California Bankruptcy Filings Rise 15% Amid Economic Strain

Personal bankruptcy filings in California rose 15% over the past year, outpacing the national average of 12%. - California had 52,973 total filings, the highest in the U.S., accounting for 9% of the national total.

- The state's per-capita rate of 134 filings per 100,000 residents ranks 28th, below the national rate of 165. - States with the largest increases include North Dakota (41%), Alaska (29%), and Florida (22%).

- Bankruptcy rates correlate with credit scores, with Mississippi having the worst credit and highest bankruptcies. The rise reflects economic pressures from inflation and high interest rates, though impacts vary widely.