The chart illustrates the annual increase in public debt across major U.S. states from 2018 to 2025, revealing a consistent upward trend driven by fiscal pressures and economic developments. California records the highest debt increase, rising from $15.2 billion in 2018–2019 to $23 billion in 2024–2025, reflecting strong infrastructure and public service spending. Texas follows with an increase from $10.5 billion to $17.3 billion over the same period, while New York grows from $9.8 billion to $17.1 billion. Florida climbs from $8.6 billion to $15.7 billion, and Illinois moves from $7.9 billion to $14 billion. Pennsylvania shows a steady rise from $6.3 billion to $12.5 billion, and Ohio increases from $5.5 billion to $10.7 billion. Other states like Georgia, New Jersey, and North Carolina display gradual yet significant growth, reaching between $8.9 to $9.5 billion in 2025. The pattern underscores escalating fiscal demands and public investment needs nationwide.
| Labels | 2018–2019 | 2019–2020 | 2020–2021 | 2021–2022 | 2022–2023 | 2023–2024 | 2024–2025 | Chart 3 | Chart 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | 15.2 | 16.5 | 18.1 | 19.3 | 20.4 | 21.6 | 23 | ||
| Texas | 10.5 | 11.2 | 12.7 | 13.5 | 14.8 | 16 | 17.3 | ||
| New York | 9.8 | 10.4 | 11.6 | 12.5 | 13.9 | 15.6 | 17.1 | ||
| Florida | 8.6 | 9.3 | 10 | 11.5 | 13.3 | 14.6 | 15.7 | ||
| Illinois | 7.9 | 8.5 | 9.6 | 10.9 | 12.2 | 13.1 | 14 | ||
| Pennsylvania | 6.3 | 7.1 | 7.8 | 9 | 10.2 | 11.3 | 12.5 | ||
| Ohio | 5.5 | 6.3 | 6.9 | 7.8 | 9 | 9.8 | 10.7 | ||
| Georgia | 4.8 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.7 | 7.8 | 8.6 | 9.5 | ||
| New Jersey | 4.3 | 5 | 5.7 | 6.4 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 9.4 | ||
| N.C | 3.9 | 4.5 | 5.3 | 6.2 | 7.1 | 8 | 8.9 |
