Where Debt Runs Highest
Household debt tends to track cost of living. States in the Northeast and West Coast — where housing, insurance, and everyday costs run well above the national median — consistently show the highest average balances. In several of those states, average balances exceed $9,000.
| State | Avg. Balance | Region Pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | ~$9,778 | High cost-of-living, Northeast |
| New Jersey | ~$9,748 | High cost-of-living, Northeast |
| Maryland | ~$9,630 | High cost-of-living, Mid-Atlantic |
| Alaska | ~$8,077 | High cost-of-living, remote-area premiums |
| Kansas | ~$5,329 | Lower cost-of-living, Midwest |
At least 11 states now average $9,000 or more in card debt, concentrated in the Northeast corridor. States across the Midwest and South generally run lower, reflecting both lower living costs and more conservative average spending patterns.
What to Do If You're Above Average
Carrying more than the national average isn't automatically a crisis, but it's worth knowing your options before minimum payments start feeling unmanageable. If you're current on payments, a lower-rate consolidation loan can simplify multiple balances into one. If you're already behind, a debt settlement program negotiates directly with card issuers to close accounts for less than the full balance.
See what your options look like today.
Check My Debt Options →