Bankruptcy by State
Bankruptcy in Pennsylvania
How Pennsylvania's bankruptcy exemptions, Chapter 7 income limits, and filing volume compare to the rest of the country.
Homestead exemption
—
—
Vehicle exemption
—
Wildcard may apply
Median income (1 person)
$72,230
Chapter 7 means-test threshold
Annual filings
14,371
Year 2025
Pennsylvania 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 | Pennsylvania | National median | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homestead exemption | — | $90,000 | — |
| Motor vehicle exemption | — | $7,250 | — |
| Median income (1-person household) | $72,230 | $71,745 | #24 of 51 |
| Median income (4-person household) | $135,862 | $126,058 | #20 of 51 |
| Annual bankruptcy filings | 14,371 | 8,707 | #13 of 51 |