business
Seven California cities rank among top 10 for credit card debt
An analysis of 182 large U.S. cities found seven California communities in the top 10 for average and total credit card balances. National credit card debt reached $1.35 trillion in the first quarter of 2026.
news.sky.comAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Developing·Limited corroboration so far. This page will refresh as more sources emerge.
Seven California cities placed in the top 10 nationally for credit card debt according to a WalletHub study of 182 large U.S. cities. Santa Clarita ranked first with average household balances of $23,714 and roughly $1.8 billion in total debt. Chula Vista placed second at $20,778 per household.
Rancho Cucamonga ranked fifth at $19,619, followed by Fontana at seventh with $19,316. Oxnard, Moreno Valley, and Santa Ana finished eighth through tenth with averages between $19,094 and $19,277.
National debt levels Americans held $1.35 trillion in credit card debt at the end of the first quarter of 2026, or about $11,000 per household. The New York Fed reported a separate total of $1.25 trillion after a $25 billion decline in the same period.
The share of balances at least 90 days delinquent rose to 13.1 percent, the highest level in 15 years. Total U.S. household debt reached a record $18.8 trillion.
State budget context The broader debt picture has drawn renewed political scrutiny in California. Critics argue residents face heavier financial burdens under current state leadership compared with conditions when former Gov. Jerry Brown left office in 2019.
" Under the current administration, critics point to rising state liabilities and more than $20 billion in borrowing from internal special funds to close budget gaps.
