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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 November 10th, 2025)

Last week saw double-digit growth in consumer bankruptcies and triple-digit growth in business bankruptcies versus the same week in 2024. Chapter 7 filings—a lifeline for many struggling households—were up 10.67% year-over-year (5,182 in 2024 to 5,735 in 2025). Chapter 13 filings, allowing individuals to restructure their debt, were up 11.83% year-over-year (3,601 in 2024 to 4,027 in 2025). Chapter 11 filings, often used by businesses dealing with insolvency, were up 128.28% year-over-year (145 in 2024 to 331 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.

New York Fed Household Debt and Credit Report: Household debt reaches $18.39 trillion in the second quarter.

Car Repossessions Approaching Record High: A near-record number of cars are being repossessed as Americans continue to fall behind on their auto loans amid mounting financial strain.

FICO Shakes Up Credit-Score Market: Fair Isaac is upending the credit-scoring industry by giving mortgage lenders a way to offer its credit scores without buying them from Experian, Equifax or TransUnion.

Borrowers Priorizing Student Loans: As Wage Garnishment Looms, Federal Student Loan Borrowers Indicate They Could Prioritize Their Student Loans Ahead of Credit Cards and Personal Loans

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 4.1 Opus Extended Analysis of the Bankruptcy Statistics

Overview of this week's National filings: The latest complete week (Week 45 of 2025) recorded 10,098 total bankruptcy filings across all districts and chapters nationwide. Chapter 7 filings dominated with 5,735 cases, representing 56.8% of all filings for the week. Chapter 13 consumer reorganizations accounted for 4,027 filings, making up 39.9% of the weekly total. Chapter 11 business reorganizations contributed 331 cases, while Chapter 12 family farmer bankruptcies remained minimal at 5 filings. This weekly total of 10,098 filings represents a significant snapshot of financial distress across the United States.

An interesting fact about this week's filings: This week's 10,098 total filings showed a -32.8% decrease compared to the previous week's 15,017 filings. The ratio of Chapter 7 liquidations to Chapter 13 reorganizations stood at 1.42 to 1, indicating that liquidations outpaced payment plans by a significant margin. Notably, Chapter 11 business bankruptcies represented only 3.3% of total filings, despite their typically higher economic impact per case. The combined consumer bankruptcy chapters (7 and 13) accounted for 96.7% of all filings, underscoring the predominance of personal over business bankruptcies. With 5 Chapter 12 cases, agricultural bankruptcies remained at historically typical low levels for the week.

An overview of this week's district-level filings with reference to actual district filing numbers: The highest filing district was GAN with 491 total cases, followed by CAC recording 488 filings. The third-highest district, FLM, processed 462 bankruptcy petitions, while TXS handled 414 cases. Rounding out the top five, ILN saw 372 filings during the week. On the lower end, VI recorded only 1 filing, representing one of the lowest district activity levels for the week. The average district processed approximately 107 filings, highlighting significant variation across jurisdictions.

Geographic (district) disparities in filings: Geographic disparities in bankruptcy filings were stark, with the busiest district recording 491 cases while the quietest had only 1 filing. This represents a 491.0-fold difference between the highest and lowest filing districts, demonstrating substantial regional variation in bankruptcy activity. The top five districts collectively accounted for 2,227 filings, representing 22.1% of the national total. Meanwhile, the bottom five districts contributed only 23 cases, or 0.2% of all filings. These geographic disparities likely reflect differences in population density, economic conditions, and regional financial stress patterns across the United States.

Current year focus: Through Week 45 of 2025, the nation has recorded 491,041 total bankruptcy filings year-to-date. This week's 10,098 filings contributed 2.06% to the cumulative 2025 total. At the current pace, averaging 10,912 filings per week, the year is projected to reach approximately 567,425 total filings. The 2025 weekly filing average of 10,912 cases suggests sustained economic pressure on both consumers and businesses. With 7 weeks remaining in 2025, current trends indicate continued elevated bankruptcy activity through year-end.

Comparative analysis with previous years: Year-to-date filings of 491,041 through Week 45 represent a 11.4% increase compared to 440,940 filings at the same point in 2024. This week's 10,098 filings exceeded the 8,932 from Week 45 of 2024 by 1,166 cases. The year-over-year difference of 50,101 filings suggests growing financial distress nationwide. Weekly filing averages have shifted from 9,799 in 2024 to 10,912 in 2025, a change of 1,113 filings per week. These comparative metrics indicate an upward trajectory in bankruptcy activity relative to the previous year.

Analyzing the filings per capita: This week's 10,098 filings translate to approximately 3.01 bankruptcies per 100,000 Americans based on current population estimates. The highest-filing district with 491 cases likely experienced roughly 13.8 filings per 100,000 residents, assuming equal population distribution. Conversely, the lowest-filing district's 1 case suggests approximately 0.03 filings per 100,000 people in that jurisdiction. The national per capita rate of 3.01 per 100,000 represents one bankruptcy for every 33,175 Americans this week. These per capita metrics help normalize filing data across districts of varying population sizes, revealing true bankruptcy intensity.

Analyzing the changing filings per capita: The per capita filing rate decreased from 4.48 to 3.01 per 100,000 people week-over-week. This change of 1.47 per 100,000 represents a 32.8% decline in the population-adjusted bankruptcy rate. Year-to-date, the average weekly per capita rate stands at 3.26 filings per 100,000 Americans. The current week's rate of 3.01 falls below the 2025 average by 0.24 per 100,000. These per capita trends suggest easing financial pressure on American households and businesses relative to population size.

Forecast the expected filing numbers for the rest of the year: Based on the recent four-week average of 11,775 filings per week, the remaining 7 weeks of 2025 are projected to add 82,427 bankruptcy cases. This would bring the 2025 annual total to approximately 573,468 filings, compared to 491,041 recorded through Week 45. If filing rates maintain their current trajectory, December alone could see approximately 47,101 cases across four weeks. The projected year-end total of 573,468 would represent an average of 11,028 filings per week for the full year. These projections assume stable economic conditions and no significant policy changes affecting bankruptcy filing patterns through year-end.

Forecast the trends of increasing filings after 2024: Looking beyond 2024, bankruptcy filing trends suggest continued growth with projected annual totals reaching approximately 602,141 cases in 2026. By 2027, filings could reach 632,248 cases annually if current economic pressures and trends persist at a 5% annual rate. The projected 2026 figure of 602,141 would represent a 5.0% change from the estimated 2025 total of 573,468 filings. Weekly filing averages could rise from the current 10,912 to approximately 11,580 per week by 2026 and 12,159 by 2027. These long-term projections suggest that bankruptcy filings will remain a significant economic indicator requiring continued monitoring and policy attention in the post-2024 period.

ChatGPT 4o Pro Analysis of this Week's Bankruptcy Statistics 

 Overview of This Week's National Filings
In the latest week, ending November 10, 2025 (Week 45), there were a total of 10,098 bankruptcy filings across the United States. This national count includes all chapters and districts combined. The breakdown by chapter reveals 5,735 filings under Chapter 7, 331 under Chapter 11, 5 under Chapter 12, and 4,027 under Chapter 13. This demonstrates that Chapter 7 remains the most frequently used, making up approximately 56.8% of the total filings this week. Chapter 13 also remains prominent, accounting for nearly 40% of the week's cases.

An Interesting Fact About This Week’s Filings
A noteworthy insight from this week's data is the relatively high volume of Chapter 11 filings—331 in total—which is well above the typical weekly average observed in past years. This spike may suggest either more business bankruptcies or complex reorganizations occurring as the year draws to a close. Chapter 11 filings comprised 3.28% of total bankruptcies this week, a noticeable bump compared to their usual share. Chapter 12 filings, however, remained extremely low at just 5 filings, indicating a quiet week for family farmers and fishermen. The data hints at specific economic pressures possibly affecting small and mid-size businesses more than other sectors right now.

District-Level Filing Overview
At the district level, the Central District of California (CAC) led all others with a combined total of 487 filings—393 under Chapter 7 and 87 under Chapter 13, along with 7 under Chapter 11. Following closely were the Middle District of Florida (FLM) with 462 total filings and the Northern District of Georgia (GAN) with 490 filings, dominated by Chapter 13 cases. Other districts with high activity include Northern District of Illinois (ILN) at 372 filings and Southern District of Texas (TXS) at 414 filings, reflecting consistently high bankruptcy activity. These district-level counts indicate both urban density and regional financial strain. Several smaller districts, like Guam (GU) and the Northern Mariana Islands (NMI), reported zero filings.

Geographic Disparities in Filings
There are significant disparities in filing volumes across districts, illustrating regional economic differences. For instance, while the Southern District of Texas filed 199 Chapter 11 cases, many other districts filed none at all under Chapter 11, including Idaho (ID), South Dakota (SD), and Maine (ME). Similarly, Chapter 13 filings were particularly high in southern and southeastern districts like Northern Georgia (GAN, 242 cases) and Western Tennessee (TNW, 149 cases). In contrast, several western and rural districts such as Montana (MT) and Wyoming (WY) had fewer than 10 total filings each across all chapters. This pattern suggests that local economies, debt cultures, and even district-level policies may influence filing behaviors.

Current Year Focus: 2025 Trends
Through Week 45 of 2025, the average number of weekly filings is 10,912, which is higher than in any previous year in this dataset. This average is based on the 45 weeks leading up to and including Week 45, showing a significant rise from 2024’s weekly mean of 9,687. The increase in filing rates suggests growing economic stress or post-pandemic financial realignments still unfolding. The current week's filings of 10,098 are slightly below this year's average but still well above past years' weekly medians. Overall, 2025 is shaping up to be the most active year in recent history for bankruptcies.

Comparative Analysis with Previous Years
Comparing Week 45 of 2025 with the same periods in earlier years reveals a consistent upward trend. In 2022, the weekly average was only 7,275, rising to 8,561 in 2023, and 9,687 in 2024, culminating in 10,912 in 2025. This reflects a 50% increase in weekly filings from 2022 to 2025. The rising trend in Chapter 13 filings—from about 2,500 weekly in 2022 to over 4,000 now—suggests growing consumer distress among wage earners who seek repayment plans. The total filings this week (10,098) are aligned with the larger macroeconomic trend of rising bankruptcy levels post-2020.

Analyzing the Filings Per Capita
Although direct population data is not present in the file, per capita implications can be inferred by comparing district-level filings. Urban districts like Central California (CAC), Southern Texas (TXS), and Northern Georgia (GAN) show persistently high numbers, suggesting per capita filing rates above national averages in those areas. Smaller states and territories, such as Guam, Wyoming, and North Dakota, contribute minimally to national totals, which implies lower filing rates per capita or smaller populations. The concentration of filings in a few metro districts shows that economic distress is more prevalent—or at least more formalized—in larger population centers. This geographic concentration implies that solutions or interventions may need to be regionally tailored.

Analyzing the Changing Filings Per Capita
Per capita filing rates appear to be rising nationally, driven especially by spikes in populous districts. Comparing this week’s 4,027 Chapter 13 filings to the roughly 2,000–2,500 weekly average in 2022, there has been nearly a 75–100% increase in filings per capita if population remained relatively stable. This growth trend suggests more individuals are using bankruptcy as a structured debt relief mechanism, possibly due to persistent inflation or interest rate pressure. Notably, regions like the Southeast have seen particularly sharp per capita increases, with districts such as Northern Georgia reporting over 480 total cases this week. These rising trends in personal bankruptcy per population could reflect increasing household debt burdens.

Forecasting the Rest of 2025
With 45 weeks completed in 2025 and an average weekly filing count of 10,912, we can project a year-end total around 567,000 bankruptcies nationally. Assuming similar filing patterns continue, the remaining 7 weeks may contribute another 76,000–80,000 filings, pushing the final total well beyond prior years. This would mark an increase of more than 20% compared to 2024’s full-year estimate of 503,736 (52 weeks × 9,687 avg). Seasonal trends may amplify filings further in December due to post-holiday debt realization or end-of-year financial closures. Thus, unless there’s a marked change in economic policy or conditions, the upward momentum is likely to persist into year-end.

Forecasting Filing Trends Beyond 2024
Looking beyond 2025, the continuation of current trends suggests national bankruptcy filings may cross 600,000 annually by 2026. With an annual growth of 9–12% per year since 2022, driven by rising interest rates, consumer debt, and inflationary pressures, filings appear to be on a clear upward trajectory. Chapters 13 and 7 are likely to continue dominating, while Chapter 11 may see more fluctuations tied to business cycles. If macroeconomic conditions do not significantly improve, or if relief policies are not introduced, 2026 could mark the highest annual filings since the post-2008 crisis era. Policymakers and analysts should monitor this trend closely, as the data from Week 45 already signals intensifying financial pressure nationwide.

Claude 4.5 Sonnet Extended Analysis of the Bankruptcy Statistics 

During the week ending November 10, 2025 (Week 45), the United States recorded a total of 10,098 bankruptcy filings nationwide. This figure represents a significant 13.1% increase compared to the same week in 2024, when 8,932 filings were recorded. Chapter 7 liquidations dominated the landscape with 5,735 filings, accounting for 56.8% of all bankruptcy cases filed during this period. Chapter 13 reorganization cases followed with 4,027 filings, representing 39.9% of the total, while Chapter 11 business reorganizations contributed 331 cases. Agricultural Chapter 12 bankruptcies remained minimal with just 5 filings, reflecting the specialized nature of this bankruptcy type.

A particularly noteworthy aspect of Week 45's filing patterns is the near-equal distribution between liquidation and reorganization cases, with Chapters 7 and 13 combining to account for 96.7% of all filings. The data reveals that for every 10 bankruptcy cases filed this week, approximately 6 were Chapter 7 liquidations and 4 were Chapter 13 wage earner plans. This 1.4-to-1 ratio between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings suggests a significant portion of debtors have regular income sufficient to propose repayment plans. Week 45 performed 7.5% below the 2025 weekly average of 10,912 filings, indicating a slight seasonal dip. However, the week still exceeded the comparable period in 2023 (9,170 filings) by 10.1%, demonstrating sustained upward pressure on bankruptcy rates.

District-level analysis reveals substantial geographic concentration in bankruptcy activity across the nation during Week 45. The Central District of California (CAC) led all districts with 393 Chapter 7 filings, followed by the Middle District of Florida (FLM) with 351 filings, and the Northern District of Georgia (GAN) with 233 filings. The Northern District of Illinois (ILN) recorded 206 Chapter 7 filings, while the Northern District of Ohio (OHN) completed the top five with 198 filings. These five districts alone accounted for 1,381 Chapter 7 filings, representing approximately 24% of all Chapter 7 cases nationwide during this single week.

Geographic disparities in bankruptcy filings reveal striking inequalities across judicial districts during Week 45. The Central District of California's 393 Chapter 7 filings were nearly double those of the fifth-ranked Northern District of Ohio, which recorded 198 filings—a 2.0x multiplier that underscores regional concentration. When examining the top district's complete profile, CAC recorded 393 Chapter 7 cases, 87 Chapter 13 cases, 7 Chapter 11 cases, and 1 Chapter 12 case for a district total of 488 filings. This concentration pattern suggests that population density, economic conditions, and regional financial stress vary dramatically across the country. Districts with major metropolitan areas consistently show higher filing volumes, while rural and less populated districts contribute proportionally fewer cases to the national total.

The year 2025 has demonstrated elevated bankruptcy activity compared to recent historical patterns, with Week 45's 10,098 filings serving as a representative data point. Through the first 45 weeks of 2025, the average weekly filing volume reached 10,912 cases, suggesting heightened financial distress compared to previous years. Week 45's performance was 7.5% below this year-to-date average, indicating it was a relatively quieter week compared to the 2025 norm. The highest filing week of 2025 occurred during Week 44, which recorded an exceptional 15,017 filings—nearly 50% above Week 45's volume. This variability suggests that bankruptcy filing patterns in 2025 have been characterized by significant weekly fluctuations around an elevated baseline.

Comparative analysis across multiple years reveals a consistent upward trajectory in bankruptcy filings when examining Week 45 specifically. In 2022, Week 45 recorded just 6,878 filings, establishing a baseline for subsequent comparison. By 2023, Week 45 filings had increased to 9,170, representing a 33.3% jump over the 2022 figure. The 2024 Week 45 filing count of 8,932 represented a slight 2.6% decrease from 2023, suggesting a temporary plateau. However, 2025's Week 45 rebounded strongly to 10,098 filings, marking a 13.1% year-over-year increase from 2024 and a 46.8% increase over the 2022 baseline.

When adjusted for population, Week 45's bankruptcy filings translate to approximately 3.01 filings per 100,000 Americans, based on the current U.S. population of approximately 335 million. This per capita rate provides a normalized measure that accounts for population growth when making historical comparisons. If the Week 45 filing rate were sustained throughout an entire year, it would project to an annual rate of 156.7 bankruptcies per 100,000 population. Historical context suggests that bankruptcy rates above 150 per 100,000 indicate elevated financial stress across the population. This metric helps policymakers and economists assess whether rising filing numbers reflect genuine increases in financial distress or simply population growth.

Per capita bankruptcy filing rates have accelerated noticeably between 2024 and 2025, revealing genuine increases in financial distress rather than mere population-driven growth. In Week 45 of 2024, the filing rate stood at 2.69 per 100,000 population, based on a 2024 population estimate of 332 million. By Week 45 of 2025, this rate had increased to 3.01 per 100,000, representing a 12.0% increase in the population-adjusted filing rate. This acceleration in per capita filings indicates that financial pressures have intensified beyond what would be expected from population growth alone. The widening gap between 2024 and 2025 per capita rates suggests that economic conditions, debt burdens, or access to credit may have deteriorated over the past year.

Forecasting the remainder of 2025 based on recent trends suggests continued elevated bankruptcy activity through year-end. With seven weeks remaining after Week 45, and using a recent four-week average of 11,775 filings per week, approximately 82,426 additional bankruptcy cases are projected before year-end. Adding this forecast to the year-to-date total through Week 45 yields a projected 2025 annual total of approximately 573,467 filings. This projection assumes no dramatic seasonal deviations during the final weeks of November and December, which historically show varied patterns depending on holiday timing and court schedules. If this forecast materializes, 2025 will mark a substantial increase in bankruptcy activity compared to recent years.

The trajectory of bankruptcy filings beyond 2024 points toward sustained growth if current trends continue into 2026 and beyond. The 2024 annual total reached 503,737 filings, establishing a baseline for comparison with the projected 2025 total of 573,467 cases. This represents a substantial 13.8% year-over-year growth rate from 2024 to 2025, indicating accelerating financial distress across the population. If the 13.8% growth rate were to persist into 2026—a significant assumption that may not materialize—the projected 2026 filing total would approach 652,851 cases. However, such exponential growth is unlikely to continue indefinitely, as policy interventions, economic improvements, or market corrections typically moderate bankruptcy trends over multi-year periods.

ChatGPT 5 Analysis of this Week's Bankruptcy Statistics 

This week’s total filings were 10,098, which is the nationwide sum for the latest fully completed week. By chapter, the week included 5,735 under 7, 331 under 11, 5 under 12, and 4,027 under 13. The weekly national count of 10,098 serves as our anchor for all comparisons. Compared with the running four-week average of 11,775.25, this week is lower by 1,677.25 filings. Year-to-date through week 45, there have been 491,041 filings across 45 weeks.

An interesting fact is that Chapter 11 rose this week to 331 from 205 the prior week, a jump of 126 filings. At the same time, Chapter 7 decreased from 9,542 last week to 5,735 this week, a change of −3,807. Chapter 13 also eased from 5,261 to 4,027, a change of −1,234 filings. Despite those shifts, the total of 10,098 this week is still 1,166 higher than the same week last year at 8,932. Another detail: Chapter 12 stayed very small at 5 filings this week, down from 9 last week.

Looking at districts, the top five this week were GAN 491, CAC 488, FLM 462, TXS 414, and ILN 372. Together, those five districts contributed 2,227 of the national 10,098 filings. That means 22.0% of all filings this week came from those five areas using the 10,098 total as the base. The single largest district total among them was GAN with 491 filings. The next two, CAC and FLM, were close behind at 488 and 462 respectively.

Geographic disparities are apparent when comparing GAN 491 to ILN 372 and TXS 414 in the same week. The spread between GAN’s 491 and ILN’s 372 is 119 filings for this period. Even within the top five, CAC 488 and FLM 462 differ by 26 filings, while both remain well above many other districts not listed in the top group. These differences exist under the same national total of 10,098 this week. The concentration of 2,227 filings in five districts shows a meaningful clustering against the 10,098 national figure.

For the current year to date, there are 491,041 filings across 45 weeks. That implies an average weekly pace of about 10,912 using the 491,041 total and 45 weeks. The latest weekly total of 10,098 sits 814 below that simple year-to-date average of 10,912. Chapter-level year-to-date insights are anchored by the current week’s mix of 5,735 (7), 331 (11), 5 (12), and 4,027 (13). The trailing four-week average of 11,775.25 also frames this week’s 10,098 as a softer reading relative to recent momentum.

Compared with the same week last year, the national total rose from 8,932 to 10,098, an increase of 1,166. Chapter 7 rose from 5,182 last year’s same week to 5,735 now, a change of 553. Chapter 13 increased from 3,601 to 4,027, adding 426 filings week-for-week across years. Chapter 11 also moved up from 145 to 331, adding 186 filings compared year-over-year for the same week. Against last week’s 15,017, however, this week’s 10,098 is down by 4,919 on a week-over-week basis.

To put national activity in perspective, a per-million measure based on 10,098 filings this week equates to roughly 30.2 per million residents if using a constant population proxy of 334 million. Under that same lens, last week’s 15,017 equates to about 45.0 per million. The same week last year, at 8,932, corresponds to about 26.7 per million. By chapter this week, Chapter 7’s 5,735 approximates 17.2 per million, while Chapter 13’s 4,027 is about 12.1 per million. Chapter 11’s 331 and Chapter 12’s 5 approximate 1.0 and 0.0 per million respectively using the same base.

The change in per-million terms from last week’s 15,017 to this week’s 10,098 is roughly −14.9 per million using the same 334 million proxy. Relative to the same week last year’s 8,932, this week’s 10,098 is about +3.5 per million. Chapter 7’s week-over-week change from 9,542 to 5,735 implies about −11.4 per million. Chapter 13’s drop from 5,261 to 4,027 implies about −3.7 per million using the current week’s 4,027 and last week’s 5,261. These shifts all remain grounded in the national totals of 10,098, 15,017, and 8,932 for the three comparison points.

With 7 weeks remaining after week 45, a simple baseline uses the trailing four-week average of 11,775.25. Multiplying 11,775.25 by the 7 remaining weeks yields an expected 82,427 additional filings. Adding that to the year-to-date 491,041 gives a year-end projection of 573,468 filings. Against this week’s 10,098, that outlook implies the near-term weekly rhythm remains closer to 11,775.25 than the most recent count. The remaining-weeks method here explicitly uses 7 weeks, the 491,041 year-to-date total, and the 82,427 forecast increment.

A simple weekly trend fitted over 2024–2025 to date suggests an average slope of +25.197 filings per week. Extrapolating that, the projected mean weekly level next year is about 12,132.66 filings. Annualizing the projection implies roughly 630,898 filings for the following year using 52 weeks and the 12,132.66 weekly mean. That would be about 57,430 above this year’s 573,468 projection. The trend calculation is anchored by weekly national totals including the current 10,098, last week’s 15,017, and many earlier weekly points feeding the 25.197 slope.

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.

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Q1 2025 Bankruptcy Filing Trends Report

2025 Week 45 Bankruptcy Report

Our Analysis of the Bankruptcy Statistics (Updated November 3rd, 2025)

Bankruptcy filings in Week 44 increased significantly from the same period in 2024, reaching the second-highest level in the past four years. Chapter 7 filings—a lifeline for many struggling households—were up 14.51% year-over-year (8,265 in 2024 to 9,464 in 2025). Chapter 13 filings, allowing individuals to restructure their debt, were up 11.05% year-over-year (4,642 in 2024 to 5,155 in 2025). Chapter 11 filings, often used by businesses dealing with insolvency, were down 7.37% year-over-year (217 in 2024 to 201 in 2025).

Overview of this week's National filings. This week marks a significant moment in national bankruptcy filings with Week 44 of 2025 recording 14,829 total filings across all districts and chapters. Chapter 7 filings led with 9,464 cases, representing approximately 64% of all filings, while Chapter 13 filings accounted for 5,155 cases or about 35% of the total. Chapter 11 business reorganizations contributed 201 cases, and Chapter 12 farm restructurings added 9 cases to the weekly total. The distribution across chapters follows typical patterns with consumer bankruptcies dominating through Chapter 7 liquidations and Chapter 13 repayment plans. These 14,829 filings represent one of the highest weekly totals recorded in recent years, highlighting continued financial stress across American households and businesses.

An interesting fact about this week's filings. A remarkable aspect of Week 44's filings is the extraordinary concentration in certain metropolitan districts, with California's Central District alone recording 591 Chapter 7 filings and Florida's Middle District registering 549 Chapter 7 cases. The combined filings from just these two districts totaled over 1,500 cases, representing more than 10% of all national filings for the week. Texas's Southern District also showed significant activity with 193 Chapter 7 filings and 193 Chapter 13 filings, demonstrating unusual symmetry in filing types. California's Eastern District contributed 304 Chapter 7 filings, making California districts collectively responsible for nearly 1,200 Chapter 7 cases. This geographic clustering suggests that certain regional economic factors are driving bankruptcy rates far above national averages in these major population centers.

An overview of this week's district-level filings with reference to actual district filing numbers. District-level analysis reveals stark disparities in filing patterns, with California's Central District leading nationally at 591 Chapter 7 filings, followed by Florida's Middle District with 549 Chapter 7 cases and California's Eastern District with 304 Chapter 7 filings. The Northern District of Georgia reported 276 Chapter 7 filings while the Eastern District of Michigan recorded 297 Chapter 7 cases, both significantly above the national district average. In Chapter 13 filings, the Northern District of Georgia led with 192 cases, followed by the Northern District of Illinois with 217 Chapter 13 filings and the Southern District of Texas with 193 Chapter 13 cases. Smaller districts like Vermont (5 total filings) and Wyoming (17 total filings) showed minimal activity. The data demonstrates that bankruptcy filings are heavily concentrated in major urban districts, with the top 10 districts accounting for approximately 35% of all national filings.

Geographic (district) disparities in filings. Geographic disparities in bankruptcy filings reveal profound regional economic differences, with coastal and southern states experiencing disproportionately high filing rates compared to rural and northern regions. California districts collectively reported over 1,500 filings in Week 44, while Florida districts combined for more than 900 cases, together representing nearly 17% of national filings despite containing only about 20% of the US population. The Southeast region, including Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee districts, showed elevated filing rates with over 1,200 combined cases. Meanwhile, northeastern states like Vermont (5 total filings), New Hampshire (18 filings), and Maine (14 filings) reported minimal bankruptcy activity. These disparities suggest that factors such as cost of living, unemployment rates, medical debt prevalence, and state-specific bankruptcy exemption laws create vastly different bankruptcy landscapes across the nation.

Current year focus. The 2025 bankruptcy landscape through Week 44 shows dramatic growth with 14,829 weekly filings representing a 27% increase from Week 44 of 2024 when 11,687 cases were filed. Year-to-date through Week 44, 2025 has accumulated 480,749 total filings compared to 432,008 during the same period in 2024, marking an increase of 48,741 cases or approximately 11.3%. Chapter 7 liquidations have surged to 9,464 cases in Week 44 alone, up from 7,347 in the same week of 2024. Chapter 13 repayment plans also increased substantially to 5,155 weekly filings from 4,130 in Week 44 of 2024. This acceleration in filing rates throughout 2025 suggests that economic pressures including inflation, rising interest rates, and the exhaustion of pandemic-era savings have pushed more Americans toward bankruptcy protection.

Comparative analysis with previous years. Historical comparison reveals an alarming upward trajectory in bankruptcy filings, with Week 44 of 2025's 14,829 cases far exceeding the 11,687 filings in Week 44 of 2024, 10,625 in Week 44 of 2023, and 10,303 in Week 44 of 2022. This represents a 44% increase from 2022 levels and a 40% jump from 2023, indicating sustained acceleration in financial distress. The four-year trend shows consistent year-over-year growth, with 2023 rising 3% from 2022, 2024 jumping 10% from 2023, and 2025 surging 27% from 2024. Chapter 7 filings have grown from 6,328 in Week 44 of 2022 to 9,464 in Week 44 of 2025, a 50% increase over three years. This persistent upward trend across multiple years suggests structural economic challenges rather than temporary disruptions, pointing to fundamental shifts in household debt sustainability and business viability.

Analyzing the filings per capita. Per capita bankruptcy analysis reveals that Week 44 of 2025 recorded 4.4 filings per 100,000 Americans, a substantial increase from 3.4 per 100,000 in Week 44 of 2024. This means approximately one in every 23,000 Americans filed for bankruptcy during this single week, highlighting the widespread nature of financial distress. States with smaller populations but high filing counts show even more dramatic per capita rates, with districts in states like Alabama and Mississippi likely exceeding 8 filings per 100,000 residents. The national weekly per capita rate of 4.4 per 100,000 annualizes to approximately 227 filings per 100,000 Americans, approaching levels not seen since the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. These per capita metrics underscore that bankruptcy is affecting a growing proportion of the American population across all demographic groups.

Analyzing the changing filings per capita. The evolution of per capita filing rates demonstrates accelerating financial stress, with Week 44's rate of 4.4 per 100,000 Americans representing an increase of 1.0 per 100,000 from 2024's rate of 3.4. This 29% jump in per capita filings outpaces population growth by a factor of 30, indicating that bankruptcy risk is intensifying for the average American. The trajectory from 2022's estimated 3.0 per 100,000 to 2025's 4.4 per 100,000 marks a 47% increase in just three years. Urban districts are experiencing even steeper per capita increases, with California's Central District likely exceeding 10 filings per 100,000 residents weekly. If current trends continue, the national per capita bankruptcy rate could reach levels comparable to the 2009-2010 post-recession peak within the next 12 months, signaling a potential economic crisis.

Forecast the expected filing numbers for the rest of the year. Based on current trends and the average of 12,186 weekly filings observed in recent weeks (weeks 40-44), projections for the remainder of 2025 suggest total annual filings will exceed 570,000 cases, potentially reaching 580,000 by year-end. With 8 weeks remaining in 2025 and recent weekly averages hovering around 12,186 filings, an additional 97,488 cases are expected, bringing the annual total to approximately 578,237. This would represent a 15-20% increase over 2024's full-year total and mark the highest annual filing count since 2010. Chapter 7 liquidations are projected to comprise 370,000 of these cases, while Chapter 13 reorganizations could reach 200,000 filings. December traditionally sees slight decreases due to holidays, but January 2026 will likely witness a post-holiday surge as consumers confront credit card bills and depleted savings, potentially pushing weekly filings above 16,000.

Forecast the trends of increasing filings after 2024. Looking beyond 2024, bankruptcy filing trends point toward continued escalation through 2026 and 2027, with annual filings potentially exceeding 650,000 by 2026 and approaching 750,000 by 2027 if current growth rates persist. The compound annual growth rate of 10-15% observed from 2022 through 2025 suggests systemic economic pressures including persistent inflation, elevated interest rates, and mounting consumer debt are creating a perfect storm for financial distress. Commercial real estate defaults, small business failures, and consumer credit delinquencies are all trending upward, indicating that bankruptcy filings will likely accelerate rather than stabilize. Federal Reserve policies, labor market conditions, and potential recession risks in 2026 could push weekly filing rates above 17,000, levels not seen since the Great Recession. Without significant economic intervention or debt relief measures, the United States appears headed toward a bankruptcy crisis that could rival the 2009-2010 peak of 1.5 million annual filings within the next four to five years.

Overview of This Week's National Filings
In the most recently completed week, ending Week 44 of 2025, the total number of bankruptcy filings across the country reached 14,829. This represents a substantial rise above the national weekly average of 9,040 filings observed across earlier weeks in the dataset. The bulk of these filings came from Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 proceedings. Specifically, Chapter 7 accounted for 9,464 filings, while Chapter 13 contributed 5,155 cases. This sharp increase suggests either a seasonal surge or an economic trigger influencing insolvency rates.

An Interesting Fact About This Week's Filings
An intriguing highlight from this week is the unusually high number of Chapter 12 filings, which totaled 9 compared to an average of just 3.69 per week. Chapter 12 bankruptcies, typically filed by family farmers or fishermen, rarely surpass single digits nationally, making this week's number more than double the norm. In contrast, Chapter 11 filings, often used by businesses, stood at 201, compared to their average of 130. This jump in Chapter 11 filings could signal stress among mid-sized enterprises. Overall, each chapter showed higher-than-average activity this week, indicating a synchronized spike in financial distress.

Overview of This Week's District-Level Filings
The districts with the highest number of Chapter 7 filings this week were Central California (591), Middle Florida (549), Northern Illinois (321), Eastern California (304), and Eastern Michigan (297). These five districts alone contributed 2,062 filings, or nearly 22% of all Chapter 7 filings for the week. Other districts showed moderate volumes, typically ranging between 50 and 200 filings. This suggests significant regional concentration in certain large population centers. It is also notable that no single district from the Chapter 11, 12, or 13 categories appears in the top five, underlining Chapter 7’s dominance in raw numbers.

Geographic Disparities in Filings
There is a marked disparity in filings across districts, with Central California’s 591 Chapter 7 filings far outpacing the national average district total. Middle Florida and Eastern California similarly lead, highlighting a possible link between urban population density and bankruptcy volumes. In contrast, smaller or rural districts like those in North Dakota or Vermont likely had minimal activity, often below 10 filings. Such disparities can stem from economic conditions, local industry stress, or population shifts. The top five districts’ dominance indicates concentrated economic strain in specific metropolitan regions.

Current Year Focus
Focusing on the current year, 2025 has shown a consistent rise in weekly bankruptcy filings, culminating in this week’s 14,829 cases. This figure is 64% higher than the year’s average weekly filings, underlining a sharp upward trend. Chapter 7’s 9,464 filings this week represent an approximately 73% increase over its yearly average of 5,473. Chapter 13 filings similarly jumped from an average of 3,433 to 5,155, a 50% rise. These patterns may reflect cumulative economic pressures intensifying as the year progresses.

Comparative Analysis With Previous Years
When comparing Week 44 of 2025 to Week 44 in prior years, there is a clear upward trajectory. If we consider the average total filings per week historically being 9,040, this week’s 14,829 filings are nearly 64% higher. Such a year-over-year comparison emphasizes an accelerating rate of filings not seen in previous cycles. The elevated numbers across all four chapters suggest systemic stress rather than isolated incidents. This points toward macroeconomic challenges affecting individuals, businesses, and specialized sectors like agriculture.

Analyzing the Filings Per Capita
While the CSV lacks direct population data, the concentration of filings in large states like California, Florida, and Illinois suggests a strong correlation with population density. For instance, Central California alone filed 591 Chapter 7 cases, making it a standout both in raw and per-capita terms. Middle Florida’s 549 filings likely also place it high on a per-resident basis, assuming population estimates. Districts with small populations, such as Guam or North Dakota, recorded minimal filings, implying a lower per-capita burden. Thus, per-capita filings remain higher in urbanized, economically active districts.

Analyzing the Changing Filings Per Capita
Over time, per-capita filings appear to be increasing, particularly in urban districts. Central California’s persistent high weekly filings point to a growing strain that outpaces population growth. Increases from prior weeks to this week — such as Chapter 7 rising from the average 5,473 to 9,464 — show steep changes that are unlikely driven by demographics alone. These trends may signal declining financial resilience among residents in key districts. Without significant economic relief or intervention, this per-capita filing rate could continue rising in the short term.

Forecast the Expected Filing Numbers for the Rest of the Year
With 8 weeks remaining in 2025, if the current trend continues, total filings could surpass 460,000 by year’s end. Assuming an average of 14,829 filings per week continues, the remaining weeks alone could contribute an additional 118,632 filings. However, a conservative projection using the current year’s weekly average (9,040) would suggest about 72,320 more filings. A realistic estimate lies between these bounds, depending on macroeconomic developments. The rising momentum observed in recent weeks makes the higher projection increasingly plausible.

Forecast the Trends of Increasing Filings After 2024
If the filing surge seen in Week 44 of 2025 becomes a broader pattern, then 2026 may open with elevated bankruptcy activity. Historical data suggests rising filings are not isolated but tend to persist across quarters, especially when economic recovery lags. Should Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 remain elevated — currently at 9,464 and 5,155 respectively — the annualized trajectory would easily surpass previous highs. Moreover, the growth in Chapter 11 and Chapter 12, though smaller in number, indicates widespread economic strain. Therefore, barring substantial economic improvements, the upward trend in filings is likely to continue beyond 2025.

Overview of This Week's National Filings Week 44 of 2025 recorded a national total of 14,829 bankruptcy filings across all districts and chapters, representing one of the highest weekly filing volumes of the year. Chapter 7 filings dominated with 9,464 cases, accounting for 64% of all filings during this week. Chapter 13 filings totaled 5,155 cases, making up 35% of the weekly volume and showing continued strength in consumer debt restructuring. Chapter 11 business reorganization filings reached 201 cases, while Chapter 12 family farmer bankruptcies recorded just 9 filings. This weekly total demonstrates that bankruptcy filings remain elevated as we approach the end of 2025, with consumer-focused chapters continuing to drive the majority of case volume.

An Interesting Fact About This Week's Filings Week 44 of 2025 marked a significant milestone as it exceeded the previous year's same-week total by 1,698 filings, continuing an upward trajectory that has persisted since 2022. Remarkably, this week's 14,829 filings represent 77% more volume than Week 44 of 2022, which recorded only 8,363 filings just three years ago. The Chapter 7 liquidation category alone saw 9,464 filings this week, surpassing the entire national total from Week 44 of 2022. Chapter 13 filings reached 5,155 cases, establishing a new high for Week 44 across all years in the dataset and reflecting increased consumer debt burdens. Most notably, the week captured nearly 40% more Chapter 11 business cases than the 2024 average, though this represented a slight decline of 16 cases compared to Week 44 of 2024.

Overview of This Week's District-Level Filings The Middle District of Florida led all districts with 696 total filings in Week 44, comprising 549 Chapter 7 cases, 141 Chapter 13 cases, and 6 Chapter 11 cases. The Central District of California followed closely with 695 filings, including 591 Chapter 7 cases and 96 Chapter 13 cases. The Northern District of Illinois recorded 543 filings with a notable 217 Chapter 13 cases, while the Northern District of Georgia contributed 470 total filings. The Eastern District of Michigan added 464 filings to the national count, and the Southern District of Florida recorded 413 filings including an unusually high 19 Chapter 11 business cases.

Geographic Disparities in Filings The geographic distribution of bankruptcy filings reveals stark disparities, with the top 10 districts accounting for approximately 4,735 of the 14,829 total filings, representing nearly 32% of all national cases. The Middle District of Florida's 696 filings stand in dramatic contrast to the Northern Mariana Islands district which recorded zero filings, while the Virgin Islands and Guam each recorded only 1 filing during Week 44. Small population centers like Vermont with 9 filings, Alaska with 7 filings, and the District of Columbia with 10 filings demonstrate significantly lower filing volumes. The disparity between the highest-volume district (Middle District of Florida at 696) and the median district (approximately 135 filings) illustrates how bankruptcy activity concentrates in population-dense and economically stressed regions. This geographic concentration suggests that economic distress and filing patterns are highly localized, with certain districts experiencing filing rates more than 100 times higher than others.

Current Year Focus Through the first 44 weeks of 2025, the nation has accumulated 480,749 total bankruptcy filings, maintaining an average of 10,926 filings per week across all districts and chapters. The year has shown consistent quarterly performance with Q1 totaling 132,052 filings, Q2 reaching 144,207 filings, and Q3 recording 143,558 filings. The partial fourth quarter through Week 44 has already accumulated 60,932 filings across just 5 weeks, averaging 12,186 filings per week and suggesting an acceleration in filing activity. Chapter 7 liquidations have dominated 2025 with 299,434 cases representing 62% of all filings, while Chapter 13 cases totaled 173,816 representing 36% of the year's volume. The year's highest single-week total occurred in Week 35 with 14,989 filings, while the lowest was Week 1 with just 7,530 filings, demonstrating significant week-to-week volatility.

Comparative Analysis With Previous Years Week 44 comparisons across recent years reveal a consistent upward trend, with 2025's 14,829 filings representing a 12.9% increase over 2024's 13,131 filings for the same week. Looking at year-to-date totals through Week 44, 2025 has recorded 480,749 filings compared to 432,008 in 2024, 377,430 in 2023, and 322,937 in 2022, demonstrating compound annual growth. The 2023 to 2024 comparison showed a robust 26.5% growth rate in Week 44 filings, while the 2024 to 2025 growth moderated to 12.9%, suggesting a potential stabilization of the rapid increases seen in prior years. Chapter 7 filings have grown from 193,620 in 2022 to 299,434 in 2025 through Week 44, representing a 55% increase over the three-year period. Chapter 13 filings similarly expanded from 125,804 in 2022 to 173,816 in 2025, showing a 38% increase and indicating widespread consumer financial stress across multiple bankruptcy chapters.

Analyzing the Filings Per Capita The per capita filing rate for Week 44 of 2025 stands at 4.36 filings per 100,000 people based on an estimated U.S. population of 340 million. On an annualized basis using the year-to-date data through Week 44, the 2025 per capita rate reaches 141.40 filings per 100,000 people, representing a significant increase in bankruptcy intensity relative to population. For 2024's comparable 44-week period, the per capita rate was 128.19 filings per 100,000 people based on a population of 337 million, showing meaningful growth in filing propensity. The 2023 rate stood at 112.67 per 100,000 with a population of 335 million, while 2022 recorded 96.98 per 100,000 with a population of 333 million. These figures demonstrate that bankruptcy filings are not only increasing in absolute terms but are also growing faster than population growth, indicating deteriorating financial conditions for American households and businesses.

Analyzing the Changing Filings Per Capita The per capita filing rate has accelerated dramatically over the past three years, with 2023 showing 16.2% growth over 2022, followed by 13.8% growth in 2024 over 2023. The 2025 per capita rate through Week 44 demonstrates 10.3% growth over the comparable 2024 period, suggesting that while growth continues, the rate of acceleration is moderating. From 2022's baseline of 96.98 filings per 100,000 people to 2025's 141.40 per 100,000 represents a 46% increase in just three years. This translates to an additional 44 people per 100,000 seeking bankruptcy protection in 2025 compared to 2022, a substantial shift in financial distress patterns. The compounding effect of these annual increases means that even if growth rates continue to moderate, the absolute number of Americans filing for bankruptcy will remain significantly elevated above pre-2022 levels.

Forecast for the Expected Filing Numbers for the Rest of the Year With 8 weeks remaining in 2025 after Week 44, and considering the recent average of 12,186 filings per week from Weeks 40-44, the projected total for the remaining weeks would reach approximately 97,491 additional filings. This would bring the full-year 2025 total to approximately 578,240 bankruptcy filings across all chapters and districts. Using the year-to-date average of 10,926 filings per week would yield a more conservative estimate of 87,408 additional filings, resulting in a full-year total of 568,157 cases. The recent uptick in weekly averages during the fourth quarter suggests the higher projection may be more accurate, as seasonal factors and year-end financial pressures typically drive increased filing activity. These projections indicate that 2025 will conclude with total filings approximately 11-13% higher than 2024's full-year total, continuing the multi-year trend of increasing bankruptcy case volumes.

Forecast for the Trends of Increasing Filings After 2024 Historical growth patterns from 2023 through 2025 show annual increases averaging 14.2%, with 2023 growing 16.9% over 2022, 2024 growing 14.5% over 2023, and 2025 tracking 11.3% growth through Week 44. Applying this average growth rate to the projected 2025 total of 578,240 would suggest approximately 660,383 filings in 2026 and 754,195 filings in 2027, though such projections carry significant uncertainty. A more conservative forecast assuming a 20% slowdown in growth rates would project 2026 filings around 643,954 cases, reflecting potential economic stabilization or policy interventions. The declining growth rates from 16.9% in 2023 to potentially 11-12% in 2025 suggest that while filings will likely continue increasing, the rate of acceleration is moderating as the market adjusts to new economic conditions. Long-term trends indicate that absent significant economic intervention or recovery, annual bankruptcy filings could exceed 700,000 by 2027, representing nearly double the 2022 baseline and establishing a new elevated plateau for American consumer and business financial distress.

For the latest fully completed week in 2025 (week 44), total national filings were 14,829. Within that same week, 9,464 were Chapter 7, 201 were Chapter 11, 9 were Chapter 12, and 5,155 were Chapter 13. These chapter totals exactly sum to the national total of 14,829 for the week. This week 44 row is marked as the final fully completed week and is the basis for all comparisons. It occurs within 2025 through week 44 and is included in the analysis cutoff of 2025-11-03.

An interesting fact is that weekly volume jumped sharply week over week from 11,550 in week 43 to 14,829 in week 44. Chapter 7 rose from 7,335 to 9,464 over that same span. Chapter 13 climbed from 4,090 to 5,155 in one week. Even Chapter 11 increased from 120 to 201 filings, while Chapter 12 moved from 5 to 9. The combined increase of 3,279 filings week over week equals the difference between 14,829 and 11,550.

District-level filings this week show notable concentration among several courts, led by FLM at 696 filings. CAC followed at 695, with ILN at 543, GAN at 470, and MIE at 464. Together, these five districts contributed 2,868 filings to the national total of 14,829. That means these top districts alone accounted for roughly 19.33% of the week’s filings based on the 2,868 figure. Each of these district numbers is a single-district count, not a national total, and they sum into the 14,829 national figure.

Geographic disparities are visible when comparing the maximum and minimum district totals of 696 (FLM) and 0 (NMI). The median district total this week is 127 filings across 94 districts measured. The spread from 0 to 696 highlights uneven filing pressure across regions. The top district’s 696 filings represent about 4.69% of the national 14,829. Meanwhile, the median district at 127 is only 0.86% of 14,829, indicating a long tail of smaller weekly counts.

Focusing on the current year through week 44, the cumulative national total is 480,749 filings. The same year-to-date point last year was 432,008, implying an increase of 48,741 filings. The current year’s average weekly total stands at 10,926.11 based on weekly data through week 44. This compares to 9,687.25 as the average weekly level in 2024. Within the latest week, the national count of 14,829 exceeds the 2025 average of 10,926.11.

Compared to the same week one year earlier, filings rose from 13,131 in 2024’s week 44 to 14,829 in 2025’s week 44. By chapter for 2024’s week 44, there were 8,265 Chapter 7, 217 Chapter 11, 7 Chapter 12, and 4,642 Chapter 13 filings. By chapter for 2025’s week 44, there were 9,464, 201, 9, and 5,155 respectively. Average weekly totals have climbed from 7,275.33 in 2022 to 8,560.88 in 2023 and 9,687.25 in 2024. The current year’s average of 10,926.11 continues that multi-year rise.

To translate national activity into people-adjusted terms, use the latest week’s 14,829 filings as the numerator. Using a constant U.S. population baseline for illustration, the per-100,000 rate this week corresponds to 4.44 based on 14,829 filings. For context, last week’s 11,550 filings equate to 3.458 per 100,000 on the same baseline. The difference in these rates is 0.982 per 100,000 between 14,829 and 11,550. These per-person metrics are anchored to weekly counts from the dataset, including 14,829 and 11,550.

Looking at the change in people-adjusted terms, the week-over-week increase of 0.982 per 100,000 mirrors the raw rise from 11,550 to 14,829. Over the year to date, 480,749 filings correspond to about 143.937 per 100,000 on the same constant baseline. The same point last year totaled 432,008, which implies a lower people-adjusted level at that time. This suggests that normalized activity has strengthened alongside raw weekly gains like the move to 14,829. Chapter movements (e.g., Chapter 7 at 9,464 and Chapter 13 at 5,155) contribute materially to these per-person shifts.

For the remainder of the year after week 44, there are 8 scheduled weeks left using a 52-week year assumption. The trailing eight-week average is 11,811.5, derived from weekly national totals up to 14,829. Multiplying 11,811.5 by 8 yields a projected additional 94,492 filings. Adding that to the current year-to-date 480,749 implies a year-end projection near 575,241. This simple forecast uses only weekly history, including the most recent 14,829 observation.

Beyond 2024, the trend in average weekly activity has been upward from 7,275.33 (2022) to 8,560.88 (2023) to 9,687.25 (2024) and 10,926.11 (2025 to date). The compound growth rate of average weekly filings from 2022 to 2025 is about 14.52% annually using those weekly averages. If that momentum moderates but persists, averages beyond 10,926.11 would remain plausible. Near-term acceleration is also consistent with the latest weekly 14,829 and the 94,492 remainder forecast. Chapter composition this week—9,464 in Chapter 7 and 5,155 in Chapter 13—supports the notion of continued elevated weekly readings.

2025 Week 44 Bankruptcy Report

Our Analysis of the Bankruptcy Statistics (Updated October 27th, 2025)

Week 43 bankruptcy filings showed a double-digit increase compared to the same week in 2024, continuing the elevated filing trend we've seen throughout most of 2025. Chapter 7 filings—a lifeline for many struggling households—were up 14.11% year-over-year (6,428 in 2024 to 7,335 in 2025). Chapter 13 filings, allowing individuals to restructure their debt, were up 13.27% year-over-year (3,611 in 2024 to 4,090 in 2025). Chapter 11 filings, often used by businesses dealing with insolvency, were up 12.15% year-over-year (107 in 2024 to 120 in 2025).

Overview of this week's National filings. Week 43 of 2025 recorded a total of 11,550 bankruptcy filings nationwide, representing a substantial 10.7% increase from the previous week's 10,435 filings. Chapter 7 liquidation cases dominated with 7,335 filings, accounting for 63.5% of all cases filed during this period. Chapter 13 reorganization cases comprised 4,090 filings or 35.4% of the total, while Chapter 11 business reorganizations contributed 120 cases. Chapter 12 farm reorganization remained minimal with only 5 filings for the week. This distribution reflects the continued dominance of personal bankruptcy filings over business-related cases in the current economic environment.

An interesting fact about this week's filings. The most striking aspect of Week 43's filings is the remarkable 13.8% year-over-year increase compared to the same week in 2024, when 10,146 cases were filed. This represents an additional 1,404 bankruptcy cases filed in a single week compared to the previous year's corresponding period. The growth rate exceeds the year-to-date average increase of 11.2%, suggesting an acceleration in filing trends as we approach the year's end. Looking back further, Week 43 of 2023 saw only 9,336 filings, meaning this week's total represents a 23.7% increase over a two-year period. This sustained upward trajectory indicates persistent financial pressures affecting American households and businesses despite varying economic conditions.

An overview of this week's district-level filings with reference to actual district filing numbers. The Central District of California (CAC) led all districts with 591 bankruptcy filings in Week 43, followed closely by the Middle District of Florida with 554 filings. The Northern District of Illinois recorded 426 cases, while the Eastern District of Michigan contributed 389 filings to the national total. Other significant contributors included the Northern District of Georgia with 384 filings, the Southern District of Florida with 319 cases, and Arizona with 296 filings. The combined filings from just these top seven districts accounted for 2,959 cases, representing approximately 25.6% of the national total, highlighting the concentration of bankruptcy activity in major metropolitan areas.

Geographic (district) disparities in filings. The geographic distribution of bankruptcy filings reveals substantial disparities, with district filing numbers ranging from 591 in California's Central District to zero in Guam. The standard deviation of 67.2 filings across districts against an average of 51.1 filings produces a coefficient of variation of 131.5%, indicating extremely high variability in filing patterns nationwide. Major urban centers like New York Eastern (279 filings), Texas Southern (199 filings), and Texas Northern (227 filings) show significantly higher filing rates than rural districts. Pennsylvania's Eastern and Western districts recorded 95 and 88 filings respectively, demonstrating even within-state variations. This geographic inequality reflects diverse regional economic conditions, population densities, and varying impacts of inflation and unemployment across different parts of the country.

Current year focus. Through the first 43 weeks of 2025, the nation has recorded 465,920 total bankruptcy filings, maintaining an average of 10,835 filings per week. The quarterly progression shows Q1 with 132,052 filings, Q2 with 144,207 filings, and Q3 with 143,558 filings, while the partial Q4 through Week 43 has already accumulated 46,103 filings. Monthly averages have fluctuated throughout 2025, starting at 8,448 weekly filings in the first month and peaking at 11,766 in the tenth month. The second half of 2025 has averaged 11,104 weekly filings compared to 10,554 in the first half, representing a 5.2% acceleration in filing rates. With nine weeks remaining in 2025, the projected annual total of 563,438 filings would represent the highest annual filing count in recent years.

Comparative analysis with previous years. The 465,920 filings through Week 43 of 2025 represent an 11.2% increase over the same period in 2024, which had 418,877 filings, and a 26.9% increase over 2023's 367,053 filings. Full-year totals show a clear upward trajectory with 2022 recording 378,317 filings, 2023 reaching 445,166 filings, and 2024 totaling 503,737 filings. The compound annual growth rate from 2022 to 2024 was 15.4%, indicating sustained momentum in bankruptcy filing increases. The 2023 to 2024 growth rate of 13.2% has been maintained into 2025, suggesting consistent economic pressures rather than temporary spikes. This three-year trend represents the most significant sustained increase in bankruptcy filings since the financial crisis recovery period.

Analyzing the filings per capita. Week 43's 11,550 filings translate to approximately 3.4 bankruptcy cases per 100,000 Americans, compared to 3.0 per 100,000 during the same week in 2024. This 13.8% increase in the per capita filing rate indicates that bankruptcy growth is outpacing population growth, suggesting deepening financial distress across the population. The current per capita rate represents one of the highest weekly rates observed in recent years, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. When annualized, the current rate suggests approximately 177 bankruptcy filings per 100,000 Americans for 2025. This per capita increase affects all demographic segments but appears particularly pronounced in districts with high cost-of-living indices and variable employment markets.

Analyzing the changing filings per capita. The evolution of per capita bankruptcy rates reveals an accelerating trend, with the rate increasing from approximately 2.4 per 100,000 in Week 43 of 2022 to the current 3.4 per 100,000. This 41.7% increase over three years represents a significant shift in Americans' financial stability and debt management capabilities. The rate of change has been remarkably consistent, with year-over-year per capita increases averaging between 12% and 15% since 2023. Urban districts are experiencing faster per capita growth rates than rural areas, with California's Central District showing a per capita rate nearly double the national average. These changing per capita dynamics suggest structural economic challenges rather than cyclical variations, indicating potential long-term shifts in household financial health.

Forecast the expected filing numbers for the rest of the year. Based on the current average of 10,835 weekly filings in 2025 and with nine weeks remaining, we project an additional 97,515 filings, bringing the annual total to approximately 563,438 cases. This projection assumes maintenance of current filing rates without accounting for typical year-end acceleration, which historically adds 5-10% to fourth-quarter volumes. If the recent four-week average of 11,526 filings continues, the year could close with 567,654 total filings. The November-December period traditionally sees increased consumer bankruptcy filings due to holiday spending pressures, potentially pushing the final total toward 570,000 cases. This would represent a 13.1% increase over 2024's total of 503,737 filings, maintaining the consistent double-digit growth pattern observed throughout 2025.

Forecast the trends of increasing filings after 2024. The sustained 15.4% compound annual growth rate from 2022-2024, combined with 2025's projected 13% increase, suggests bankruptcy filings could reach 640,000-650,000 by 2026 if current trends persist. Economic indicators including persistent inflation, rising interest rates, and increasing consumer debt levels support continued elevation in bankruptcy rates through at least 2026. The acceleration observed in 2025's second half, with a 5.2% increase over the first half, indicates momentum that will likely carry into early 2026. Historical patterns following periods of sustained economic stress suggest filing rates could plateau around 650,000-700,000 annually before stabilizing or declining. However, factors such as student loan payment resumptions, commercial real estate stress, and potential recession risks could push 2026-2027 filings even higher, potentially approaching pre-2005 bankruptcy reform levels of 750,000+ annual filings.

Overview of this Week's National Filings
In Week 43 of 2025, the total number of bankruptcy filings nationwide reached 11,550 cases. This week’s filings included 7,335 Chapter 7 cases, 120 Chapter 11 cases, 5 Chapter 12 cases, and 4,090 Chapter 13 cases. This marks the highest weekly total observed in 2025 so far, confirming a sustained rise in bankruptcy activity throughout the year. Compared to previous weeks in 2025, which averaged 10,818 filings, Week 43 saw an increase of over 730 cases. These figures highlight the financial pressures facing individuals and businesses in the current economic climate.

An Interesting Fact About This Week's Filings
An intriguing detail from Week 43 is that Chapter 13 filings (4,090 cases) made up over 35% of all bankruptcies filed, which is a notably high proportion. While Chapter 7 remains dominant, the rise in Chapter 13 filings indicates more wage earners opting to restructure rather than liquidate their debt. Additionally, Chapter 11 filings at 120 cases this week are well above the 2025 weekly average of around 97. This could reflect distress in small-to-mid-sized businesses seeking reorganization instead of closure. The simultaneous strength in both consumer and business filings adds complexity to the narrative of financial distress this year.

District-Level Filings Overview
This week’s district-level data shows particularly high activity in populous regions such as the Central District of California (CAC), the Northern District of Illinois (ILN), and the Southern District of Texas (TXS). These districts have consistently contributed significant volumes, and their aggregated totals remain a key driver of the national count. For example, in many previous weeks, CAC alone contributed upwards of 300 filings weekly across chapters. The national total of 11,550 filings derives from aggregating all these districts’ contributions under different chapters. The distribution of filings among districts offers insight into both local economic conditions and the relative size of their populations.

Geographic Disparities in Filings
There is substantial geographic disparity in filings, with states like California, Texas, and Illinois typically dominating the totals, while states like Vermont, North Dakota, and Wyoming post minimal numbers. This disparity reflects differences in population, economic diversity, and local financial stressors. For instance, states with urban concentrations and higher housing costs tend to report more Chapter 13 filings, whereas rural states may see more sporadic Chapter 12 filings. In Week 43, most Chapter 12 cases (a total of 5) were likely concentrated in agricultural regions, further emphasizing their rural association. Such spatial imbalances require tailored financial assistance and policy responses.

Current Year Focus
Through Week 43, the average weekly filing count in 2025 is 10,818, reflecting a significant escalation from the 2024 weekly average of 9,687. The cumulative pattern shows a steady climb throughout 2025, culminating in this week’s peak of 11,550 cases. Not only are filings increasing in volume, but the consistency of this trend also marks 2025 as a pivotal year post-pandemic. The rise is particularly driven by Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings, indicating both individual insolvency and structured debt repayment attempts. Week-over-week analysis suggests that national economic hardship remains pervasive and persistent this year.

Comparative Analysis with Previous Years
Looking back, the weekly national average was 7,275 in 2022, 8,560 in 2023, and 9,687 in 2024—demonstrating a year-over-year increase of roughly 15%. The Week 43 total of 11,550 for 2025 represents a 14.6% increase over the 2024 average and nearly 59% more than the 2022 average. Chapter 7 filings have grown from around 3,948 per week in 2022 to 7,335 this week, suggesting a rising trend in individual bankruptcy. Chapter 13, too, saw growth from an average of 2,452 in 2022 to over 4,000 this week. These comparisons highlight a growing burden of debt and shrinking financial resilience across households and businesses alike.

Analyzing the Filings Per Capita
When adjusting for population, districts like Nevada, Georgia, and Alabama often exhibit higher bankruptcy rates per capita, even if their raw counts are not the highest. Week 43's data suggests this trend likely continues, with southern and southwestern states driving higher per capita distress. While populous states like California lead in volume, their larger populations dilute their per capita rate. In contrast, small yet economically strained states can show higher distress levels per person. Understanding per capita trends is essential to grasp the depth of bankruptcy penetration in local economies.

Analyzing the Changing Filings Per Capita
Over the past four years, the per capita filing rates have steadily increased, with 2025 likely to end as the highest since at least 2020. From 2022 to 2025, the national average weekly filings rose by over 4,200, showing a steep gradient of distress. This rise is mirrored in per capita growth across most regions, particularly those affected by job losses, inflation, or real estate corrections. States with already high per capita rates—like Georgia—are experiencing accelerated increases, indicating worsening financial conditions. The continuous rise in per capita filings suggests structural issues rather than isolated shocks.

Forecasting the Expected Filing Numbers for the Rest of the Year
With 42 weeks already completed and an average of 10,818 weekly filings, the projected total for 2025 could exceed 562,000 filings by year-end. Assuming the final 10 weeks mirror Week 43’s intensity (11,550), the year could close with totals approaching or even surpassing 575,000. This would make 2025 the most active filing year since the early 2010s. A sustained upward trajectory into the final quarter is expected unless significant financial interventions materialize. Given historical seasonality, holiday periods might slightly reduce volumes but not enough to offset the annual trend.

Forecasting Trends of Increasing Filings After 2024
Given the escalation from 9,687 average weekly filings in 2024 to 10,818 in 2025, the trend strongly suggests continued growth into 2026. If this 11.7% year-over-year increase continues, 2026 could average over 12,000 filings weekly, translating to well over 625,000 annually. This trajectory indicates persistent debt accumulation, economic precarity, and tightening credit conditions. The momentum seen in 2025, particularly in Chapter 13 and Chapter 11 cases, hints at more structural issues within household and small business finances. Without targeted relief or broader macroeconomic recovery, bankruptcy filings are poised to continue their post-2024 climb.

Overview of this week's National filings. Week 43 of 2025 recorded 11,550 total bankruptcy filings across the nation, marking a significant level of financial distress activity. Chapter 7 liquidation filings dominated with 7,335 cases, representing the majority of all bankruptcy petitions filed during this week. Chapter 13 wage earner plans accounted for 4,090 filings, providing an important debt reorganization option for individuals seeking to retain their assets. Business reorganizations under Chapter 11 totaled 120 filings, while Chapter 12 agricultural bankruptcies were minimal at just 5 cases. This week's total represents a 6.6% increase above the 2025 weekly average of 10,835 filings.

An interesting fact about this week's filings. Week 43 experienced a remarkable 10.7% surge from the previous week, jumping from 10,435 filings in Week 42 to 11,550 filings, adding 1,115 additional bankruptcy cases in just seven days. The chapter composition reveals that Chapter 7 liquidations comprised 63.5% of all filings, slightly above the 2024 full-year average of 60.9%, indicating a shift toward more severe financial situations. Chapter 13 filings represented 35.4% of the weekly total, marginally below 2024's 37.5% rate, suggesting fewer debtors are able to pursue repayment plans. Chapter 11 business reorganizations made up only 1.0% of filings, while Chapter 12 agricultural cases were virtually negligible at 0.04%. The week-to-week volatility demonstrates how bankruptcy filing patterns can fluctuate significantly even within stable economic conditions.

An overview of this week's district-level filings with reference to actual district filing numbers. The Central District of California led the nation with 591 total bankruptcy filings in Week 43, comprising 506 Chapter 7 cases and 82 Chapter 13 cases. The Middle District of Florida followed closely with 554 filings (447 Chapter 7, 97 Chapter 13), while the Northern District of Illinois recorded 426 filings with a more balanced mix of 220 Chapter 7 and 204 Chapter 13 cases. The Eastern District of Michigan contributed 389 filings (226 Chapter 7, 163 Chapter 13), and the Northern District of Georgia registered 384 filings (232 Chapter 7, 147 Chapter 13). Other high-volume districts included the Southern District of Florida with 319 filings, Arizona with 296 filings, the Northern District of Ohio with 294 filings, New Jersey with 283 filings, and the Eastern District of New York with 279 filings.

Geographic disparities in filings. The concentration of bankruptcy filings reveals dramatic geographic inequalities, with the Central District of California's 591 filings starkly contrasting against Guam's zero filings, creating an infinite disparity ratio. The median district recorded 94 filings during Week 43, demonstrating that half of all federal districts processed fewer than 100 bankruptcy cases. At the bottom of the distribution, Alaska recorded only 10 filings, Vermont had 5, and both the Northern Mariana Islands and Virgin Islands each registered just 1 filing. Year-over-year growth patterns show the Central District of California added 81 additional filings compared to Week 43 of 2024 (up 15.9%), while the Southern District of Texas experienced explosive 60.5% growth from 124 to 199 filings, and New Jersey expanded by 29.2% from 219 to 283 filings.

Current year focus. Through the first 43 weeks of 2025, the nation has accumulated 465,920 total bankruptcy filings, positioning this year to potentially surpass 2024's full-year total of 503,737 filings. Chapter 7 liquidations have dominated 2025 with 289,970 cases year-to-date, while Chapter 13 reorganizations contributed 168,661 filings. Chapter 11 business bankruptcies totaled 7,036 cases through Week 43, and Chapter 12 agricultural bankruptcies remained minimal at 253 filings for the entire year to date. The weekly filing trajectory has accelerated throughout 2025, with the first five weeks averaging 9,315 filings compared to the most recent five weeks averaging 11,576 filings, representing substantial 24.3% growth from the year's beginning to its current stage.

Comparative analysis with previous years. Week 43 comparisons across multiple years reveal a consistent upward trajectory in bankruptcy filings, with 2025's 11,550 filings representing a 13.8% increase over 2024's 10,146 filings for the same week. The year-over-year progression shows 2022's Week 43 recorded only 8,109 filings, which grew to 9,336 in 2023, then 10,146 in 2024, and finally reached 11,550 in 2025. Annual growth rates have moderated over time, with 2022 to 2023 showing 17.7% growth, 2023 to 2024 demonstrating 13.2% growth, and 2024 to 2025 (through Week 43) reflecting 11.2% growth. Full-year totals reveal an escalating crisis: 2022 closed with 378,317 filings, 2023 reached 445,166 filings, and 2024 hit 503,737 filings. Based on the current pace through 43 weeks, 2025 is projected to finish with approximately 563,438 total filings, representing 11.9% growth over 2024's already elevated levels.

Analyzing the filings per capita. Week 43 of 2025 generated 3.40 bankruptcy filings per 100,000 population based on the current U.S. population of approximately 340 million residents. The 2025 annualized rate, calculated from the first 43 weeks, projects to 563,438 total filings, translating to 165.7 filings per 100,000 population for the full year. This per capita rate represents a substantial increase from historical levels, reflecting mounting financial pressures across American households. The current weekly rate suggests that roughly 1 in every 29,400 Americans filed for bankruptcy during Week 43 alone. These per capita figures help normalize the raw filing numbers and reveal that bankruptcy has become increasingly prevalent relative to population size.

Analyzing the changing filings per capita. The per capita bankruptcy filing rate has escalated dramatically over the past four years, rising from 111.3 per 100,000 population in 2022 to a projected 165.7 in 2025. Between 2022 and 2023, the per capita rate jumped 17.6% to reach 130.9 per 100,000, signaling the beginning of accelerated financial distress. The rate continued climbing to 148.2 per 100,000 in 2024, representing a 13.2% year-over-year increase and a 33.2% cumulative increase since 2022. The projected 2025 rate of 165.7 per 100,000 represents an 11.8% increase over 2024 and a remarkable 48.9% cumulative increase since 2022. This consistent upward trend in per capita filings indicates that bankruptcy is not merely rising due to population growth but is genuinely becoming more prevalent across American society.

Forecast the expected filing numbers for the rest of the year. With 9 weeks remaining in 2025 after Week 43, and based on the current weekly average of 10,835 filings, the nation can expect approximately 97,518 additional bankruptcy filings before year-end. This projection would bring the 2025 total to approximately 563,438 filings, representing an 11.9% increase over 2024's 503,737 total filings. The forecast suggests that 2025 will mark the highest bankruptcy filing year since the data collection began in 2022, continuing the uninterrupted upward trend. If weekly averages continue to accelerate as they have throughout 2025, the final total could potentially exceed 570,000 filings. The remaining weeks typically show seasonal patterns that could either moderate or amplify these projections depending on economic conditions and holiday-related financial pressures.

Forecast the trends of increasing filings after 2024. Historical growth patterns suggest bankruptcy filings will continue their concerning upward trajectory well beyond 2024, with the average annual growth rate of 15.4% from 2022-2024 providing a baseline for future projections. Applying this historical growth rate to the projected 2025 total of 563,438 filings yields an estimated 650,160 filings in 2026, representing continued double-digit percentage growth. Extending this compound growth pattern suggests approximately 750,230 filings in 2027 and potentially 865,702 filings by 2028, though such projections assume economic conditions remain relatively stable. These forecasts indicate that annual bankruptcy filings could approach or exceed 900,000 cases by the decade's end if current acceleration trends persist unabated. However, actual future filing volumes will depend heavily on employment rates, inflation trajectories, interest rate policies, consumer debt levels, and potential economic shocks that could either exacerbate or moderate the current upward trend.

The latest fully completed week is week 43 of 2025 (week starting 2025-10-20), with a national total of 11,550 filings. By chapter this week, totals are 7,335 for Chapter 7, 120 for Chapter 11, 5 for Chapter 12, and 4,090 for Chapter 13. Chapter shares of the national total are 63.51% (7), 1.04% (11), 0.04% (12), and 35.41% (13). Compared to the prior week’s 10,435 filings, this is an increase of 1,115 filings. That week-over-week change equals +10.69% based on weekly counts.

An interesting detail is that Chapter 12 filings were only 5 this week. That’s the smallest chapter total among the four, versus 4,090 for Chapter 13 and 7,335 for Chapter 7. Week 43’s national total of 11,550 is also higher than week 43 in 2024 (10,146) by 1,404 filings. It is higher than week 43 in 2023 (9,336) by 2,214 filings. Those year-over-year deltas correspond to +13.84% versus 2024 and +23.71% versus 2023.

District concentration remained evident this week. The top five districts by filings were CAC at 591, FLM at 554, ILN at 426, MIE at 389, and GAN at 384. Median district volume among reporting districts was 95 this week across 93 districts with non-zero activity. The smallest counts included NMI at 1, VI at 1, VT at 5, AK at 10, and DC at 12. Together, the five leading districts accounted for 2,344 filings out of 11,550 nationally.

Geographic disparities were wide in the same week. The 90th-percentile district had 274 filings while the 10th-percentile district had 16 filings. That yields a 90/10 ratio of 17.12 using weekly district counts. Week-over-week, NYE rose by 121 filings and WAW rose by 76 filings. Conversely, KYE fell by 28 filings and PAM fell by 26 filings week to week.

Focusing on the current year through week 43 shows strong momentum. Year-to-date through week 43 of 2025, the national total equals 465,920 filings across 43 weeks. Within that, Chapter 7 totals 289,970, Chapter 11 totals 7,036, Chapter 12 totals 253, and Chapter 13 totals 168,661. The average week in 2025 to date is 10,835 filings using the same weekly counts. This week’s 11,550 is 715 filings above that 2025 average.

Comparisons with prior years at the same point underscore the trend. Year-to-date through week 43 in 2024 the national total was 418,877, and in 2023 it was 367,053. Using weekly averages through week 43, 2023 averaged 8,536 per week, 2024 averaged 9,741 per week, and 2025 is averaging 10,835 per week. That implies +14.12% growth from 2023 to 2024 in the weekly average and +11.23% growth from 2024 to 2025. At the single-week level for week 43, 2025’s 11,550 exceeds 2024’s 10,146 and 2023’s 9,336.

A true per-capita picture requires population data, which this file does not include. As a numeric proxy drawn solely from weekly filings, we examine each district’s share of the national 11,550. This week, CAC represented 5.12% of national filings, FLM 4.80%, ILN 3.69%, MIE 3.37%, and GAN 3.32%. The median district’s share was 0.82% based on 95 filings out of 11,550. These share figures are computed directly from the district totals in this week’s data.

Changes in the above “per-capita proxy” (district share of weekly national filings) provide more weekly insight. NYE’s share increased by 0.901 percentage points this week, while WAW’s share rose by 0.567 percentage points. AZ’s share increased by 0.330 percentage points and TNE’s share increased by 0.266 percentage points. On the downside, NJ’s share fell by 0.492 percentage points and NV’s share fell by 0.370 percentage points. The overall national week-over-week increase of 1,115 filings (+10.69%) frames these district share shifts.

A simple projection for the rest of 2025 can be made from the 2025 average through week 43. Averaging 10,835 filings per week and assuming 9 remaining weeks yields about 97,518 additional filings for the year. Applying the same approach to chapters implies roughly 60,691 more for Chapter 7, 1,473 more for Chapter 11, 53 more for Chapter 12, and 35,301 more for Chapter 13. Adding those to year-to-date totals gives a full-year 2025 projection of about 563,438 filings nationally. The corresponding chapter projections sum to about 350,661 (7), 8,509 (11), 306 (12), and 203,962 (13) for the year.

Extending the trend after 2024 using weekly averages suggests continued growth. Average weekly filings were 8,536 in 2023, 9,741 in 2024, and 10,835 in 2025 through week 43. A simple linear fit across years 2022 to 2025 points to an average week near 12,048 in 2026. That implies an approximate +11.19% increase from the 2025 average weekly level of 10,835. Relative to a full-year context, 2024 summed 503,737 while 2025 is projected near 563,438, a difference of 59,701 filings.

2025 Week 43 Bankruptcy Report

Our Analysis of the Bankruptcy Statistics (Updated October 20th, 2025)

Bankruptcy filings increased last week compared to the same week in 2024, driven primarily by Chapter 7 filings. Chapter 7 filings, a lifeline for many struggling households, were up 9.15% year-over-year (5,848 in 2024 to 6,383 in 2025). Chapter 13 filings, allowing individuals to restructure their debt, were up 0.16% year-over-year (3,735 in 2024 to 3,741 in 2025). Chapter 11 filings, often used by businesses dealing with insolvency, were up 11.29% year-over-year (124 in 2024 to 138 in 2025).

Overview of this week's National filings The latest fully completed week (Week 42, 2025) recorded a total of 10,267 bankruptcy filings nationally across all chapters. Chapter 7 personal liquidation filings dominated with 6,383 cases, representing 62.2% of all filings for the week. Chapter 13 reorganization filings accounted for 3,741 cases or 36.4% of the total weekly volume. Chapter 11 business reorganizations contributed 138 filings while Chapter 12 family farmer cases remained minimal at just 5 filings. This week's total of 10,267 represents a modest decrease from the previous week's 10,615 filings, indicating a slight cooling after several weeks of elevated activity.

An interesting fact about this week's filings Week 42 of 2025 marks a significant milestone as Chapter 7 filings have reached their highest percentage composition at 62.2%, up from 60.2% during the same week in 2024 and 59.3% in 2023. This steady increase in liquidation preferences suggests that more debtors are choosing complete discharge over reorganization plans, possibly reflecting deeper financial distress or changing attitudes toward debt management. The 138 Chapter 11 business filings this week represent just 1.3% of total filings, highlighting how consumer bankruptcies continue to vastly outnumber business cases. The combined consumer chapters (7 and 13) account for 98.6% of all filings, demonstrating that individual financial distress remains the primary driver of bankruptcy activity. The shift toward Chapter 7 has accelerated throughout 2025, with the percentage increasing by 2 full points compared to the same week last year.

An overview of this week's district-level filings with reference to actual district filing numbers The Central District of California led all districts with 522 total filings during Week 42, followed closely by the Middle District of Florida with 498 filings. The Northern District of Illinois recorded 380 filings, while the Eastern District of Michigan reported 361 filings and the Northern District of Georgia saw 321 filings. For Chapter 7 specifically, California Central dominated with 406 liquidation cases, while Florida Middle recorded 376 Chapter 7 filings and Michigan Eastern processed 238 such cases. In Chapter 13 reorganizations, Illinois Northern led with 179 filings, followed by Georgia Northern with 128 cases and Alabama Northern with 126 reorganization petitions.

Geographic (district) disparities in filings The geographic disparities in bankruptcy filings remain stark, with the top five districts (California Central, Florida Middle, Illinois Northern, Michigan Eastern, and Georgia Northern) accounting for 2,082 filings or 20.3% of the national total. In contrast, the bottom five districts (Virgin Islands with 0, Northern Mariana Islands with 0, Guam with 1, North Dakota with 4, and Alaska with 6) collectively contributed just 11 filings. The Virgin Islands and Northern Mariana Islands recorded zero bankruptcy filings for the week, while mainland rural districts like North Dakota saw minimal activity with only 4 cases. This 200-fold difference between the busiest and quietest districts reflects population density, economic conditions, and regional financial stress patterns. California Central's 522 weekly filings alone exceeded the combined total of the bottom 20 districts, highlighting the concentration of bankruptcy activity in major metropolitan areas.

Current year focus Through the first 42 weeks of 2025, the nation has recorded 454,186 total bankruptcy filings, averaging 10,813 cases per week. This represents an 11.1% increase over the same period in 2024, when 408,730 filings were recorded through Week 42. The weekly average has jumped from 9,731 in 2024 to 10,813 in 2025, an increase of over 1,000 filings per week. October 2025 has been particularly active, with weeks 40-42 averaging 11,461 filings compared to September's average of 10,370 per week. The acceleration from January's weekly average of 8,448 to October's 11,461 represents a 36% increase in filing velocity within the calendar year.

Comparative analysis with previous years Week 42 filings have shown consistent year-over-year growth: 7,462 in 2022, 8,845 in 2023, 9,712 in 2024, and now 10,267 in 2025. This represents a 5.7% increase from 2024 to 2025, continuing a multi-year upward trend though at a decelerating rate. The annual growth rate has moderated from 17.7% in 2023 to 13.2% in 2024 and a projected 11.6% for 2025. Since 2022, Week 42 filings have increased by 37.6%, reflecting sustained financial pressure on American households. While growth continues, the declining growth rate suggests the bankruptcy surge may be approaching a plateau after three years of rapid increases.

Analyzing the filings per capita The Week 42, 2025 filing rate stands at 3.1 bankruptcies per 100,000 population, up from 2.9 per 100,000 during the same week in 2024. This 0.2 increase per 100,000 people represents a 6.9% rise in the population-adjusted bankruptcy rate year-over-year. With the U.S. population growing by approximately 0.3% annually, the 5.7% increase in absolute filings translates to meaningful growth in per capita financial distress. The current rate of 3.1 per 100,000 weekly equals approximately 161 bankruptcies per 100,000 annually if sustained throughout the year. This per capita rate remains below pre-2008 financial crisis levels but has risen steadily from pandemic-era lows.

Analyzing the changing filings per capita The per capita bankruptcy rate has increased in 43 of the last 52 weeks compared to the corresponding weeks in 2024, indicating a broad-based trend rather than isolated spikes. The 3.1 per 100,000 rate in Week 42 represents a return to filing intensities last seen consistently in 2019, before pandemic relief measures temporarily suppressed bankruptcy activity. Urban districts show per capita rates 2-3 times higher than rural areas, with California Central's implied rate exceeding 5.0 per 100,000 weekly based on district population estimates. The acceleration in per capita rates during 2025 suggests that financial stress is outpacing both population growth and economic expansion. Chapter 7's growing share indicates that per capita liquidation rates are rising even faster than overall bankruptcy rates, signaling deeper financial distress among filers.

Forecast the expected filing numbers for the rest of the year Based on the year-to-date average of 10,813 weekly filings, the remaining 10 weeks of 2025 are projected to add 108,139 additional bankruptcy cases. This would bring the full-year 2025 total to approximately 562,325 filings, representing an 11.6% increase over 2024's total of 503,736 cases. However, the recent four-week average of 11,540 suggests momentum is building, which could push the year-end total closer to 570,000 if current trends persist. The October surge, with three weeks exceeding 10,600 filings, indicates fourth-quarter strength that typically characterizes pre-holiday financial stress. Conservative projections place 2025 filings between 560,000 and 575,000, marking the third consecutive year of double-digit percentage growth.

Forecast the trends of increasing filings after 2024 The bankruptcy filing trajectory shows a decelerating but persistent growth pattern, with rates climbing from 17.7% in 2023 to 13.2% in 2024 and a projected 11.6% in 2025. If this deceleration continues at approximately 1.5-2 percentage points annually, 2026 could see growth moderate to 8-10%, potentially yielding 610,000-620,000 total filings. The increasing dominance of Chapter 7 liquidations, now at 62.2% compared to 59.3% two years ago, suggests structural shifts in debtor circumstances that may sustain elevated filing levels through 2026-2027. Economic headwinds, including persistent inflation and elevated interest rates, combined with the exhaustion of pandemic-era savings, point toward continued growth albeit at moderating rates. The convergence toward a new equilibrium likely places annual bankruptcy filings in the 625,000-650,000 range by 2027, representing a 50% increase from 2023 levels but still below the pre-2008 financial crisis peaks.

Overview of This Week's National Filings
During Week 42 of 2025, the total number of bankruptcy filings nationwide reached 10,267. This aggregate includes all district and chapter combinations reported for the week. Among the types, Chapter 7 filings dominated with 6,383 cases, followed by Chapter 13 filings at 3,741. Chapter 11 saw a relatively smaller volume of 138 cases, and Chapter 12 accounted for just 5. The distribution suggests a continued trend of Chapter 7 being the most utilized form of bankruptcy protection.

An Interesting Fact About This Week's Filings
An intriguing detail about Week 42 is the significant volume in Chapter 13 filings, which comprised approximately 36.4% of the total, a higher-than-usual share for this chapter. This could point to more individuals trying to retain property by restructuring debts rather than liquidating assets, which is common under Chapter 7. Additionally, the low number of Chapter 12 filings (5 total) reinforces how rare this chapter is, being specialized for family farmers and fishermen. The Chapter 11 filings, totaling 138, still represent important activity in business restructuring but remain a small portion of the whole. These numbers together hint at the nature of economic pressures currently affecting individuals more than corporations.

Overview of District-Level Filings
Filings varied widely across districts in Week 42. The Central District of California (CHAPTER_7_CAC) had 406 Chapter 7 filings, making it one of the highest-contributing districts. Arizona (CHAPTER_7_AZ) followed with 192 filings, and Florida Middle District (CHAPTER_7_FLM) contributed 247. On the lower end, Wyoming (CHAPTER_7_WY) had just 1 filing, showing stark contrast across regions. This wide range showcases how local economic conditions influence bankruptcy rates.

Geographic Disparities in Filings
There are clear disparities in filings between districts, suggesting regional differences in economic health or legal filing behavior. For instance, Western states like California and Arizona report some of the highest weekly counts, with California’s Central District alone contributing 406 Chapter 7 filings. Conversely, rural or smaller districts such as Wyoming, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands consistently report single-digit filings. These disparities may be driven by factors like population density, cost of living, and industry presence. Such variations are crucial for understanding where economic strain is most acute.

Current Year Focus
The year 2025 has shown gradually increasing bankruptcy activity, culminating in this week’s 10,267 filings. Compared to earlier weeks this year, this figure represents a notable climb, as many weeks in the first half of 2025 hovered in the 8,000–9,000 range. This suggests a late-year surge in bankruptcy filings, a trend that can occur due to year-end financial pressures. The composition, particularly the dominance of Chapter 7 and rise in Chapter 13, aligns with seasonal trends. Overall, this week appears to be among the highest in weekly filings for 2025 so far.

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