Bankruptcy by State
Bankruptcy in Tennessee
How Tennessee'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
None (use wildcard)
Wildcard may apply
Median income (1 person)
$63,979
Chapter 7 means-test threshold
Annual filings
20,881
Year 2025
Tennessee 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 | Tennessee | National median | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homestead exemption | $35,000 | $90,000 | #26 of 51 |
| Motor vehicle exemption | None (use wildcard) | $7,250 | — |
| Median income (1-person household) | $63,979 | $71,745 | #45 of 51 |
| Median income (4-person household) | $109,585 | $126,058 | #43 of 51 |
| Annual bankruptcy filings | 20,881 | 8,707 | #9 of 51 |