Every day, more Americans find themselves walking a financial tightrope—paying bills with one hand while hoping the other holds on. A new WalletHub / VisualCapitalist ranking pulls back the curtain on which states are under the most strain, using data like people with accounts in distress, rising bankruptcy filings, and search behavior related to debt and loans.
While some places barely register on the struggle scale, others are seeing sharp increases in financial strain that ripple across communities. As cost of living, credit scores, and economic growth diverge, the burden is growing heavier in certain parts of the country.
Keep reading to see where your state fits—and how deep the uneven stress truly runs.
50: Hawaii
- People with Accounts in Distress (Rank): 42
- Avg # of Accounts in Distress (Rank): 40
- Change in Bankruptcy Filings 2025 vs. 2024 (Rank): 47
- “Debt” Search Interest Index (Rank): 50
- “Loans” Search Interest Index (Rank): 50
Hawaii shows low overall debt-related activity and minimal online search interest. Bankruptcy changes are limited, reflecting a stable financial environment.
49: Vermont
- People with Accounts in Distress (Rank): 50
- Avg # of Accounts in Distress (Rank): 50
- Change in Bankruptcy Filings 2025 vs. 2024 (Rank): 25
- “Debt” Search Interest Index (Rank): 48
- “Loans” Search Interest Index (Rank): 49
Vermont has the lowest distress levels in the nation. Its small population contributes to limited bankruptcy and financial issues.
48: Alaska
- People with Accounts in Distress (Rank): 43
- Avg # of Accounts in Distress (Rank): 38
- Change in Bankruptcy Filings 2025 vs. 2024 (Rank): 49
- “Debt” Search Interest Index (Rank): 16
- “Loans” Search Interest Index (Rank): 34
Alaska maintains moderate distress levels but ranks near the bottom for bankruptcy changes. Search activity indicates a balanced financial climate.
47: Oregon
- People with Accounts in Distress (Rank): 37
- Avg # of Accounts in Distress (Rank): 46
- Change in Bankruptcy Filings 2025 vs. 2024 (Rank): 23
- “Debt” Search Interest Index (Rank): 47
- “Loans” Search Interest Index (Rank): 38
Oregon faces moderate financial issues with rising account distress. Bankruptcy filings show noticeable shifts year over year.
46: New Mexico
- People with Accounts in Distress (Rank): 38
- Avg # of Accounts in Distress (Rank): 43
- Change in Bankruptcy Filings 2025 vs. 2024 (Rank): 17
- “Debt” Search Interest Index (Rank): 49
- “Loans” Search Interest Index (Rank): 30
New Mexico sees mid-range account distress with low search interest in debt-related terms. Bankruptcy changes remain modest.
45: West Virginia
- People with Accounts in Distress (Rank): 25
- Avg # of Accounts in Distress (Rank): 24
- Change in Bankruptcy Filings 2025 vs. 2024 (Rank): 44
- “Debt” Search Interest Index (Rank): 32
- “Loans” Search Interest Index (Rank): 38
West Virginia has significant financial challenges, though bankruptcy rates have stayed relatively stable. Search interest reflects regional economic stress.
44: New Jersey
- People with Accounts in Distress (Rank): 31
- Avg # of Accounts in Distress (Rank): 30
- Change in Bankruptcy Filings 2025 vs. 2024 (Rank): 32
- “Debt” Search Interest Index (Rank): 36
- “Loans” Search Interest Index (Rank): 44
New Jersey faces a moderate level of distress with average bankruptcy trends. Financial searches show mixed engagement across the state.
43: Maine
- People with Accounts in Distress (Rank): 34
- Avg # of Accounts in Distress (Rank): 44
- Change in Bankruptcy Filings 2025 vs. 2024 (Rank): 12
- “Debt” Search Interest Index (Rank): 38
- “Loans” Search Interest Index (Rank): 41
Maine sees steady increases in bankruptcies despite moderate distress numbers. Search behavior suggests growing concern among residents.
42: Maryland
- People with Accounts in Distress (Rank): 33
- Avg # of Accounts in Distress (Rank): 36
- Change in Bankruptcy Filings 2025 vs. 2024 (Rank): 29
- “Debt” Search Interest Index (Rank): 32
- “Loans” Search Interest Index (Rank): 41
Maryland shows consistent trends in both bankruptcy filings and distress. Search data reflects balanced financial awareness.
41: Wisconsin
- People with Accounts in Distress (Rank): 36
- Avg # of Accounts in Distress (Rank): 39
- Change in Bankruptcy Filings 2025 vs. 2024 (Rank): 22
- “Debt” Search Interest Index (Rank): 36
- “Loans” Search Interest Index (Rank): 25
Wisconsin has moderate distress and a stable bankruptcy ranking. Loan search activity shows higher interest compared to debt topics.
40: Michigan
- People with Accounts in Distress (Rank): 45
- Avg # of Accounts in Distress (Rank): 42
- Change in Bankruptcy Filings 2025 vs. 2024 (Rank): 39
- “Debt” Search Interest Index (Rank): 16
- “Loans” Search Interest Index (Rank): 18
Michigan continues to face high distress levels. Search activity shows greater focus on borrowing and financial recovery.
39: Rhode Island
- People with Accounts in Distress (Rank): 48
- Avg # of Accounts in Distress (Rank): 47
- Change in Bankruptcy Filings 2025 vs. 2024 (Rank): 1
- “Debt” Search Interest Index (Rank): 40
- “Loans” Search Interest Index (Rank): 37
Rhode Island has seen the largest increase in bankruptcy filings nationwide. This sharp rise signals worsening financial conditions.
38: South Dakota
- People with Accounts in Distress (Rank): 23
- Avg # of Accounts in Distress (Rank): 20
- Change in Bankruptcy Filings 2025 vs. 2024 (Rank): 50
- “Debt” Search Interest Index (Rank): 4
- “Loans” Search Interest Index (Rank): 30
South Dakota maintains strong financial stability with the lowest bankruptcy change. Search interest remains fairly balanced.
37: Illinois
- People with Accounts in Distress (Rank): 39
- Avg # of Accounts in Distress (Rank): 31
- Change in Bankruptcy Filings 2025 vs. 2024 (Rank): 30
- “Debt” Search Interest Index (Rank): 16
- “Loans” Search Interest Index (Rank): 32
Illinois struggles with consistent financial distress and average bankruptcy growth. Residents show steady search activity for debt resources.
36: Washington
- People with Accounts in Distress (Rank): 44
- Avg # of Accounts in Distress (Rank): 49
- Change in Bankruptcy Filings 2025 vs. 2024 (Rank): 7
- “Debt” Search Interest Index (Rank): 13
- “Loans” Search Interest Index (Rank): 41
Washington experiences increasing bankruptcies despite lower distress rankings. Search behavior suggests growing financial awareness.
35: Wyoming
- People with Accounts in Distress (Rank): 49
- Avg # of Accounts in Distress (Rank): 48
- Change in Bankruptcy Filings 2025 vs. 2024 (Rank): 11
- “Debt” Search Interest Index (Rank): 6
- “Loans” Search Interest Index (Rank): 22
Wyoming’s low population results in smaller distress counts, but bankruptcy shifts are significant. Search activity reflects close monitoring of financial health.
34: North Dakota
- People with Accounts in Distress (Rank): 47
- Avg # of Accounts in Distress (Rank): 45
- Change in Bankruptcy Filings 2025 vs. 2024 (Rank): 40
- “Debt” Search Interest Index (Rank): 2
- “Loans” Search Interest Index (Rank): 19
North Dakota’s strong economic position limits distress issues. Debt-related searches remain low across the state.
33: Nebraska
- People with Accounts in Distress (Rank): 13
- Avg # of Accounts in Distress (Rank): 9
- Change in Bankruptcy Filings 2025 vs. 2024 (Rank): 42
- “Debt” Search Interest Index (Rank): 42
- “Loans” Search Interest Index (Rank): 38
Nebraska ranks among the best for managing distress accounts. Bankruptcy changes remain limited year over year.
32: Pennsylvania
- People with Accounts in Distress (Rank): 30
- Avg # of Accounts in Distress (Rank): 34
- Change in Bankruptcy Filings 2025 vs. 2024 (Rank): 24
- “Debt” Search Interest Index (Rank): 27
- “Loans” Search Interest Index (Rank): 23
Pennsylvania’s trends show steady financial activity. Bankruptcy shifts remain moderate across the state.
31: Utah
- People with Accounts in Distress (Rank): 35
- Avg # of Accounts in Distress (Rank): 32
- Change in Bankruptcy Filings 2025 vs. 2024 (Rank): 21
- “Debt” Search Interest Index (Rank): 9
- “Loans” Search Interest Index (Rank): 28
Utah’s balanced financial environment results in mid-tier rankings. Search activity suggests proactive financial management.
30: Massachusetts
- People with Accounts in Distress (Rank): 20
- Avg # of Accounts in Distress (Rank): 12
- Change in Bankruptcy Filings 2025 vs. 2024 (Rank): 10
- “Debt” Search Interest Index (Rank): 42
- “Loans” Search Interest Index (Rank): 47
Massachusetts shows relatively low distress rankings overall. Bankruptcy increases indicate growing financial pressure despite stable conditions.
29: Montana
- People with Accounts in Distress (Rank): 41
- Avg # of Accounts in Distress (Rank): 35
- Change in Bankruptcy Filings 2025 vs. 2024 (Rank): 26
- “Debt” Search Interest Index (Rank): 11
- “Loans” Search Interest Index (Rank): 32
Montana faces moderate financial distress challenges. Search activity reflects consistent interest in debt management tools.
28: Minnesota
- People with Accounts in Distress (Rank): 32
- Avg # of Accounts in Distress (Rank): 27
- Change in Bankruptcy Filings 2025 vs. 2024 (Rank): 9
- “Debt” Search Interest Index (Rank): 27
- “Loans” Search Interest Index (Rank): 34
Minnesota maintains balanced distress levels. Bankruptcy changes suggest some growing economic strain.
27: New Hampshire
- People with Accounts in Distress (Rank): 24
- Avg # of Accounts in Distress (Rank): 28
- Change in Bankruptcy Filings 2025 vs. 2024 (Rank): 2
- “Debt” Search Interest Index (Rank): 40
- “Loans” Search Interest Index (Rank): 45
New Hampshire saw one of the largest increases in bankruptcies. Search interest reflects rising concern for financial stability.
26: Kansas
- People with Accounts in Distress (Rank): 22
- Avg # of Accounts in Distress (Rank): 18
- Change in Bankruptcy Filings 2025 vs. 2024 (Rank): 36
- “Debt” Search Interest Index (Rank): 22
- “Loans” Search Interest Index (Rank): 16
Kansas maintains moderate distress levels with lower bankruptcy activity. Financial searches remain steady year over year.
25: Missouri
- People with Accounts in Distress (Rank): 17
- Avg # of Accounts in Distress (Rank): 22
- Change in Bankruptcy Filings 2025 vs. 2024 (Rank): 46
- “Debt” Search Interest Index (Rank): 13
- “Loans” Search Interest Index (Rank): 7
Missouri experiences higher financial searches, especially for loans. Bankruptcy rates have increased sharply.
24: Connecticut
- People with Accounts in Distress (Rank): 15
- Avg # of Accounts in Distress (Rank): 5
- Change in Bankruptcy Filings 2025 vs. 2024 (Rank): 19
- “Debt” Search Interest Index (Rank): 45
- “Loans” Search Interest Index (Rank): 45
Connecticut shows low account distress and moderate bankruptcy growth. Financial search activity is minimal compared to other states.
23: Idaho
- People with Accounts in Distress (Rank): 46
- Avg # of Accounts in Distress (Rank): 41
- Change in Bankruptcy Filings 2025 vs. 2024 (Rank): 4
- “Debt” Search Interest Index (Rank): 16
- “Loans” Search Interest Index (Rank): 28
Idaho ranks high for bankruptcy changes despite moderate distress numbers. Search interest reflects growing debt-related concerns.
22: Iowa
- People with Accounts in Distress (Rank): 19
- Avg # of Accounts in Distress (Rank): 11
- Change in Bankruptcy Filings 2025 vs. 2024 (Rank): 13
- “Debt” Search Interest Index (Rank): 38
- “Loans” Search Interest Index (Rank): 23
Iowa maintains a balanced financial environment. Bankruptcy growth suggests emerging trouble in some areas.
21: Colorado
- People with Accounts in Distress (Rank): 40
- Avg # of Accounts in Distress (Rank): 37
- Change in Bankruptcy Filings 2025 vs. 2024 (Rank): 3
- “Debt” Search Interest Index (Rank): 27
- “Loans” Search Interest Index (Rank): 34
Colorado shows one of the highest jumps in bankruptcy rates. Search trends reflect increased focus on debt resources.
20: Arkansas
- People with Accounts in Distress (Rank): 12
- Avg # of Accounts in Distress (Rank): 14
- Change in Bankruptcy Filings 2025 vs. 2024 (Rank): 45
- “Debt” Search Interest Index (Rank): 16
- “Loans” Search Interest Index (Rank): 12
Arkansas faces high bankruptcy rates despite lower distress levels. Residents show strong search interest in financial assistance.
19: New York
- People with Accounts in Distress (Rank): 27
- Avg # of Accounts in Distress (Rank): 29
- Change in Bankruptcy Filings 2025 vs. 2024 (Rank): 37
- “Debt” Search Interest Index (Rank): 4
- “Loans” Search Interest Index (Rank): 10
New York has moderate distress but high search interest in debt. Loan searches also rank among the highest nationally.
18: Virginia
- People with Accounts in Distress (Rank): 21
- Avg # of Accounts in Distress (Rank): 21
- Change in Bankruptcy Filings 2025 vs. 2024 (Rank): 33
- “Debt” Search Interest Index (Rank): 3
- “Loans” Search Interest Index (Rank): 25
Virginia balances distress with strong search activity. Bankruptcy changes remain manageable across the state.
17: Tennessee
- People with Accounts in Distress (Rank): 11
- Avg # of Accounts in Distress (Rank): 16
- Change in Bankruptcy Filings 2025 vs. 2024 (Rank): 41
- “Debt” Search Interest Index (Rank): 22
- “Loans” Search Interest Index (Rank): 12
Tennessee shows high distress with notable bankruptcy activity. Financial searches indicate strong interest in borrowing.
16: Ohio
- People with Accounts in Distress (Rank): 29
- Avg # of Accounts in Distress (Rank): 26
- Change in Bankruptcy Filings 2025 vs. 2024 (Rank): 18
- “Debt” Search Interest Index (Rank): 10
- “Loans” Search Interest Index (Rank): 12
Ohio’s numbers show growing economic strain. Debt searches outpace loan searches as financial concerns rise.
15: Indiana
- People with Accounts in Distress (Rank): 28
- Avg # of Accounts in Distress (Rank): 33
- Change in Bankruptcy Filings 2025 vs. 2024 (Rank): 27
- “Debt” Search Interest Index (Rank): 1
- “Loans” Search Interest Index (Rank): 20
Indiana has the highest debt search interest in the country. Bankruptcy levels remain mid-range.
14: Delaware
- People with Accounts in Distress (Rank): 18
- Avg # of Accounts in Distress (Rank): 23
- Change in Bankruptcy Filings 2025 vs. 2024 (Rank): 16
- “Debt” Search Interest Index (Rank): 22
- “Loans” Search Interest Index (Rank): 12
Delaware balances high distress with moderate bankruptcy growth. Searches for loans and debt remain steady.
13: Georgia
- People with Accounts in Distress (Rank): 6
- Avg # of Accounts in Distress (Rank): 10
- Change in Bankruptcy Filings 2025 vs. 2024 (Rank): 48
- “Debt” Search Interest Index (Rank): 16
- “Loans” Search Interest Index (Rank): 8
Georgia faces significant financial challenges and very high bankruptcy growth. Search data reflects this strain.
12: California
- People with Accounts in Distress (Rank): 5
- Avg # of Accounts in Distress (Rank): 6
- Change in Bankruptcy Filings 2025 vs. 2024 (Rank): 8
- “Debt” Search Interest Index (Rank): 42
- “Loans” Search Interest Index (Rank): 47
California’s large population drives high distress numbers. Search interest remains surprisingly low despite these challenges.
11: Arizona
- People with Accounts in Distress (Rank): 26
- Avg # of Accounts in Distress (Rank): 25
- Change in Bankruptcy Filings 2025 vs. 2024 (Rank): 14
- “Debt” Search Interest Index (Rank): 6
- “Loans” Search Interest Index (Rank): 16
Arizona shows strong search activity around debt topics. Bankruptcy increases reflect growing financial instability.
10: Alabama
- People with Accounts in Distress (Rank): 10
- Avg # of Accounts in Distress (Rank): 17
- Change in Bankruptcy Filings 2025 vs. 2024 (Rank): 38
- “Debt” Search Interest Index (Rank): 27
- “Loans” Search Interest Index (Rank): 4
Alabama sees high loan search activity, indicating borrowing trends. Bankruptcy filings remain elevated.
9: Kentucky
- People with Accounts in Distress (Rank): 3
- Avg # of Accounts in Distress (Rank): 3
- Change in Bankruptcy Filings 2025 vs. 2024 (Rank): 43
- “Debt” Search Interest Index (Rank): 27
- “Loans” Search Interest Index (Rank): 10
Kentucky ranks near the top for account distress. Recovery efforts are challenged by rising bankruptcy numbers.
8: Mississippi
- People with Accounts in Distress (Rank): 14
- Avg # of Accounts in Distress (Rank): 15
- Change in Bankruptcy Filings 2025 vs. 2024 (Rank): 35
- “Debt” Search Interest Index (Rank): 46
- “Loans” Search Interest Index (Rank): 1
Mississippi leads in loan search interest, highlighting reliance on borrowing. Bankruptcy levels are steadily climbing.
7: North Carolina
- People with Accounts in Distress (Rank): 4
- Avg # of Accounts in Distress (Rank): 8
- Change in Bankruptcy Filings 2025 vs. 2024 (Rank): 20
- “Debt” Search Interest Index (Rank): 32
- “Loans” Search Interest Index (Rank): 20
North Carolina shows widespread distress across households. Search interest indicates a balance between debt awareness and loan needs.
6: Oklahoma
- People with Accounts in Distress (Rank): 16
- Avg # of Accounts in Distress (Rank): 19
- Change in Bankruptcy Filings 2025 vs. 2024 (Rank): 28
- “Debt” Search Interest Index (Rank): 6
- “Loans” Search Interest Index (Rank): 3
Oklahoma has high search interest in both debt and loans. Bankruptcy activity remains elevated.
5: South Carolina
- People with Accounts in Distress (Rank): 2
- Avg # of Accounts in Distress (Rank): 4
- Change in Bankruptcy Filings 2025 vs. 2024 (Rank): 34
- “Debt” Search Interest Index (Rank): 22
- “Loans” Search Interest Index (Rank): 5
South Carolina ranks near the top for financial distress. Loan searches are among the highest in the country.
4: Nevada
- People with Accounts in Distress (Rank): 9
- Avg # of Accounts in Distress (Rank): 13
- Change in Bankruptcy Filings 2025 vs. 2024 (Rank): 15
- “Debt” Search Interest Index (Rank): 11
- “Loans” Search Interest Index (Rank): 8
Nevada has consistently high distress levels. Search interest reflects strong attention to debt management and borrowing.
3: Louisiana
- People with Accounts in Distress (Rank): 7
- Avg # of Accounts in Distress (Rank): 1
- Change in Bankruptcy Filings 2025 vs. 2024 (Rank): 31
- “Debt” Search Interest Index (Rank): 22
- “Loans” Search Interest Index (Rank): 2
Louisiana’s average accounts in distress rank highest nationally. Loan searches show residents seeking immediate financial support.
2: Florida
- People with Accounts in Distress (Rank): 1
- Avg # of Accounts in Distress (Rank): 2
- Change in Bankruptcy Filings 2025 vs. 2024 (Rank): 5
- “Debt” Search Interest Index (Rank): 32
- “Loans” Search Interest Index (Rank): 25
Florida leads the nation in people with distressed accounts. Bankruptcy increases reflect growing financial strain statewide.
1: Texas
- People with Accounts in Distress (Rank): 8
- Avg # of Accounts in Distress (Rank): 7
- Change in Bankruptcy Filings 2025 vs. 2024 (Rank): 6
- “Debt” Search Interest Index (Rank): 13
- “Loans” Search Interest Index (Rank): 5
Texas shows widespread distress coupled with high loan search interest. Bankruptcy changes highlight mounting financial pressure.
Ed spent his childhood in the backwoods of Maine, where harsh winters taught him the value of survival skills. With a background in bushcraft and off-grid living, Ed has honed his expertise in fire-making, hunting, and wild foraging. He writes from personal experience, sharing practical tips and hands-on techniques to thrive in any outdoor environment. Whether it’s primitive camping or full-scale survival, Ed’s advice is grounded in real-life challenges.
