Data Visualization Debt
The Unrelenting Rise of Federal Debt
More Debt than Our Entire Economy

Currently, the publicly held federal debt is at of GDP. That means the public holds more debt than the size of the entire U.S. economy in . And that level is projected to rise to by .

Public debt as a percentage of GDP
Each Person’s Share of the Debt

The publicly held federal debt is already massive, and yet it is growing even faster than population growth. A child born in is automatically burdened with a share of debt. When that child turns 18, that amount will rise to . At age 30, it will be .

Public debt per capita in 2019 dollars

Note: This page was originally published on March 29, 2021. Data are by fiscal year.

Sources: Congressional Budget Office, Office of Management and Budget, and U.S. Census Bureau.

Design and Development: Graphic produced by John W. Fleming and Jay Simon. Data compiled by David Ditch.