Quick Answer: Maine residents added the most consumer debt in late 2025, with credit card balances jumping nearly 8%. Georgia ranked fifth. Nationally, credit card debt hit a record $1.28 trillion according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
Americans are piling on debt at an alarming pace, and some states are adding far more than others. A new WalletHub analysis comparing Q3 2025 to Q4 2025 data reveals which states saw the biggest jumps in credit card, auto loan, and personal loan balances.
This matters because the Federal Reserve Bank of New York just reported that total household debt reached $18.8 trillion in Q4 2025 — up $740 billion for the year. Credit card debt alone hit $1.28 trillion, and 4.8% of all outstanding debt is now delinquent.
The 10 States Adding the Most Consumer Debt
WalletHub’s analysis weighted change in debt (70%) and average debt levels (30%) to produce an overall score. Here are the states where consumers are accumulating the most new debt, according to the WalletHub report:
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| Rank | State | Overall Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maine | 74.36 |
| 2 | Wyoming | 67.58 |
| 3 | Hawaii | 60.04 |
| 4 | Montana | 56.63 |
| 5 | Georgia | 56.11 |
| 6 | New Mexico | 55.87 |
| 7 | North Dakota | 55.39 |
| 8 | Florida | 55.34 |
| 9 | Texas | 55.06 |
| 10 | Vermont | 54.50 |
What’s Driving the Debt Increase?
Maine: Biggest Credit Card Jump in the Country
Maine took the top spot with a 7.8% increase in credit card balances from Q3 to Q4 2025, pushing the average credit card balance to nearly $8,000. Auto loan balances grew 1.9% and personal loans rose 0.5%. For context, most states saw credit card increases under 5%.
Wyoming: Largest Auto Loan Growth
Wyoming ranked second overall, driven by the nation’s largest auto loan balance increase at nearly 2.5%. The average auto loan balance in Wyoming reached $29,025. Credit card debt increased 5.5%.
Georgia: 5th Largest Debt Increase
Georgia ranked 5th overall with a score of 56.11. The state ranked 16th for change in average debt and 6th for average debt levels, meaning Georgians carry some of the highest balances in the country — and those balances are still growing.
Key Insight: The bottom five states for debt growth were Iowa (#46), Missouri (#47), Delaware (#48), Oregon (#49), and West Virginia (#50). Lower debt growth doesn’t necessarily mean financial health — it can also reflect tighter lending or already-maxed borrowers.
The Federal Reserve Numbers Paint a Bigger Picture
The WalletHub state data lines up with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Q4 2025 Household Debt and Credit Report, released February 10, 2026:
- Credit card balances: Rose $44 billion in Q4 alone to $1.28 trillion — a 5.5% annual increase
- Auto loans: Up $12 billion to $1.67 trillion
- Student loans: Rose $11 billion to $1.66 trillion
- Mortgage debt: Up $98 billion to $13.17 trillion with $524 billion in new originations
- Total household debt: $18.8 trillion — up $191 billion from Q3 2025
According to the ABA Banking Journal’s analysis, aggregate delinquency worsened in Q4, with serious delinquency increasing for credit cards, mortgages, and student loans.
Warning: Nearly one million student loan borrowers were transferred to default resolution status due to extended past-due balances. If you’re behind on student loans, take the free Find Your Path quiz to understand your options before the situation gets worse.
What This Means If You’re in Debt
Rising debt numbers nationwide aren’t just statistics. They represent real people making real decisions about how to pay for everyday life. When you see credit card balances climbing nearly 8% in a single quarter, that tells you the math is breaking for a lot of households.
Debt is what’s left over when the math is broken. And right now, with interest rates still elevated — the average credit card APR was 22.30% for cards carrying balances in Q4 2025 — every dollar of new debt is more expensive than it was a few years ago.
Debt is math wrapped in emotion. When the math breaks, address what broke it — don’t just grind harder.— Steve Rhode
If you’re carrying growing balances and just making minimums, the numbers are working against you. Here’s what to consider:
- Know exactly what you owe — credit cards, auto, personal loans, student loans
- Compare your total minimum payments against your monthly income
- Understand ALL your options — not just the ones advertised on TV
- Protect your retirement accounts above all else — never cash out a 401(k) to pay credit cards
- Don’t panic into a debt settlement program without understanding the tax consequences
- Don’t assume bankruptcy is worse than grinding for five years — Federal Reserve research shows filers are often better off within 2-3 years
- Don’t ignore growing balances — compound interest doesn’t take breaks
Not Sure Where to Start? Take the free Find Your Path quiz. It walks you through your situation and shows you what options actually make sense — including the ones nobody profits from telling you about.
Key Takeaways
- Maine leads the nation in consumer debt growth, with credit card balances jumping 7.8% in a single quarter
- Georgia ranks 5th for debt increases, with high average balances still climbing
- U.S. credit card debt hit a record $1.28 trillion in Q4 2025, according to the NY Fed
- Total household debt reached $18.8 trillion — up $740 billion for the year
- 4.8% of all debt is delinquent, with student loans at 9.6% serious delinquency
- If your debt is growing, understand ALL your options before the math gets worse
(Source: WalletHub — States Where Consumers Are Adding the Most Debt) (Source: Federal Reserve Bank of New York — Q4 2025 Household Debt Report)
FAQ
Which state is adding the most consumer debt in 2026?
Maine leads the nation with the highest consumer debt increase, scoring 74.36 in WalletHub’s analysis. Credit card balances in Maine jumped nearly 8% in a single quarter, pushing the average balance close to $8,000.
Where does Georgia rank for consumer debt growth?
Georgia ranks 5th nationally for consumer debt growth with a WalletHub score of 56.11. The state ranks 16th for the rate of debt increase and 6th for overall average debt levels, indicating Georgians carry some of the highest balances in the country.
How much credit card debt do Americans owe in 2026?
According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Americans owe $1.28 trillion in credit card debt as of Q4 2025, a 5.5% increase from the previous year. Total household debt reached $18.8 trillion.
Which states have the lowest consumer debt growth?
West Virginia ranks last (50th) with the lowest consumer debt growth, followed by Oregon (49th), Delaware (48th), Missouri (47th), and Iowa (46th). Lower debt growth can reflect tighter lending or already-constrained borrowers rather than financial health.
What should I do if my debt is growing?
Start by calculating exactly what you owe and comparing minimum payments to your income. Understand all options including credit counseling, debt settlement, and bankruptcy. Protect retirement accounts above all else. Take the free Find Your Path quiz at GetOutOfDebt.org for personalized guidance based on your situation.
Dealing With Debt? Understanding your options is the first step. See how all your debt relief options compare — including ones most sites won’t tell you about. The Find Your Path quiz gives a recommendation based on your actual numbers, and the Scam-O-Meter checks any company’s complaint history before you sign. Federal Reserve research shows bankruptcy filers recover faster than those who don’t file.
