Louisiana Residents Carry $139,300 Each in Government Debt

Louisiana Residents Shoulder $139,300 Each in Total Government Debt

Louisiana residents carry approximately $139,300 in combined federal, state, and local government debt, according to a study released Thursday by the Reason Foundation. The figure highlights the financial obligations facing taxpayers across the state as municipal and parish obligations stack up alongside state commitments and a national debt exceeding $40 trillion.

State and Local Debt Burdens in Louisiana

Louisiana’s state government alone has accumulated $39.3 billion in debt, which equates to $8,440 per resident and ranks 17th-highest among all 50 states. When adding the debt held by parish and municipal governments as well as school districts, the state’s total climbs to $78.8 billion. That combined obligation equals $16,939 per capita, giving Louisiana the 18th-highest per capita burden in the country.

Louisiana’s state and local governments had $78.8 billion in total debt, or $16,939 in debt per capita, said Jordan Campbell, co-author of the report.

Federal Obligations Add Six Figures to Per Capita Total

The state and local figures exclude the federal government’s national debt, which adds another $122,384 per American. Combining the national, state, local, and school district obligations brings the total government debt burden for an individual Louisianan to $139,300.

Add the $122,384 debt per resident for the national debt of over $40 trillion, and each Louisianan owes $139,300 in government debt (national, state, local, and school district), Campbell said.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Reason Foundation Study

Where can the complete Reason Foundation report be accessed?

The full study detailing state and local government financial obligations is available directly through the Reason Foundation at reason.org.

How does Louisiana’s state-level debt rank nationally?

Louisiana’s state government debt of $39.3 billion places it 17th-highest among all 50 states on a per capita basis, averaging $8,440 for every resident.

What government layers are included in the $78.8 billion state and local total?

The $78.8 billion figure combines obligations from Louisiana’s state government, parish and municipal governing bodies, and local school districts.

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