Bankruptcy by State
Bankruptcy in Massachusetts
How Massachusetts's bankruptcy exemptions, Chapter 7 income limits, and filing volume compare to the rest of the country.
Homestead exemption
$1,000,000
#2 of 51
Vehicle exemption
$7,500
#9 of 51
Median income (1 person)
$88,202
Chapter 7 means-test threshold
Annual filings
5,227
Year 2025
Massachusetts vs. national medians
National medians are calculated across all 51 states plus the District of Columbia. Ranks run from #1 (highest) to #51 (lowest). Where a state publishes a range or a conditional amount, the exemption is shown in full and ranked by its guaranteed minimum.
| Metric | Massachusetts | National median | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homestead exemption | $1,000,000 | $90,000 | #2 of 51 |
| Motor vehicle exemption | $7,500 | $7,250 | #9 of 51 |
| Median income (1-person household) | $88,202 | $71,745 | #2 of 51 |
| Median income (4-person household) | $178,524 | $126,058 | #1 of 51 |
| Annual bankruptcy filings | 5,227 | 8,707 | #32 of 51 |