Bankruptcy by State
Bankruptcy in Washington
How Washington's bankruptcy exemptions, Chapter 7 income limits, and filing volume compare to the rest of the country.
Homestead exemption
$125,000+
#16 of 51
Vehicle exemption
$15,000
#4 of 51
Median income (1 person)
$88,585
Chapter 7 means-test threshold
Annual filings
9,385
Year 2025
Washington 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 | Washington | National median | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homestead exemption | $125,000+ | $90,000 | #16 of 51 |
| Motor vehicle exemption | $15,000 | $7,250 | #4 of 51 |
| Median income (1-person household) | $88,585 | $71,745 | #1 of 51 |
| Median income (4-person household) | $156,567 | $126,058 | #6 of 51 |
| Annual bankruptcy filings | 9,385 | 8,707 | #25 of 51 |