Debt is a near-universal experience in the United States, with 77% of Americans carrying some form of debt, according to the Federal Reserve Board. As of mid-2025, the average American household debt stood at $104,755, with total U.S. household debt reaching a record high of $18.8 trillion in Q4 2025.
Breakdown of Debt Categories
Mortgage balances account for approximately 70% of all household debt, with total mortgage balances standing at $13.17 trillion as of Q4 2025. The average mortgage balance per borrower was $268,060, with a median monthly payment of $2,025. Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) have also increased, reaching $434 billion in Q4 2025.
Credit card debt is another significant concern, with total credit card balances reaching $1.28 trillion in Q4 2025. The average American credit card debt per borrower was $6,523 in Q3 2025, with average APRs at 19.57% as of April 2026. Auto loans are the third-largest household debt category, with total auto loan balances at $1.67 trillion in Q4 2025 and an average balance of $24,602 per borrower.
Student Loan Debt and Generational Debt
Student loan debt affects over 43 million Americans, with the average borrower carrying between $37,400 and $43,300 in debt. Repayment rates have not kept pace with the rising balances, leading to an increase in delinquencies. Experian’s data shows that average consumer debt varies widely by generation, with adults between 40 and 49 carrying the most total debt.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
