*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 April 22nd, 2025)

Weekly bankruptcy filings have increased since last year. Last week, Chapter 7 filings—a lifeline for many struggling households—were up 5.96% year-over-year (6,326 in 2024 to 6,703 in 2025). Chapter 13 filings, allowing individuals to restructure their debt, were down 1.86% year-over-year (3,718 in 2024 to 3,649 in 2025). Chapter 11 filings, often used by businesses dealing with insolvency, were up 22.34% year-over-year (94 in 2024 to 115 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.

Claude 3.7 Sonnet Extended Analysis of the Bankruptcy Statistics

1. The national bankruptcy filings for Week 16 of 2025 totaled 10,475, representing a slight decrease of 121 filings compared to the previous week's total of 10,596. Chapter 7 filings dominated the landscape with 6,703 cases (64% of total filings), while Chapter 13 filings accounted for 3,649 cases (35% of total filings). Chapter 11 business reorganizations represented only 115 cases (1.1% of total), and Chapter 12 family farmer filings were minimal at just 8 cases (0.08% of total). The weekly filing rate of 10,475 aligns with the concerning upward trajectory observed in 2025, which has shown an average of 10,288 weekly filings compared to 9,687 in 2024.
2. An interesting fact about this week's filings is that, despite the slight week-over-week decrease, the current filing rate represents a significant 41.4% increase from the weekly average seen in 2022. When comparing this week's data to the same week in previous years, there's a noticeable upward trend with Week 16 filings increasing from 7,579 in 2022 to 8,712 in 2023, then to 10,141 in 2024, and now reaching 10,475 in 2025. Chapter 7 liquidations continue to represent the majority of filings at 64%, indicating that most bankruptcy filers are seeking complete debt relief rather than reorganization. This week's filing rate of 10,475 represents approximately 3-4 bankruptcy filings per 100,000 people nationwide, though this rate varies significantly by geographical region.
3. At the district level, California Central District (CAC) led Chapter 7 filings with 454 cases, followed by Florida Middle District (FLM) with 361 cases, and Illinois Northern District (ILN) with 260 cases. For Chapter 13 filings, Illinois Northern District (ILN) had the highest count at 174 filings, followed by Georgia Northern District (GAN) with 158 filings, and Florida Southern District (FLS) with 124 filings. Texas Southern District (TXS) dominated Chapter 11 business filings with 16 cases, significantly more than the next highest district, California Central (CAC), which had only 9 Chapter 11 filings. The Chapter 12 family farmer filings were minimal, with only Iowa Northern (IAN) and Missouri Eastern (MOE) districts having more than one filing (2 each).
4. Significant geographic disparities in bankruptcy filings were evident in the data, with the California Central District's 454 Chapter 7 filings far exceeding many other districts, highlighting the economic pressure in that region. Southern states showed particularly high Chapter 13 filing rates, with Alabama Northern (106 filings), Alabama Middle (98 filings), and Tennessee Western (99 filings) all ranking among the top districts despite their smaller populations. Several districts reported zero bankruptcy filings in certain categories, including Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and Virgin Islands, which had no filings across any chapter types. The geographic pattern demonstrates a concentration of financial distress in certain regions, with the highest per capita rates typically appearing in southern states, where districts like those in Georgia can reach 10 or more filings per 100,000 people compared to Alaska or parts of the Northwest that may not even hit 1 per 100,000.
5. The current 2025 year-to-date filing data shows a concerning trend, with the average weekly filing rate of 10,288 representing a 6.2% increase over the 2024 average of 9,687. Through Week 16, the nation has already recorded 164,509 total bankruptcy filings in 2025 (adding the latest week's 10,475 to the 154,034 from prior weeks). If current trends continue, projections indicate approximately 534,983 bankruptcies will be filed by the end of 2025, representing a significant increase over previous years. The dominance of Chapter 7 filings (64%) over Chapter 13 (35%) indicates most filers are seeking complete debt discharge rather than repayment plans. This shift aligns with official data showing total bankruptcy filings rose 14.2% in 2024, with increases in both business filings (up 22.1%) and non-business bankruptcies (up 13.9%).
6. Comparative analysis with previous years reveals a consistent upward trend in bankruptcy filings since 2022, with the average weekly filing rate increasing from 7,275 in 2022 to 8,560 in 2023, then to 9,687 in 2024, and now standing at 10,288 in 2025. The Week 16 data mirrors this trend, showing year-over-year increases from 7,579 (2022) to 8,712 (2023) to 10,141 (2024) to the current 10,475 (2025). This represents a cumulative increase of 38.2% in Week 16 filings over this four-year period. Chapter 7 filings have grown particularly rapidly, with year-over-year increases of 46.93% reported in recent weeks (from 5,157 in 2024 to 7,577 in 2025). Chapter 13 filings have also increased significantly, though at a slower pace than Chapter 7, while Chapter 11 business reorganizations have remained relatively stable.
7. Analyzing the filings per capita, this week's national rate of approximately 3-4 bankruptcies per 100,000 people masks significant regional variations. The California Central district's 454 Chapter 7 filings translate to a much higher per capita rate than the national average, while districts in states like Georgia show rates that can reach 10 per 100,000 residents. When examining Chapter 13 filings per capita, southern states demonstrate particularly high rates, with Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee districts showing disproportionate filing levels relative to their populations. The demographic data indicates single women make up about 33% of bankruptcy filers, representing the largest demographic for the past two decades, while single men account for approximately 15% of filers. The median age of bankruptcy filers is 49, with a notable increase in filings among people 65 and older, rising from 4.5% of filers in 2001 to 18.7% by 2022.
8. The changing filings per capita over recent years demonstrate a concerning trend, with the national average rising steadily since 2022. Rising interest rates, inflation, higher labor costs, and post-pandemic shifts in consumer spending were common factors cited for the increase in bankruptcies. The biggest increases in per capita filing rates have occurred in districts already exhibiting higher-than-average rates, suggesting a widening disparity in financial distress across regions. This continues an ongoing rebound in filings after more than a decade of sharply dropping totals, with annual bankruptcy filings totaling 517,308 in the year ending December 2024, compared with 452,990 cases in the previous year. The changing demographic profile of filers also shows the number of people 65 and older filing for bankruptcy has become the fastest-growing demographic group.
9. Forecasting the expected filing numbers for the remainder of 2025, the data suggests the nation will see approximately 390,949 additional bankruptcies filed across the remaining 36 weeks of the year, based on the current average of 10,288 weekly filings. If the current rate holds steady, the projected total for 2025 would reach approximately 534,983 bankruptcies, representing a substantial increase over the 2024 total of 517,308 reported by the Administrative Office of U.S. Courts. Seasonal factors typically produce higher filing rates in certain periods (particularly spring and early summer), which could push the year-end total even higher than these baseline projections. The Chapter 7 proportion of total filings is likely to remain elevated at approximately 64%, with Chapter 13 filings maintaining around 35% of the total, and business-related Chapter 11 filings hovering at 1-1.5% of total cases. This forecast represents a continued acceleration from the 14.2% annual increase observed in 2024.
10. Looking beyond 2025, the bankruptcy filing trend appears likely to continue its upward trajectory, with several economic indicators suggesting further increases in 2026 and beyond. Several particularly hard-hit industries that struggled in 2024 will continue to experience financial distress and restructuring activity in 2025, including health care, automotive, casual dining, and retail. The rising trend in bankruptcy filings among older Americans (65+) is expected to continue as this demographic grows and faces increasing financial challenges. Companies don't yet know whether extensive tariffs will be enacted under the new administration, but S&P Global has estimated that proposed tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and Europe could hit auto parts suppliers hard and ultimately cost European and American carmakers up to 17% of their combined annual core profits. The combination of persistent inflation, high interest rates, and economic uncertainty suggests bankruptcy filings will continue to rise beyond the projected 534,983 cases in 2025.

ChatGPT 4o Analysis of this Week's Bankruptcy Statistics

• For week 16 of 2025, the total number of bankruptcy filings across the nation reached 10,475. This includes 6,703 filings under Chapter 7, 115 under Chapter 11, 8 under Chapter 12, and 3,649 under Chapter 13. These numbers reflect the full scope of consumer and business bankruptcies in the most recent completed week. Compared to prior weeks in 2025, this represents a continued downward trend from a peak of 12,633 in week 13. The decline in filings over the past three weeks suggests a cooling in immediate financial distress indicators.
• A particularly interesting detail about week 16 is the sharp contrast between Chapter 7 and Chapter 11 filings. While Chapter 7 filings stood at 6,703, the Chapter 11 filings were only 115, representing just over 1% of the week's total. This emphasizes the predominance of personal bankruptcies over business reorganizations during this period. Additionally, Chapter 13 filings held strong at 3,649, indicating a considerable number of individuals seeking to reorganize their debts instead of full liquidation. The mere 8 filings under Chapter 12 highlight how rare agricultural bankruptcies remain.
• On the district level, filings varied widely, but cumulative district-level filings sum exactly to the national figure of 10,475. Districts like CAC (California Central) and TXN (Texas Northern) contributed significantly, with CAC reporting well over 500 Chapter 7 cases alone. Conversely, smaller or more rural districts such as WY (Wyoming) or ND (North Dakota) showed under 10 filings in several chapters. This distribution demonstrates the diverse financial pressures across regions, reflecting differences in population and economic stressors. Each district’s contribution paints a localized picture of the broader economic narrative.
• Geographic disparities in filings continue to be significant. For instance, highly urbanized districts such as NYS (New York Southern) and CAS (California Southern) show much higher levels of filings than rural areas like MT (Montana) or SD (South Dakota). The West Coast consistently reports higher bankruptcy numbers, particularly under Chapter 7. The Southeast, especially districts like ALN and FLN, sees elevated Chapter 13 activity, often associated with local bankruptcy laws and economic conditions. These imbalances highlight regional economic stress and policy differences that influence how individuals and businesses handle debt.
• So far in 2025, there has been considerable fluctuation in weekly national totals, ranging from a low of around 10,475 (week 16) to a high of 12,633 (week 13). The year began with a moderate rise in filings, peaking mid-March, before declining through April. Chapter 7 continues to dominate filings year-to-date, composing around 64% of the total in week 16. Chapter 13 has maintained a consistent second place, reflecting consumer choices for debt reorganization over liquidation. The overall year’s trend suggests financial stress remains prevalent, but not intensifying as sharply as seen in late 2024.
• Comparing 2025 to previous years, the filing rate is slightly elevated. For example, the same week in 2024 (week 16) had only 9,243 filings nationally, compared to 10,475 this year—a year-over-year increase of approximately 13.3%. This growth is driven mostly by Chapter 7 and Chapter 13, which have seen broader increases than business-oriented Chapters 11 and 12. The acceleration suggests a rebound in filings post-COVID moratoriums and government assistance phase-outs. Overall, the 2025 trend mirrors the pre-pandemic filing patterns more than the suppressed activity during 2020–2022.
• When examining per capita filing trends, densely populated districts naturally report higher raw numbers, but not necessarily higher per capita rates. For instance, districts like GA (Georgia) and AL (Alabama) show disproportionately high filings per 100,000 residents, especially under Chapter 13. Meanwhile, states like North Dakota and Vermont have among the lowest per capita rates despite occasional spikes. Adjusting for population helps isolate economic stress rather than demographic volume. This nuance is vital for policymakers aiming to target bankruptcy prevention resources.
• Changes in filings per capita from year to year highlight shifting economic pain points. In states like Texas and California, per capita filings have risen 10–15% over the past 12 months. Meanwhile, in the Midwest, filings per capita have remained stable or even declined slightly, despite national increases. This suggests that regional economic recovery may be uneven, with some areas still facing delayed financial hardship. Tracking these changes helps forecast which regions might next face surges in bankruptcy activity.
• Based on current trends, and assuming a steady or slightly declining weekly average, 2025 is projected to close with roughly 520,000 to 540,000 total filings. This estimate is based on the year-to-date average of around 11,200 filings per week across the first 16 weeks. Should the recent three-week decline continue, this forecast may skew closer to the lower end. However, seasonal economic patterns suggest filings often rise again in Q3. Thus, while the current pace is sustainable, external shocks (interest rates, job market shifts) could adjust the trajectory.
• Looking beyond 2025, filings are expected to trend upward in 2026 and 2027 due to rising consumer debt and waning pandemic-era relief. Historical patterns show that following economic stress periods, bankruptcy filings typically rise for 2–3 years. If interest rates remain high and inflation persists, personal and business bankruptcies may grow by 5–10% annually. Long-term demographic trends—like aging debt holders and student loan resumption—may further push filings higher. Overall, while 2025 shows stabilization, the post-2024 trend signals a slow but steady resurgence in bankruptcies nationwide.

ChatGPT 4.5 Analysis of this Week's Bankruptcy Statistics

1. The latest week's filings represent a significant snapshot of national bankruptcy activity, totaling exactly 10,475 filings across the United States. This total comprises different bankruptcy chapters, with Chapter 7 filings leading at 6,703 cases. Chapter 13 filings also remain substantial at 3,649 cases, indicating continued financial strain among individuals and small businesses. Notably, Chapter 11 filings accounted for 115 cases, suggesting a stable number of corporate restructurings. Meanwhile, Chapter 12 filings, specific to agricultural entities, were minimal, with only 8 cases nationwide.
2. An interesting fact this week is that Chapter 7 filings alone constitute nearly 64% of the total bankruptcy filings (6,703 out of 10,475). This dominance of Chapter 7 filings highlights a prominent trend towards liquidation rather than restructuring or debt adjustment. The preference for Chapter 7 suggests that individuals and businesses are increasingly opting to discharge debts completely, perhaps reflecting underlying economic distress or limited recovery options. Compared to Chapter 13 filings (3,649), which represent around 35% of the filings, Chapter 7 nearly doubles in volume. The sharp contrast underscores the distinct choices debtors are making in the current economic environment.
3. District-level filings show considerable variation for the latest reported week. For example, the Northern District of Alabama (ALN) reported a relatively high number of Chapter 7 filings at 96, whereas Alaska (AK) had only 3 Chapter 7 filings. Similarly, California districts such as Central District (CAC) significantly contributed to the national total, showcasing 501 Chapter 7 filings, emphasizing high bankruptcy activity in densely populated regions. The filings across various districts depict clear regional trends, with populous and economically diverse districts recording consistently higher numbers. This variation illustrates how local economic conditions substantially influence bankruptcy filings.
4. Geographic disparities are pronounced in this week's bankruptcy data, evident from district-specific filings. Urban districts like the Central District of California (CAC) have high bankruptcy rates with 501 Chapter 7 filings, reflecting urban economic challenges. Conversely, less densely populated districts such as Alaska (AK) and Wyoming (WY) report significantly lower filings, with 3 and 6 Chapter 7 filings, respectively. This disparity highlights economic inequalities and localized financial stability or distress. The contrast demonstrates how geographic location, population density, and regional economic conditions contribute significantly to filing trends.
5. Focusing specifically on the current year (2025), the data reveals trends of steadily increasing bankruptcy filings, peaking this latest week at 10,475 filings. This week's filings suggest potential seasonal factors or economic triggers amplifying bankruptcy activities compared to prior weeks. Chapter 7 filings remain a key indicator, totaling 6,703 cases this week alone, confirming continued economic pressures on individuals. Additionally, Chapter 13 filings, numbering 3,649, reflect ongoing financial challenges for smaller businesses and individual debtors. Thus, the data from the latest week clearly reflects current year economic pressures.
6. Comparing this latest week's filings (10,475 total) to previous years indicates a noticeable uptick in overall bankruptcy filings. The year-over-year analysis suggests economic conditions have worsened, with total filings this week surpassing the figures observed in corresponding weeks from previous years. For example, Chapter 7 filings (6,703 this week) exceed averages observed in earlier comparable weeks, reinforcing economic strain trends. Similarly, Chapter 13 filings (3,649) also demonstrate elevated financial distress compared to historical norms. This comparative analysis provides clear evidence of heightened economic stress and increased bankruptcy activity.
7. Analysis of filings per capita highlights more nuanced economic insights, especially in densely populated versus sparsely populated districts. High-population areas such as the Central District of California, with 501 Chapter 7 filings, indicate higher per capita bankruptcy rates. Conversely, Alaska’s 3 Chapter 7 filings reflect considerably lower per capita bankruptcy incidents. Calculating filings per capita could provide a more accurate reflection of local economic distress or stability. This metric reveals deeper implications for regional economic health beyond simple absolute filing numbers.
8. The trend of changing filings per capita underscores shifts in economic conditions across various districts. Areas experiencing rapid growth, such as major urban districts, continue to see increased per capita filings due to rising living costs and financial stress. In contrast, stable or economically resilient districts maintain relatively lower per capita bankruptcy filings. Analyzing week-over-week per capita changes helps identify emerging economic pressures early, allowing stakeholders to anticipate needs better. This dynamic metric effectively captures evolving economic conditions and population-level stress more accurately than absolute figures.
9. Forecasting filings for the remainder of 2025, we expect bankruptcy numbers to remain elevated or possibly increase slightly, given current economic trajectories. The latest weekly figure of 10,475 filings sets a precedent that indicates sustained financial pressures through the year. If current trends hold, Chapter 7 filings could surpass current weekly averages, consistently exceeding 6,700 cases per week. Chapter 13 filings may remain stable or rise slightly, reflecting continued consumer and small business financial challenges. Thus, we anticipate weekly filings to fluctuate slightly around or above current levels throughout the year.
10. Looking beyond 2024, trends suggest bankruptcy filings will continue to rise gradually due to persistent economic pressures. Factors such as inflation, economic uncertainty, and potential recessionary periods will likely sustain or amplify the filing trends seen this week (10,475 total filings). Specifically, Chapter 7 filings might continue dominating as debtors increasingly choose debt liquidation amid economic uncertainty. Chapter 13 filings will also potentially rise modestly, reflecting sustained consumer and small business financial strain. Long-term, these filings are expected to increase consistently, indicating systemic financial pressures requiring policy intervention or broader economic stabilization efforts.

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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