Means Test: State Median Incomes
State Median Incomes
In order to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you must prove your need by passing the bankruptcy means test.
A major part of the Chapter 7 means test involves comparing your income to the state median income level.
If your median income is less than your state’s median income level then you probably qualify to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy. If your income is above this level, then you may need to examine Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
If you already know that Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a good fit, you may want to go ahead and speak with a local bankruptcy attorney. We can connect you with a local Chapter 7 lawyer who can provide you with a free case evaluation.
Connect with a local Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer.
Learn more about the Chapter 7 means test.
Chapter 7 Means Test: The First Step
Find the median income level of your state and talk to a bankruptcy lawyer about your debt-relief options. Information for cases filed on or after May 1, 2012.
| State | Single-Earner | 2-Person | 3-Person | *4-Person |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| * Add $7,500 for each individual in excess of 4. | ||||
| Alabama | $39,531 | $47,478 | $52,798 | $63,537 |
| Alaska | $54,272 | $73,043 | $79,637 | $90,781 |
| Arizona | $42,691 | $55,479 | $58,292 | $63,201 |
| Arkansas | $35,283 | $45,438 | $48,520 | $58,051 |
| California | $49,188 | $63,481 | $68,135 | $77,167 |
| Colorado | $48,856 | $64,402 | $71,438 | $82,427 |
| Connecticut | $58,565 | $72,562 | $82,797 | $102,579 |
| Delaware | $49,566 | $61,819 | $73,508 | $82,349 |
| District Of Columbia | $52,148 | $80,785 | $$80,785 | $119,656 |
| Florida | $42,053 | $51,299 | $54,508 | $64,722 |
| Georgia | $40,947 | $52,313 | $57,470 | $66,250 |
| Hawaii | $40,947 | $52,313 | $57,470 | $66,250 |
| Idaho | $40,947 | $52,313 | $57,470 | $66,250 |
| Illinois | $46,983 | $59,794 | $68,865 | $81,570 |
| Indiana | $41,249 | $51,237 | $59,517 | $69,420 |
| Iowa | $41,933 | $56,960 | $64,216 | $74,514 |
| Kansas | $42,924 | $57,562 | $64,834 | $74,959 |
| Kentucky | $39,567 | $46,107 | $53,496 | $64,558 |
| Louisiana | $39,128 | $47,626 | $56,363 | $67,854 |
| Maine | $41,811 | $53,371 | $62,095 | $77,097 |
| Maryland | $59,269 | $76,281 | $86,807 | $104,114 |
| Massachusetts | $55,185 | $66,200 | $82,873 | $102,194 |
| Michigan | $45,056 | $51,660 | $60,313 | $72,454 |
| Minnesota | $47,618 | $63,101 | $74,050 | $86,910 |
| Mississippi | $34,172 | $42,914 | $46,973 | $56,494 |
| Missouri | $40,123 | $52,200 | $60,197 | $69,378 |
| Montana | $39,580 | $51,313 | $58,085 | $70,469 |
| Nebraska | $40,429 | $57,271 | $66,742 | $73,496 |
| Nevada | $44,508 | $57,327 | $62,776 | $67,236 |
| New Hampshire | $53,177 | $63,626 | $81,854 | $94,646 |
| New Jersey | $62,226 | $69,634 | $87,576 | $105,175 |
| New Mexico | $38,422 | $51,078 | $53,417 | $56,365 |
| New York | $47,381 | $57,884 | $69,066 | $83,775 |
| North Carolina | $39,088 | $50,248 | $56,024 | $67,089 |
| North Dakota | $44,309 | $60,596 | $69,367 | $81,840 |
| Ohio | $41,748 | $51,839 | $60,219 | $72,827 |
| Oklahoma | $38,649 | $49,838 | $55,015 | $62,301 |
| Oregon | $44,230 | $53,967 | $59,242 | $68,719 |
| Pennsylvania | $46,515 | $54,767 | $68,586 | $79,102 |
| Rhode Island | $47,798 | $61,506 | $68,909 | $88,990 |
| South Carolina | $38,849 | $49,363 | $52,428 | $64,898 |
| South Dakota | $37,961 | $56,763 | $63,557 | $71,184 |
| Tennessee | $39,165 | $48,725 | $53,272 | $62,832 |
| Texas | $40,925 | $55,653 | $59,650 | $65,875 |
| Utah | $49,697 | $57,309 | $61,508 | $66,825 |
| Vermont | $44,918 | $56,850 | $71,937 | $79,736 |
| Virginia | $52,202 | $66,317 | $73,905 | $90,260 |
| Washington | $53,302 | $63,873 | $71,379 | $82,942 |
| West Virginia | $42,178 | $45,407 | $52,596 | $63,638 |
| Wisconsin | $42,178 | $45,407 | $52,596 | $63,638 |
| Wyoming | $50,373 | $64,031 | $69,176 | $75,678 |
| Commonwealth or U.S. Territory | Single-Earner | 2-Person | 3-Person | *4-Person |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| * Add $7,500 for each individual in excess of 4. | ||||
| Guam | $37,631 | $44,994 | $51,273 | $62,047 |
| Northern Mariana Islands | $25,270 | $25,270 | $29,400 | $43,242 |
| Puerto Rico | $21,859 | $21,859 | $22,157 | $28,717 |
| Virgin Islands | $29,857 | $35,884 | $38,260 | $41,918 |
Note: Although we try to keep the means test median income information on this page as up-to-date as possible, the median income table may be updated at any time, and information on this page may be out of date. The latest information can be found at the U.S. Trustee Program Web site.
Updated as of: May 8, 2012.