(NewsNation) — Over the past year, Americans have reduced their non-mortgage debt, yet a recent LendingTree report reveals notable generational differences in the debt amounts people have.
By examining over 500,000 anonymized credit reports from residents in the 100 largest U.S. metro areas, researchers discovered that the median non-mortgage debt fell by 23.9% nationwide, decreasing from $24,668 last year to $18,762 this year.
Generation X carries the highest median debt at $26,207, despite experiencing a 22.6% reduction from $33,859 the previous year. Millennials are close behind with a median debt of $24,810, which is an 18.8% decrease from $30,558.
Gen Z holds less overall, with an average of $12,715, but their debt has fallen by 23.2%. Baby Boomers have the lowest median debt at $10,272, a decrease from $18,779.
The report found that Gen Xers are most likely to have auto debt, with 51% carrying a loan, and a median balance of $23,350. Millennials aren’t far behind, with 49.1% holding auto loans averaging $21.233.
When it comes to student debt, Gen Z is most likely to have it, with 38.1% of them holding it; however, Gen X carries the largest balances. While just 22.5% of Gen Xers have student loans, those who do owe a median of $33,988, which is more than double the median of $13,391 for Gen Z.
Overall, credit card debt remains common across all generations. Baby boomers are the most likely to carry a balance, with 92.6% reporting credit card debt. Even the youngest adults aren’t exempt; 70.2% of Gen Zers have credit card debt.
