U.S. family debt delinquency hits highest level since 2010, Fed survey shows

The Federal Reserve released its 2025 Survey of Consumer Finances, finding that delinquency on debt payments has surged to nearly 20%, the highest proportion since the 2010 survey. Families two months or more behind on payments now exceed 8%, up from 5% in 2022, and 8.6% of households are allocating over 40% of income to debt, a figure last observed in 2013. Despite the worsening repayment situation, median real family income rose 7% to $82,200 and median net worth increased 2% to $215,900, with average net worth reaching $1.24 million.

Income growth was strongest among households headed by those aged 75 or older, while the 35-to-44 age group saw a 25% decline linked to lower capital gains. Median income fell for Black non-Hispanic, Asian families, and the highest-income brackets. Homeownership remained steady at 66%, and median home values rose to $230,000.

Retirement plan participation edged up to about 65%, and median stock holdings grew 36% to $77,400. The findings come as total U.S. household debt hit a record $18.8 trillion and credit-card balances stayed near historic highs.