Bankruptcy by State
Bankruptcy in Wisconsin
How Wisconsin's bankruptcy exemptions, Chapter 7 income limits, and filing volume compare to the rest of the country.
Homestead exemption
$75,000
#21 of 51
Vehicle exemption
$4,000
#16 of 51
Median income (1 person)
$71,168
Chapter 7 means-test threshold
Annual filings
10,174
Year 2025
Wisconsin 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 | Wisconsin | National median | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homestead exemption | $75,000 | $90,000 | #21 of 51 |
| Motor vehicle exemption | $4,000 | $7,250 | #16 of 51 |
| Median income (1-person household) | $71,168 | $71,745 | #28 of 51 |
| Median income (4-person household) | $133,384 | $126,058 | #21 of 51 |
| Annual bankruptcy filings | 10,174 | 8,707 | #21 of 51 |