GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Debt Industry Statistics

Debt industry statistics provide valuable insights into levels of debt, default rates, and trends in borrowing behavior across different sectors of society.

Highlights: Debt Industry Statistics

  • The total U.S. consumer debt is $14.88 trillion in 2021
  • The average American has $38,000 in personal debt, excluding home mortgages
  • The credit card debt of Americans surpassed $1 trillion in 2021
  • College Student Loan debt reached $1.71 trillion in 2021
  • The average U.S. household carries $8,398 in credit card debt
  • More than 57% of Americans have less than $1,000 in savings
  • Approximately 33% of American adults have debt that has gone into collections
  • The total amount of delinquent debt in America is over $609 billion
  • The average debt carried by those ages 75 and older is $34,500
  • Over 52% of all debt in collections stems from medical expenses
  • In the automotive loan market, total outstanding debt hit $1.37 trillion in 2021
  • Over 67% of renters cite student loans as the main reason they can’t afford buying a home
  • The average debt per capita in Europe is $25,000
  • In 2021, the total amount of indebtedness from credit cards went up by 2.5%
  • The average student loan debt per borrower is $38,792 as of 2021
  • The new debt per bankruptcy file in the U.S is $59,000

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The Latest Debt Industry Statistics Explained

The total U.S. consumer debt is $14.88 trillion in 2021

The statistic that the total U.S. consumer debt is $14.88 trillion in 2021 represents the collective amount of money that individuals in the United States owe on various forms of debt such as credit cards, mortgages, student loans, and car loans. This staggering figure underscores the significant financial burden borne by American consumers and suggests a high level of indebtedness within the population. It also indicates the extent to which borrowing and lending activities are prevalent in the U.S. economy, influencing consumers’ purchasing power, financial stability, and overall economic health. Monitoring trends in consumer debt is crucial for understanding the financial well-being of individuals and the broader economy.

The average American has $38,000 in personal debt, excluding home mortgages

The statistic indicates that the average American carries a significant amount of personal debt, totaling $38,000, not including debts related to home mortgages. This figure suggests that many individuals in the United States have financial obligations beyond their immediate means, potentially impacting their financial stability and well-being. Personal debt can encompass various forms, such as credit cards, student loans, car loans, and other consumer debts. Understanding the average level of personal debt can be crucial for individuals, policymakers, and financial institutions to address potential issues related to excessive borrowing, financial education, and developing strategies for improving overall financial health and resilience.

The credit card debt of Americans surpassed $1 trillion in 2021

The statistic ‘The credit card debt of Americans surpassed $1 trillion in 2021’ highlights the alarming trend of growing consumer debt in the United States. This figure signifies the total amount of outstanding credit card balances held by individuals across the country, exceeding a significant milestone of $1 trillion. Such a high level of credit card debt suggests that many Americans are increasingly relying on borrowed money to finance their daily expenses, potentially indicating financial strain and challenges in managing personal finances. This statistic underscores the importance of promoting financial literacy and responsible borrowing practices to help individuals better manage their debts and achieve long-term financial stability.

College Student Loan debt reached $1.71 trillion in 2021

In 2021, the total amount of outstanding student loan debt in the United States reached a staggering $1.71 trillion, highlighting a significant financial burden on college students and graduates. This statistic reflects the widespread reliance on student loans to finance higher education, as well as the growing concerns regarding the affordability and accessibility of college education. The increasing level of student loan debt underscores the challenges faced by individuals in managing their financial responsibilities and the potential long-term implications on their financial well-being and economic mobility. Addressing the complex issues surrounding student loan debt is crucial to ensure that higher education remains an avenue for personal and professional advancement without imposing undue financial strain on individuals and society as a whole.

The average U.S. household carries $8,398 in credit card debt

The statistic that the average U.S. household carries $8,398 in credit card debt represents the mean amount of credit card debt held by households in the United States. This figure indicates the typical amount of debt that households have accrued through credit card usage. It provides valuable insight into the financial behavior and habits of Americans, highlighting a widespread reliance on credit cards for purchasing goods and services. Understanding this statistic can help policymakers, financial institutions, and individuals make informed decisions regarding personal finance management, debt repayment strategies, and overall economic health.

More than 57% of Americans have less than $1,000 in savings

This statistic indicates that a majority of Americans, specifically over 57%, do not have a significant amount of savings as their financial safety net. Having less than $1,000 in savings exposes individuals to financial vulnerability in the event of unexpected expenses, emergencies, or economic downturns. This lack of savings could lead to increased levels of debt, limited ability to cover expenses, and financial stress. It underscores the importance of promoting financial literacy, budgeting, and saving habits among the population to enhance overall financial well-being and resilience.

Approximately 33% of American adults have debt that has gone into collections

The statistic that approximately 33% of American adults have debt that has gone into collections suggests that a significant portion of the adult population in the United States are facing financial difficulties. Debt going into collections generally indicates that individuals have missed payments on their debts, resulting in creditors transferring the accounts to collection agencies to recover the outstanding amounts owed. This statistic highlights the prevalence of financial challenges and the burden of debt among American adults, underscoring the importance of effective financial management, budgeting, and debt repayment strategies to reduce the risk of falling into collections and facing potential financial consequences.

The total amount of delinquent debt in America is over $609 billion

The statistic indicating that the total amount of delinquent debt in America exceeds $609 billion denotes the cumulative outstanding balances that individuals and entities in the United States have failed to repay within the specified time frame. Delinquent debt typically refers to loans or credit card balances that have not been paid as agreed, leading to negative consequences such as damage to credit scores and potential legal actions from creditors. This figure highlights the significant financial burden that delinquent debt places on both borrowers and lenders in the American economy, impacting individuals’ financial well-being and the overall stability of the financial system. Addressing this substantial amount of delinquent debt is crucial for fostering economic growth and stability.

The average debt carried by those ages 75 and older is $34,500

This statistic indicates that among individuals aged 75 and older, the average amount of debt held is $34,500. This could suggest that older individuals have ongoing financial commitments such as mortgages, medical expenses, or outstanding loans. The average debt amount provides insight into the financial burdens faced by this demographic group, highlighting the importance of financial planning and management in later stages of life. It also emphasizes the need for policies and programs that support older individuals in managing their debts and maintaining financial security as they age.

Over 52% of all debt in collections stems from medical expenses

This statistic indicates that a significant portion of debt in collections, specifically over half (52%), can be attributed to medical expenses. This suggests that many individuals may be facing financial difficulties and are unable to pay off the medical bills they’ve incurred. Medical debt can quickly accumulate due to the high costs of healthcare services and unexpected medical emergencies. The burden of this debt can lead individuals to fall behind on payments, resulting in their accounts being sent to collections. This statistic highlights the widespread impact of medical expenses on individuals’ financial well-being and underscores the need for affordable healthcare options and financial support for those facing high medical costs.

In the automotive loan market, total outstanding debt hit $1.37 trillion in 2021

The statistic that total outstanding debt in the automotive loan market reached $1.37 trillion in 2021 indicates the substantial amount of financial obligations owed by individuals and businesses in relation to auto loans. This metric reflects the collective sum of all outstanding loans in the automotive sector, including loans for purchasing new and used vehicles, as well as financing for leasing options. The significant scale of this debt highlights the reliance on borrowing within the automotive industry, emphasizing the importance of managing repayment obligations and monitoring economic conditions that may impact loan servicing and defaults in this sector.

Over 67% of renters cite student loans as the main reason they can’t afford buying a home

The statistic that over 67% of renters cite student loans as the main reason they can’t afford buying a home highlights a significant barrier to homeownership among young adults. This indicates that a large majority of renters are burdened by student loan debt, which hinders their ability to save for a down payment or meet the financial requirements for purchasing a home. The high prevalence of student loan debt in relation to the inability to afford homeownership underscores the complex financial challenges faced by many individuals in the current housing market, particularly among those who have pursued higher education. Addressing student loan debt and exploring alternative pathways to homeownership may be crucial in helping individuals overcome this obstacle and achieve their housing goals.

The average debt per capita in Europe is $25,000

The statistic “The average debt per capita in Europe is $25,000” suggests that if you were to evenly distribute the total debt of all European countries among their respective populations, each person in Europe would, on average, owe $25,000. This statistic provides insight into the financial obligations carried by individuals across Europe, indicating that the overall debt burden per person is considerable. It highlights the economic challenges faced by the population in managing debts and the potential impact on individual financial stability and overall economic health within the region.

In 2021, the total amount of indebtedness from credit cards went up by 2.5%

The statistic indicates that in 2021, the total amount of debt owed on credit cards increased by 2.5% compared to the previous period. This means that consumers accumulated more credit card debt over the year, suggesting potential financial strain or increased spending. A rise in credit card indebtedness could be attributed to various factors such as economic conditions, consumer behavior, or changes in borrowing habits. Monitoring trends in credit card debt is important as it can provide insights into consumer financial health and overall economic stability.

The average student loan debt per borrower is $38,792 as of 2021

The statistic stating that the average student loan debt per borrower is $38,792 as of 2021 represents the mean amount of money owed by individuals who have taken out student loans. This figure captures the cumulative debt burden carried by students and graduates, reflecting the costs of higher education and the reliance on borrowed funds to support academic pursuits. It indicates the financial strain faced by a significant portion of the population, highlighting the challenges and implications of student loan debt on individuals’ financial well-being and long-term economic prospects. This statistic serves as a key indicator of the financial landscape within the education sector and sheds light on the broader issues surrounding student loan borrowing and repayment.

The new debt per bankruptcy file in the U.S is $59,000

The statistic “The new debt per bankruptcy file in the U.S is $59,000” represents the average amount of debt incurred by individuals who file for bankruptcy in the United States. This figure reflects the financial distress and challenges faced by individuals who are unable to meet their financial obligations and have resorted to bankruptcy as a solution. The high average debt per bankruptcy file highlights the significant burden that financial insolvency places on individuals and underscores the importance of financial planning, debt management, and responsible financial decision-making to avoid reaching a point of insolvency.

References

0. – https://www.www.savingforcollege.com

1. – https://www.www.fool.com

2. – https://www.www.experian.com

3. – https://www.www.businessinsider.com

4. – https://www.www.debt.org

5. – https://www.www.nar.realtor

6. – https://www.www.federalreserve.gov

7. – https://www.www.forbes.com

8. – https://www.www.urban.org

9. – https://www.www.gobankingrates.com

10. – https://www.www.cnbc.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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