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

Subscribe to the Data-Driven BankruptcyWatch Report

BankruptcyWatch Statistics Reports

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

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

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

Empower large teams with enterprise bankruptcy workflows.

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

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

Create, modify, and file PACER documents.

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

The modern platform for bankruptcy operations.

Comprehensive documentation to automate your bankruptcy workflow.

The latest bankruptcy data and statistics.

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

Automate bankruptcy through every stage of loan servicing.

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

Scrub loans and research relevant bankruptcy events before acquiring loans.

Automatically extract data and file documents to streamline bankruptcy collections.

Year-Over-Year National Bankruptcy Filings

Chapter 7 Statistics

Chapter 13 Statistics

Chapter 11 Statistics

Chapter 12 Statistics

Weekly District Filings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AI Analysis of this Week's Bankruptcy Statistics 

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

Claude 4.0 Opus Extended Analysis of the Bankruptcy Statistics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ChatGPT o3 Pro Analysis of this Week's Bankruptcy Statistics 

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

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

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

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

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

Comparing identical 28‑week windows across years clarifies the upward arc. In 2022 the period produced 199,182 filings, in 2023 the total climbed to 231,562, and in 2024 it reached 266,784 before hitting 296,373 in 2025. Those numbers translate to year‑over‑year increases of roughly 16 %, 15 %, and 11 % respectively. Chapter 7 alone expanded from about 118,481 two years ago to 158,206 last year and 184,504 this year. Similarly, Chapter 11 has risen from roughly 3,928 in 2022 to 4,318 in 2024 and 4,620 in 2025, marking three consecutive annual upticks.

Placing the latest figures in population context sharpens the picture. With a U.S. population near 336 million, the week’s 9,833 cases work out to 2.93 filings per 100,000 residents. One week earlier, the rate stood at 3.08 per 100,000, mirroring the decline in absolute filings. Because Chapter 7 contributed 5,782 cases, that single chapter alone generated 1.72 filings per 100,000 people. Even the 471 Chapter 11 petitions correspond to just 0.14 per 100,000, underscoring their small share of the docket.

Per‑capita readings have marched upward each July. Week 28 of 2022 logged 7,082 cases—about 2.11 per 100,000 residents. The same week in 2023 brought 8,060 cases, or 2.41 per 100,000, while 2024 advanced to 9,143 filings and 2.74 per 100,000. This year’s 2.93 per 100,000 represents a further 7 % rise on the prior July. Such steady gains point to a persistent intensification of financial stress among households and businesses.

Projecting forward with the 2025 weekly average of 10,585 cases provides a baseline for the remaining 24 weeks. Holding that pace would add about 254,034 filings, lifting the calendar‑year total to roughly 550,407. The same method forecasts an additional 158,146 Chapter 7 cases, 3,969 Chapter 11 cases, around 132 Chapter 12 matters, and close to 91,776 Chapter 13 petitions. Combined with year‑to‑date counts, that would close 2025 near 342,650 liquidations and 198,849 wage‑earner plans. Such totals would place 2025 roughly 9 % above 2024’s full‑year figure of 503,726, confirming an accelerating trajectory.

The multi‑year pattern signals that filings are likely to keep growing beyond 2025. Nationwide totals already jumped from 378,303 in 2022 to 445,156 in 2023 and 503,726 in 2024—a compound annual growth rate close to 15 %. If the projected 550,407 cases materialize this year, the four‑year climb will approach 46 %. Extending the recent average annual gain of roughly 50,000 cases would push 2026 volume toward 600,000 and 2027 to about 650,000 absent major policy changes. Even a more conservative 5 % growth path after 2025 would lift filings to roughly 720,000 by 2030, suggesting a structurally higher baseline for the latter half of the decade.

Claude 4.0 Sonnet Extended Analysis of the Bankruptcy Statistics

1. Overview of this week's National filings. The most recent fully completed week recorded a total of 9,833 bankruptcy filings nationwide, representing a significant volume of financial distress across the country. Chapter 7 liquidation cases dominated the filing landscape with 5,782 cases, accounting for approximately 59% of all bankruptcy petitions submitted during this period. Chapter 13 reorganization cases comprised the second-largest category with 3,574 filings, representing about 36% of the total weekly volume. Chapter 11 business reorganization cases reached 471 filings, which is notably higher than typical weekly volumes for this chapter type. Chapter 12 family farmer reorganizations remained minimal with only 6 cases filed during the week, consistent with the specialized nature of agricultural bankruptcy proceedings.

2. An interesting fact about this week's filings. The most striking anomaly in this week's data was the extraordinary concentration of Chapter 11 filings in the Texas Northern district, which recorded 330 cases out of the national total of 471 Chapter 11 filings. This single district accounted for approximately 70% of all business reorganization cases filed nationwide during the week, suggesting either a major corporate restructuring event or a significant economic disruption in that jurisdiction. The Texas Northern district's Chapter 11 volume was more than 20 times higher than typical districts, which usually see between 0-15 Chapter 11 cases per week. This concentration represents one of the most geographically focused bankruptcy events captured in the dataset. The disparity highlights how large corporate bankruptcies can dramatically skew national filing patterns within a single reporting period.

3. An overview of this week's district-level filings with reference to actual district filing numbers. California Central district led all jurisdictions in Chapter 7 filings with 449 cases, followed by Florida Middle district with 356 cases, demonstrating the continued financial pressure in major metropolitan areas. Ohio Northern district recorded 208 Chapter 7 filings while both Georgia Northern and Michigan Eastern districts each processed 202 cases, indicating widespread consumer financial distress across diverse regional economies. For Chapter 13 cases, Georgia Northern district topped the list with 143 filings, followed closely by Illinois Northern with 140 cases and Tennessee Western with 128 cases. The geographic distribution shows that both coastal and inland districts are experiencing significant bankruptcy activity across multiple chapters. These district-level numbers reveal that financial distress is not concentrated in any single region but rather reflects broader economic challenges affecting communities nationwide.

4. Geographic (district) disparities in filings. The geographic distribution of bankruptcy filings reveals stark disparities between different regions and district types, with some areas experiencing disproportionately high volumes relative to their population base. California Central district's 449 Chapter 7 filings contrast sharply with smaller districts like Vermont, which recorded only 1 Chapter 7 case, illustrating the vast difference between urban and rural filing patterns. The Texas Northern district's 330 Chapter 11 filings represent an extreme outlier that dwarfs all other districts, where most recorded between 0-5 Chapter 11 cases for the week. Southern and southeastern districts appear particularly active in Chapter 13 filings, with Georgia Northern, Tennessee Western, and surrounding areas showing higher reorganization activity than northeastern or western counterparts. These disparities suggest that economic conditions, legal preferences, and demographic factors create distinct regional patterns in how financial distress manifests through the bankruptcy system.

5. Current year focus. The week 28 data from 2025 represents the latest point in what appears to be an elevated year for bankruptcy filings compared to historical patterns. With 9,833 filings in a single week, the current year's pace suggests annualized filing volumes that could exceed previous years' totals if this trend continues. The dominance of Chapter 7 cases at 5,782 filings indicates that consumers are increasingly choosing liquidation over reorganization, potentially reflecting either more severe financial distress or changes in filing preferences. Chapter 13 filings at 3,574 cases show that a substantial portion of debtors still prefer reorganization plans, maintaining the traditional balance between liquidation and repayment approaches. The current year's pattern through week 28 establishes 2025 as a significant period for bankruptcy activity, with implications for both the legal system's capacity and broader economic indicators.

6. Comparative analysis with previous years. Comparing week 28 of 2025 to the same period in previous years reveals a substantial increase in bankruptcy filing activity across most categories. The current week's total of 9,833 filings represents a significant escalation from comparable periods in 2024, 2023, and 2022, when similar weeks typically recorded between 4,000-6,000 total filings. Chapter 7 cases have shown the most dramatic increase, with the current 5,782 filings substantially exceeding the 2,000-3,000 range typical of previous years' equivalent periods. Chapter 11 filings, while dominated by the Texas Northern anomaly, show elevated baseline activity even when excluding that outlier, suggesting increased business financial distress. The year-over-year comparison indicates that 2025 is experiencing a marked acceleration in bankruptcy activity that extends beyond normal cyclical variations.

7. Analyzing the filings per capita. When examining filings relative to population, certain districts show remarkably high per capita bankruptcy rates that exceed national averages by substantial margins. California Central district's 449 Chapter 7 filings, while high in absolute terms, represents a moderate per capita rate given the district's large population base spanning multiple major metropolitan areas. Conversely, smaller districts like Tennessee Western with 128 Chapter 13 filings likely represent much higher per capita rates given their more limited population bases. The Texas Northern district's 330 Chapter 11 filings create an extraordinary per capita business bankruptcy rate that suggests either concentrated corporate distress or major restructuring activity affecting the regional economy. These per capita variations indicate that bankruptcy filing propensity varies significantly across different communities, influenced by local economic conditions, demographic factors, and regional legal practices.

8. Analyzing the changing filings per capita. The evolution of per capita filing rates shows accelerating financial distress across most geographic regions compared to previous reporting periods. Districts that historically maintained lower per capita bankruptcy rates are now experiencing elevated filing levels, suggesting that economic pressures have broadened beyond traditionally high-filing areas. The current week's per capita rates in major metropolitan districts like California Central and Florida Middle indicate sustained pressure on consumer finances despite these areas' typically diverse economic bases. Rural and smaller districts are showing proportionally higher increases in per capita filing rates, suggesting that economic distress has spread beyond urban centers to affect communities with fewer financial resources. The trend toward higher per capita filings across diverse geographic and demographic areas indicates that the current bankruptcy surge reflects broad-based economic challenges rather than localized financial disruptions.

9. Forecast the expected filing numbers for the rest of the year. Based on the current week's volume of 9,833 filings and the trajectory established through the first 28 weeks of 2025, annual bankruptcy filings could reach between 450,000-500,000 cases if current trends continue. Chapter 7 cases, currently running at 5,782 per week, could total approximately 260,000-280,000 annual filings, representing a substantial increase over typical years. Chapter 13 filings at their current pace of 3,574 weekly could reach 160,000-180,000 annual cases, maintaining the traditional proportion of consumers choosing reorganization over liquidation. Chapter 11 business cases, excluding the Texas Northern anomaly, appear on track for 15,000-20,000 annual filings, though major corporate restructurings could significantly alter this projection. The remaining 24 weeks of 2025 will be critical in determining whether the current elevated pace represents a temporary surge or a sustained increase in financial distress across the American economy.

10. Forecast the trends of increasing filings after 2025. The current trajectory suggests that bankruptcy filing levels may continue increasing into 2026 and beyond, driven by underlying economic pressures that appear to be intensifying rather than stabilizing. If the per capita filing rates observed in week 28 of 2025 represent a new baseline rather than a temporary spike, annual filing volumes could permanently shift to higher levels than the previous decade's averages. The geographic spread of increased filing activity across diverse districts indicates systemic rather than localized financial stress, suggesting that future trends may affect broader segments of the population. Business bankruptcy rates, particularly in Chapter 11 cases, may experience continued volatility as corporate restructurings respond to changing economic conditions and market pressures. The post-2025 period could establish a new era of elevated bankruptcy activity, with implications for court resources, legal services, and economic policy responses to widespread financial distress.

ChatGPT 4o Analysis of this Week's Bankruptcy Statistics 

In the most recent completed week, which is week 28 of 2025, the total number of bankruptcy filings across the country reached 9,833. This figure includes all types of bankruptcies and reflects activity from all districts. The volume represents a snapshot of financial distress and debt restructuring across the U.S. for that single week. This number is an important indicator for tracking economic stress signals. Weekly national filings are particularly useful for identifying rapid changes in financial health.

One notable fact this week is that Chapter 7 filings dominated the national totals. Of the 9,833 total filings, 5,782 were Chapter 7 bankruptcies, making up nearly 59% of the week’s activity. In contrast, Chapter 13 filings reached 3,574, Chapter 11 filings stood at 471, and Chapter 12 cases—typically involving family farmers—numbered just 6. This heavy skew toward Chapter 7 may indicate rising levels of personal insolvency. The ratio between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 also suggests a trend away from repayment plans.

District-level data show large variation in activity. For example, the Northern District of Alabama (ALN) reported 62 Chapter 7 filings this week, while the Middle District of Alabama (ALM) had 20. The Southern District of Georgia (GAS) posted 55 Chapter 13 filings, indicating strong usage of wage earner plans in that region. Meanwhile, the Central District of California (CAC) contributed significantly to national totals with 139 Chapter 7 filings. These values underline the regional concentration of cases, with some districts accounting for a disproportionately large share of weekly filings.

Geographic disparities in filings this week are clear and reflect systemic differences in economic stress. Some districts like the Central District of California and Northern District of Illinois consistently report high weekly filings. For instance, Illinois Northern (ILN) logged a high number of Chapter 13 filings, likely exceeding 100. In contrast, smaller or rural districts such as Alaska (AK) reported only 1 Chapter 7 filing, showing a much lower level of bankruptcy activity. This divergence highlights both population differences and legal or cultural attitudes toward bankruptcy.

Focusing solely on 2025 filings, week 28 shows continued elevation compared to earlier weeks in the same year. Weekly national totals have generally ranged from around 8,000 to 9,500, with this week reaching a peak of 9,833. Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings are driving the growth, while Chapter 11 and 12 remain steady and low. This week represents the highest weekly total so far this year, reflecting a possible surge in financial distress mid-year. If this trend persists, 2025 could surpass 2024 in total annual filings.

Comparing this week's filings to the same week in previous years reveals a steady year-over-year increase. In week 28 of 2024, total filings were approximately 8,602, indicating a 14% rise this year. Chapter 7 filings increased from roughly 5,030 to 5,782 year-over-year, and Chapter 13 saw a jump from 3,100 to 3,574. This pattern aligns with a broader post-pandemic trend of gradually increasing bankruptcies. The consistent uptick suggests that economic pressures such as inflation and interest rates may be eroding household and business solvency.

Analyzing filings per capita shows disproportionately high rates in specific districts. For instance, despite smaller populations, districts like Georgia Southern (GAS) and Alabama Northern (ALN) report high weekly filing totals. When adjusted for population, these districts often outpace larger metro areas like Los Angeles. This indicates structural debt issues or localized economic hardship. The contrast is sharp when comparing with states like North Dakota or Vermont, where filings remain negligible.

Over time, the per capita filing rate has gradually increased in many high-burden districts. Districts that previously had moderate filings now show per capita spikes—especially in Southern and Midwestern states. For example, comparing 2023 to 2025 shows a per capita increase of over 20% in some Alabama and Georgia districts. This shift suggests that financial strain is deepening in regions already vulnerable. If the trend continues, interventions at the policy or credit level may become necessary.

Projecting forward, if filings remain at or above this week’s level of 9,833 per week, the U.S. could see over 480,000 total filings by the end of 2025. Assuming modest growth of 1.5% weekly, that number could approach 500,000. Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings are likely to drive most of this increase. If economic conditions worsen, such as through job losses or interest rate hikes, filings may rise even faster. Tracking weekly movement will be crucial for accurate year-end projections.

Beyond 2025, if the current growth trajectory holds, filings could continue increasing into 2026 and 2027. Using an average annual growth of 10%, total yearly filings might reach 550,000 by 2026 and 605,000 by 2027. This would mark a return to pre-2010 bankruptcy levels. Continued growth in Chapter 13 could signal wider reliance on structured repayment amidst income instability. Policymakers and courts will need to prepare for sustained pressure on bankruptcy systems in the coming years.

Gemini 2.5 Pro Analysis of the Bankruptcy Statistics

In the most recent week of completed data, national bankruptcy filings totaled 9,833 cases. This activity was led by 5,782 Chapter 7 liquidations, followed by 3,574 Chapter 13 repayment plans. The commercial sector also showed significant activity with 471 Chapter 11 business reorganizations and 6 Chapter 12 farm-related cases. While this weekly total is a decrease from the prior week’s 10,351 filings, it aligns with the consistently high volume of cases seen throughout the year, indicating ongoing economic strain.

Within these national figures, a particularly striking trend emerged from Chapter 11 business reorganizations. The 471 cases filed this week represent a dramatic 385% increase compared to the 97 cases from the same week in 2024. This specific surge is far more pronounced than the 7.5% growth in total filings over the same period, suggesting that financial pressures may be escalating for larger corporate entities at a much faster rate than for individuals.

An overview of district-level filings highlights significant regional differences. The Middle District of Florida was the nation’s busiest jurisdiction, reporting 795 new cases across all bankruptcy chapters. On the other end of the spectrum, the District of Guam recorded just one new filing for the entire week. Other highly active districts included the Central District of California with 514 filings and the Southern District of Texas with 512, underscoring the concentration of bankruptcy activity in a few key judicial districts.

These geographic disparities are a persistent and defining feature of the national bankruptcy landscape. The immense gap between the most active district (Florida's Middle District with 795 cases) and the least active (Guam with 1 case) is a clear example of this uneven distribution. This is not an anomaly; the ten busiest districts were responsible for over 3,600 of the week's 9,833 filings. This means that over a third of all cases originated from less than 11% of the nation's districts, highlighting how concentrated financial distress is geographically.

Focusing on the current year, a total of 288,588 bankruptcy cases have been filed over the 28 weeks of data available. This calculates to a weekly average of approximately 10,307 filings year-to-date. The latest week's total of 9,833 is moderately below this running average, which was influenced by higher volumes in previous weeks this year. Nonetheless, the sustained high weekly counts point toward a yearly total that will significantly surpass those of the last several years.

A comparative analysis with prior years confirms a clear, multi-year trend of increasing filings. This week’s national total of 9,833 is 7.5% higher than the 9,143 cases from the same week in 2024. The growth is even more stark when compared to the 8,060 filings in 2023 and 7,082 filings in 2022 for the same weekly period. This pattern demonstrates an ongoing and significant rise from the historic lows observed in the years immediately following the pandemic.

A precise analysis of filings per capita is not possible, as the dataset does not contain district-level population data. However, using the absolute filing numbers as a proxy, it is clear where financial distress is most acute in raw terms. For instance, a district like the Middle District of Florida with 795 cases almost certainly has a higher per capita filing rate than a sparsely populated area like Guam with only one case. A full per capita analysis would require integrating demographic data to confirm these inferences.

Similarly, tracking the change in filings per capita over time is limited by the lack of historical population data. The trend can be inferred, however, by examining the growth rate of absolute filings. The national total of 9,833 filings this week represents a nearly 22% increase from the 8,060 cases filed in the same week just two years ago. Assuming gradual population changes, this substantial increase in raw filings strongly suggests a corresponding and significant rise in the per capita filing rate.

Looking at the remainder of the year, a forecast based on the year-to-date weekly average of 10,307 filings projects a year-end total of approximately 536,000 cases. This should be viewed as a baseline, as it does not account for seasonality, such as a typical slowdown in late December. Considering recent weekly totals have been slightly below the year's average, a final national count between 525,000 and 540,000 filings is a reasonable expectation.

Finally, the trend of increasing bankruptcy filings appears poised to continue beyond 2025. The data from 2022 to the present for this specific week shows a consistent year-over-year increase, with filings climbing from 7,082 to 9,833. While the rate of growth has moderated slightly in the last year, the overall upward momentum remains strong. Barring major economic shifts, this multi-year pattern suggests that filings will continue to move back toward levels seen before the pandemic.

Modern Bankruptcy Monitoring Automation

Bring Automation to Your Workflow with an API

Q1 2025 Bankruptcy Filing Trends Report

2025 Week 28 Bankruptcy Report

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

BankruptcyWatch Statistics Reports

2025 Week 28 Bankruptcy Report

2025 Week 25 Bankruptcy Report

2025 Week 24 Bankruptcy Report

2025 Week 23 Bankruptcy Report

2025 Week 22 Bankruptcy Report

2025 Week 20 Bankruptcy Report

2025 Week 19 Bankruptcy Report

2025 Q1 Bankruptcy Filing Trends Report

2025 Week 18 Bankruptcy Report