Bankruptcy by State
Bankruptcy in North Carolina
How North Carolina's bankruptcy exemptions, Chapter 7 income limits, and filing volume compare to the rest of the country.
Homestead exemption
$35,000
#26 of 51
Vehicle exemption
$3,500
#18 of 51
Median income (1 person)
$67,117
Chapter 7 means-test threshold
Annual filings
9,893
Year 2025
North Carolina 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 | North Carolina | National median | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homestead exemption | $35,000 | $90,000 | #26 of 51 |
| Motor vehicle exemption | $3,500 | $7,250 | #18 of 51 |
| Median income (1-person household) | $67,117 | $71,745 | #36 of 51 |
| Median income (4-person household) | $116,737 | $126,058 | #37 of 51 |
| Annual bankruptcy filings | 9,893 | 8,707 | #22 of 51 |