Where US Families Are Most Strained By Debt

The visualization examines state-level household debt-to-income ratios (DTI) in Q1 2025, using data from the Federal Reserve. Idaho and Hawaii share the highest DTI, both at 2.06, indicating households owe over twice their annual income. High housing costs and population growth are key factors driving up debt in these states. Arizona, Colorado, and Utah also have high DTIs, reflecting rising prices. Pennsylvania, Ohio, and North Dakota have the lowest DTIs, at 1.11, due to lower housing costs and older homeowners. These low-debt states often have slower population growth, impacting borrowing. Regional housing dynamics play a more significant role than income in determining household debt levels. The DTI calculation has some limitations, potentially understating the burden for younger households. Unemployment insurance-covered wages are used to calculate income, which can skew the ratio in certain areas. This data highlights the significant debt burdens faced by many American households, especially in rapidly growing areas. The analysis excludes student loans, which could alter the overall debt picture.