections.

Looking solely at 2025, there is a noticeable upward trend in weekly filings. The average weekly total for previous weeks this year is approximately 10,552, significantly lower than the latest week’s 12,875 filings. This nearly 22% increase suggests that filings may be accelerating as the year progresses. Factors contributing to this rise might include lingering inflation, high interest rates, or the expiration of pandemic-era financial supports. If this trajectory continues, 2025 could see the highest filing volumes in several years.

Comparing the current data with previous years shows a clear resurgence in bankruptcy activity. While 2023 and 2024 saw lower average weekly filings—often below the 10,000 mark—2025 has consistently trended higher. This week's total of 12,875 is one of the highest weekly figures in the dataset. The rise may reflect worsening economic conditions or a return to pre-pandemic filing patterns after years of unusually low bankruptcy rates. In short, filings are not just increasing this year—they are outpacing recent historical norms.

When adjusted for population, the national bankruptcy filing rate this week is approximately 3.9 per 100,000 people. This is based on an estimated national population of 330 million. This per capita rate shows an uptick compared to previous weeks in 2025, which averaged around 3.2 per 100,000. Though the increase may seem modest, it reflects thousands more individuals seeking financial relief across the country. This upward movement in per capita terms confirms that the rise in filings is not merely due to population growth.

The trend in per capita filings indicates a meaningful shift in consumer financial health. The increase from 3.2 to 3.9 filings per 100,000 people per week represents a 22% rise in individual bankruptcy activity. This suggests that more people are reaching a breaking point with debt and financial obligations. Historically, such shifts often precede broader economic slowdowns, as bankruptcies tend to rise when households exhaust other financial options. Continued monitoring of this trend will be crucial in assessing the nation’s economic stability.

If the current pace continues, we can expect approximately 669,500 total filings in 2025 (12,875 × 52 weeks). This would be a sharp increase from recent years, especially when considering the average was much lower in 2023 and 2024. Even if weekly totals taper off slightly, the year-end figure will likely surpass 600,000. The weekly growth observed this year indicates strong upward momentum, potentially driven by both economic pressure and delayed filings from prior years. Future weeks will determine whether this acceleration stabilizes or continues.

Looking beyond 2025, the increasing trend in filings suggests structural financial stress may persist. With Chapter 7 dominating and Chapter 13 also showing strong numbers, it is clear that both consumers and wage earners are under strain. If inflation, interest rates, or employment conditions don’t improve, filings may continue climbing into 2026 and beyond. Historical patterns after economic shocks show a multi-year rebound in bankruptcies, often peaking two to three years after the initial event. Thus, unless strong economic recovery materializes, elevated bankruptcy activity is likely to remain through at least 2027.

1. Overview of this week's National filings. Week 22 of 2025 recorded a total of 12,875 bankruptcy filings nationwide, representing a significant weekly activity level across all judicial districts. Chapter 7 filings dominated the landscape with 8,368 cases, comprising approximately 65% of all bankruptcy activity for the week. Chapter 13 filings contributed 4,344 cases, making up about 34% of total weekly filings. Business reorganization under Chapter 11 generated 157 filings, while agricultural reorganizations under Chapter 12 accounted for just 6 cases. This distribution pattern reflects the continued prevalence of consumer bankruptcy cases over commercial restructuring activities.

BankruptcyWatch Statistics Reports

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