Consumers in the United States had over **** trillion dollars in debt as of the first quarter of 2025. The majority of that debt were home mortgages, amounting to approximately **** trillion U.S. dollars. Student and car loans were the second and third largest component of household debt. Why is consumer debt important? Debt influences the Consumer Sentiment Index, which is an important indicator assessing the state of the U.S. economy. The U.S. housing market is also seen a bellwether of the economic conditions in the country. The housing industry employs a large number of people, and mortgages are large investments that consumers will pay off over the course of years, sometimes decades. Because of this, financial analysts closely watch consumer debt and its effects on the demand for housing. Attitudes towards debt Consumer perception of debt differed, depending on the kind of debt in question. While most saw a home mortgage as a positive investment, they increasingly looked at student loan debt as a negative debt. With education costs increasing, people are incurring more student loan debt in the United States. Credit card debt also had negative connotations.

Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway were among the European countries with most indebted households in 2023 and 2024. The debt of Dutch households amounted to *** percent their disposable income in the 2nd quarter of 2024. Meanwhile, Norwegian households' debt represented *** percent of their income in the 3rd quarter of 2023. However, households in most countries were less indebted, with that ratio amounting to ** percent in the Euro area. Less indebtedness in Western and Northern Europe There were several European countries where household's debts outweighed their disposable income. Most of those countries were North or West European. However, the indebtedness ratio in Denmark has been decreasing during the past decade. As the debt of Danish households represented nearly *** percent in the last quarter of 2014, which has fallen very significantly by 2024. Other countries with indebted households have been following similar trends. The households' debt-to-income ratio in the Netherlands has also fallen from over *** percent in 2013 to *** percent in 2024. Debt per adult in Europe In Europe, the value of debt per adult varies considerably from an average of around 10,000 U.S. dollars in Europe to a much higher level in certain countries such as Switzerland. Debts can be formed in a number of ways. The most common forms of debt include credit cards, medical debt, student loans, overdrafts, mortgages, automobile financing and personal loans.

Households Debt in the United States decreased to 69.20 percent of GDP in the fourth quarter of 2024 from 70.50 percent of GDP in the third quarter of 2024. This dataset provides - United States Households Debt To Gdp- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

In early 2024, Texas was one of the U.S. states with the highest debt balances from car loans. The car loan debt balance per capita in the United States as a whole was 5,6500 U.S. dollars. That figure is the result of dividing the total debt balance for that type of loan by the number of people living in the U.S., even those who do not have any car loan debt at all. That means that this figure is not representative of the amount of debt that an individual with a car loan has. In fact, the average car loan debt of people with some debt of that type in the U.S. is significantly higher.

This dataset provides values for HOUSEHOLDS DEBT TO INCOME reported in several countries. The data includes current values, previous releases, historical highs and record lows, release frequency, reported unit and currency.

Key information about United States Household Debt

• United States Household Debt reached 18,036.0 USD bn in Dec 2024, compared with the reported number of 17,943.0 USD bn in the previous quarter
• US Household Debt: USD mn data is updated quarterly, available from Mar 1999 to Dec 2024
• The data reached an all-time high of 18,036.0 USD bn in Dec 2024 and a record low of 4,540.0 USD bn in Mar 1999

Federal Reserve Board of New York provides quarterly Household Debt in USD. Household Debt includes Mortgages, Home Equity Revolving, Auto Loans, Bankcards, Student Loans and Others.


Further information about United States Household Debt

• In the latest reports, United States Household Debt accounted for 61.7 % of the country's Nominal GDP in Dec 2024
• Money Supply M2 in United States increased 21,533.8 USD bn YoY in Dec 2024
• United States Foreign Exchange Reserves was measured at 34.9 USD bn in Dec 2024
• The Foreign Exchange Reserves equaled 0.1 Months of Import in Dec 2024
• United States Domestic Credit reached 30,648.3 USD bn in Mar 2024, representing an drop of 0.3 % YoY

The average amount of non-mortgage debt held by consumers in the United States has been falling steadily during the past years, amounting to ****** U.S. dollars in 2023. While respondents had ****** U.S. dollars of debt in 2018, that volume decreased to ****** U.S. dollars in 2019, which constituted the largest year-over-year decrease.What age groups are more indebted in the U.S.?The age group with the highest level of consumer debt in the U.S. was belonging to the Generation X with approximately ******* U.S. dollars of debt in 2022. The next generations with high consumer debt levels were baby boomers and millennials, whose debt levels were similar. In comparison, credit card debt is more equally distributed across all ages. There is an exception among people under 35 years old, who are significantly less burdened with credit card debt. However, most consumers expect to get rid of their debt in the short term. College expenses as a source of debtEducational expenses were not among the leading sources of debt among consumers in the U.S. in 2022. Instead, they made up about ** percent of the total. However, around ** percent of undergraduates from lower-income families had student loans, while over a fifth of undergraduates from higher-income families had student loans. Independently of how they cover these expenses, the confidence of students and parents about being able to pay these college costs was high in most cases.

Key information about United States Government Debt: % of GDP

• United States Government debt accounted for 124.0 % of the country's Nominal GDP in Dec 2024, compared with the ratio of 123.1 % in the previous quarter.
• US government debt to GDP ratio data is updated quarterly, available from Mar 1969 to Dec 2024.
• The data reached an all-time high of 130.4 % in Mar 2021 and a record low of 31.8 % in Sep 1974.

CEIC calculates quarterly Government Debt as % of Nominal GDP from monthly Government Debt and rolling sum of quarterly Nominal GDP. The Bureau of the Fiscal Service provides Government Debt in USD. The Bureau of Economic Analysis provides Nominal GDP in USD. Government Debt covers Central Government only.


Related information about United States Government Debt: % of GDP

• In the latest reports, US National Government Debt reached 36,220.2 USD bn in Jan 2025.
• The country's Nominal GDP reached 6,632.4 USD bn in Mar 2023.

Graph and download economic data for Household Debt Service Payments as a Percent of Disposable Personal Income (TDSP) from Q1 1980 to Q1 2025 about disposable, payments, personal income, debt, percent, households, personal, income, services, and USA.

Debt Settlement Market Outlook

The global debt settlement market size was valued at approximately USD 10.5 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 21.6 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 8.2% during the forecast period. This significant growth factor is driven by increasing consumer debt levels and the growing need for financial management solutions. As more individuals and businesses seek relief from mounting debts, the demand for debt settlement services continues to rise, making this sector an essential component of the broader financial services market.

One of the primary growth factors for the debt settlement market is the increasing consumer debt levels worldwide. Amid rising living costs, consumers are increasingly relying on credit to manage their expenses, leading to higher debt burdens. This scenario has made debt settlement services crucial for individuals struggling to manage their finances. Additionally, the economic disruptions caused by events such as the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated financial instability, further fueling the demand for debt settlement solutions.

Another significant factor contributing to the market's growth is the increasing awareness and acceptance of debt settlement services. Traditionally, debt settlement might have been viewed with skepticism, but more consumers and businesses are now recognizing its benefits. Effective marketing strategies, consumer education initiatives, and success stories of individuals who have regained financial stability through these services have contributed to this shift in perception. As more people become aware of debt settlement as a viable option, the market is expected to continue its upward trajectory.

The proliferation of digital platforms and the integration of advanced technologies are also pivotal in driving the market forward. The advent of sophisticated debt management software and online service platforms has made it easier for consumers to access debt settlement services. These digital solutions offer greater transparency, efficiency, and convenience, attracting a broader customer base. Moreover, technological advancements like artificial intelligence and machine learning are being leveraged to offer personalized debt management plans, further enhancing the effectiveness of these services.

In the realm of financial management, the Business Debt Management Tool emerges as a pivotal resource for enterprises seeking to streamline their debt settlement processes. This tool is designed to assist businesses in organizing and managing their financial obligations more effectively. By providing a comprehensive overview of outstanding debts, payment schedules, and negotiation opportunities, the Business Debt Management Tool empowers companies to make informed decisions. This not only aids in maintaining financial stability but also enhances the ability to negotiate favorable terms with creditors. As businesses increasingly recognize the importance of strategic debt management, tools like these become indispensable in navigating complex financial landscapes.

Regionally, North America holds a dominant position in the debt settlement market, accounting for a significant share of the global market. This region's leadership can be attributed to high consumer debt levels, a well-established financial services industry, and a mature regulatory framework that supports debt settlement practices. However, other regions such as Asia Pacific and Europe are also witnessing substantial growth, driven by increasing debt levels and the rising adoption of financial management solutions. As economic conditions improve and financial literacy rises, these regions are expected to contribute significantly to the market's expansion.

Component Analysis

The debt settlement market can be segmented by component into software and services. The software segment encompasses various debt management applications and platforms that facilitate the debt settlement process. These software solutions are designed to streamline and automate many aspects of debt management, from initial assessment to negotiation and settlement. The rising adoption of fintech solutions has significantly bolstered the demand for debt settlement software, as these tools offer enhanced efficiency, accuracy, and user-friendly interfaces. Moreover, the integration of AI and machine learning into these platforms enables personalized debt management plans, making them increasingly popular among both consum

This dataset provides values for GOVERNMENT DEBT TO GDP reported in several countries. The data includes current values, previous releases, historical highs and record lows, release frequency, reported unit and currency.

Total outstanding debt of the U.S. government reported daily. Includes a breakout of intragovernmental holdings (federal debt held by U.S. government) and debt held by the public (federal debt held by entities outside the U.S. government).

Key information about China Household Debt

• China Household Debt reached 11,498.4 USD bn in Jan 2025, compared with the reported number of 11,347.6 USD bn in the previous month
• China Household Debt: USD mn data is updated monthly, available from Jan 2007 to Jan 2025
• The data reached an all-time high of 11,691.0 USD bn in Sep 2024 and a record low of 517.7 USD bn in Jan 2007

CEIC converts monthly Household Debt into USD. The People's Bank of China provides Household Debt in local currency. The Federal Reserve Board period end market exchange rate is used for currency conversions. Loans are used due to the lack of Flow of Funds statistics.


Further information about China Household Debt

• In the latest reports, China Household Debt accounted for 63.3 % of the country's Nominal GDP in Mar 2023
• Money Supply M2 in China increased 44,045.8 USD bn YoY in Sep 2024
• China Foreign Exchange Reserves was measured at 3,209.0 USD bn in Jan 2025
• The Foreign Exchange Reserves equaled 13.9 Months of Import in Dec 2024
• China Domestic Credit reached 49,338.1 USD bn in Jan 2025, representing an increased of 7.9 % YoY

Government Debt in the United States increased to 36916987 USD Million in July from 36211469 USD Million in June of 2025. This dataset provides - United States Government Debt- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Statistics on student debt, including the average debt at graduation, the percentage of graduates who owed large debt at graduation and the percentage of graduates with debt who had paid it off at the time of the interview, are presented by the province of study and the level of study. Estimates are available at five-year intervals.

The United States recorded a Government Debt to GDP of 124.30 percent of the country's Gross Domestic Product in 2024. This dataset provides - United States Government Debt To GDP - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Private Debt to GDP in the United States decreased to 142 percent in 2024 from 147.50 percent in 2023. United States Private Debt to GDP - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on August of 2025.

Key information about South Korea Household Debt: % of GDP

• South Korea household debt accounted for 93.7 % of the country's Nominal GDP in Sep 2024, compared with the ratio of 93.9 % in the previous quarter.
• South Korea household debt to GDP ratio is updated quarterly, available from Dec 2002 to Sep 2024.
• The data reached an all-time high of 101.9 % in Sep 2021 and a record low of 61.4 % in Mar 2005.

CEIC calculates quarterly Household Debt as % of Nominal GDP from quarterly Household Debt and quarterly Nominal GDP. The Bank of Korea provides Household Debt in local currency and Nominal GDP in local currency, based on SNA 2008. Household Debt includes NPISH. Household Debt prior to Q4 2008 is based on SNA 1993.


Related information about South Korea Household Debt: % of GDP

• In the latest reports, South Korea Household Debt reached 1,742.9 USD bn in Mar 2023.
• Money Supply M2 in South Korea increased 6.7 % YoY in Sep 2024.
• South Korea Foreign Exchange Reserves was measured at 391.9 USD bn in Dec 2024.
• The Foreign Exchange Reserves equaled 7.1 Months of Import in Dec 2024.
• South Korea Domestic Credit reached 3,624.4 USD bn in Sep 2024, representing an increased of 5.3 % YoY.
• The country's Non Performing Loans Ratio stood at 0.4 % in Sep 2024, compared with the ratio of 0.4 % in the previous quarter.

Graph and download economic data for Federal Debt: Total Public Debt (GFDEBTN) from Q1 1966 to Q1 2025 about public, debt, federal, government, and USA.

Context

The World Bank is an international financial institution that provides loans to countries of the world for capital projects. The World Bank's stated goal is the reduction of poverty. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Bank

Content

This dataset contains both national and regional debt statistics captured by over 200 economic indicators. Time series data is available for those indicators from 1970 to 2015 for reporting countries.

For more information, see the World Bank website.

Fork this kernel to get started with this dataset.

Acknowledgements

https://bigquery.cloud.google.com/dataset/bigquery-public-data:world_bank_intl_debt

https://cloud.google.com/bigquery/public-data/world-bank-international-debt

Citation: The World Bank: International Debt Statistics

Dataset Source: World Bank. This dataset is publicly available for anyone to use under the following terms provided by the Dataset Source - http://www.data.gov/privacy-policy#data_policy - and is provided "AS IS" without any warranty, express or implied, from Google. Google disclaims all liability for any damages, direct or indirect, resulting from the use of the dataset.

Banner Photo by @till_indeman from Unplash.

Inspiration

What countries have the largest outstanding debt?

https://cloud.google.com/bigquery/images/outstanding-debt.png" alt="enter image description here"> https://cloud.google.com/bigquery/images/outstanding-debt.png