WalletHub’s 2025 report reveals where personal finance thrives — and where budgets are breaking down.
As the U.S. economy continues to navigate inflation and income instability, WalletHub’s latest analysis of over 2,800 counties exposes major gaps in how Americans manage their money. From top savers to debt-laden communities, the report highlights which counties excel in budgeting — and which are falling behind.
Which U.S. Counties Have the Best Budgeters in 2025?
Using 11 financial health metrics — including bank account access, net worth, and credit card delinquency — WalletHub ranked counties from best to worst. Topping the list:
Top Budgeting Counties in 2025:
| Rank | County | State | Total Score | Savings Rank | Debt Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Los Alamos | NM | 87.02 | 7 | 3 |
| 2 | Clear Creek | CO | 85.98 | 1 | 168 |
| 3 | Morgan | UT | 83.64 | 11 | 54 |
| 4 | Gilpin | CO | 80.72 | 1 | 1293 |
| 5 | Stillwater | MT | 79.62 | 46 | 52 |
These counties scored high in savings behavior and low in debt and delinquencies — a sign of strong financial planning despite ongoing economic pressure.
The Worst Counties for Budgeting: Where Americans Are Struggling
At the other end of the spectrum are counties where financial habits suggest mounting challenges.
While WalletHub did not explicitly list the bottom performers in the excerpt provided, counties with high debt and low savings rankings typically fell in lower percentiles. Examples include counties like:
- Falls Church, VA: Great in savings (Rank 6) but ranked 2508th for debt and delinquencies.
- Hunterdon, NJ: Savings Rank 3 but Debt Rank 1635 — a stark imbalance between assets and liabilities.
These disparities suggest that even high-income areas may be overleveraged or lack financial discipline in daily spending.
Why Budgeting Matters in 2025’s Economic Climate
According to WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo, “Although inflation has experienced a downward trend, it’s been rising again — and many Americans are still struggling.” That makes budgeting more critical than ever.
Good budgeting ensures:
- Timely payment of essential bills
- Debt reduction and avoidance of delinquencies
- Progress toward long-term goals (e.g., saving for a home or retirement)
- Financial resilience amid economic uncertainty
Lupo emphasizes that budgeting is more than just planning — it’s tracking and sticking to a plan that creates lasting stability.
5 Expert Tips for Better Budgeting
Based on WalletHub’s guidance and financial expert insights, here are five proven strategies to improve personal budgeting:
- Track your spending weekly — Awareness curbs overspending.
- Prioritize needs over wants — Especially with rising costs.
- Automate savings — Treat savings like a monthly bill.
- Build an emergency fund — Aim for 3–6 months of expenses.
- Review credit and debt monthly — Avoid costly delinquencies.
What It Means for the US Economy
Budgeting behavior isn’t just personal — it reflects and shapes the broader U.S. economic landscape. Counties with strong budgeting cultures often enjoy:
- Lower local bankruptcy rates
- More stable housing markets
- Greater economic mobility
In contrast, areas with poor financial habits may face increased strain on social services, higher default rates, and reduced local investment.
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