The debt levels of the United States government have increased significantly over the last few decades. The last time the debt ceiling was raised was in December, 2021. In this year, the ceiling was raised to 31.38 trillion U.S. dollars. Just three months prior, in October 2021, the federal debt limit was at 28.9 trillion U.S. dollars. The monthly debt level of the United States can be accessed here.
In May 2023, after the passing of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, the debt limit was suspended until January 1, 2025.
Statutory limits on the federal debt of the United States from 1983 to 2021
(in billion U.S. dollars)
Year
Statutory debt limit in billion U.S. dollars
Dec, 2021
31,381.5
Oct, 2021
28,881.5
Aug, 2021
28,401.5
Aug, 2019**
21,987.7
Mar, 2019
21,987.7
Feb, 2018**
20,465
Dec, 2017
20,456
Sep, 2017**
19,808.8
Mar, 2017
19,808.8
Nov, 2015**
18,113
Mar, 2015
18,113
Feb, 2014**
17,211.6
Feb, 2014
17,211.6
Oct, 2013**
16,699.4
May, 2013
16,699.4
Feb, 2012**
16,394
Jan, 2012
16,394
Sept, 2011
15,194
Aug, 2011
14,694
Feb, 2010
14,294
Dec, 2009
12,394
Feb, 2009
12,104
Oct, 2008
11,315
Jul, 2008
10,615
Sep, 2007
9,815
Mar, 2006
8,965
Nov, 2004
8,184
May, 2003
7,384
Jun, 2002
6,400
Aug, 1997
5,950
Mar, 1996
5,500
Aug, 1993
4,900
Apr, 1993*
4,370
Nov, 1990
4,145
Oct 28, 1990*
3,230
Oct 25, 1990*
3,195
Oct 19, 1990*
3,195
Oct 9, 1990*
3,195
Oct 2, 1990*
3,195
Aug, 1990*
3,195
Nov, 1989
3,122.7
Aug, 1989*
2,870
Sep, 1987
2,800
Aug, 1987*
2,352
Jul, 1987*
2,320
May, 1987*
2,320
Oct, 1986*
2,300
Aug, 1986
2,111
Dec, 1985
2,078.7
Nov, 1985*
1,903.8
Oct, 1984
1,823.8
Jul, 1984
1,573
May, 1984
1,520
Nov, 1983
1,490
May, 1983
1,389
Zoomable Statistic: Select the range in the chart you want to zoom in on.
Profit from the additional features of your individual account
Currently, you are using a shared account. To use individual functions (e.g., mark statistics as favourites, set
statistic alerts) please log in with your personal account.
If you are an admin, please authenticate by logging in again.
Learn more about how Statista can support your business.
US Office of Management and Budget. (March 28, 2022). Statutory limits on the federal debt of the United States from 1983 to 2021 (in billion U.S. dollars) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved November 13, 2024, from https://www-statista-com.ezproxy.canberra.edu.au/statistics/246405/federal-debt-limit-of-the-united-states/
US Office of Management and Budget. "Statutory limits on the federal debt of the United States from 1983 to 2021 (in billion U.S. dollars)." Chart. March 28, 2022. Statista. Accessed November 13, 2024. https://www-statista-com.ezproxy.canberra.edu.au/statistics/246405/federal-debt-limit-of-the-united-states/
US Office of Management and Budget. (2022). Statutory limits on the federal debt of the United States from 1983 to 2021 (in billion U.S. dollars). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: November 13, 2024. https://www-statista-com.ezproxy.canberra.edu.au/statistics/246405/federal-debt-limit-of-the-united-states/
US Office of Management and Budget. "Statutory Limits on The Federal Debt of The United States from 1983 to 2021 (in Billion U.S. Dollars)." Statista, Statista Inc., 28 Mar 2022, https://www-statista-com.ezproxy.canberra.edu.au/statistics/246405/federal-debt-limit-of-the-united-states/
US Office of Management and Budget, Statutory limits on the federal debt of the United States from 1983 to 2021 (in billion U.S. dollars) Statista, https://www-statista-com.ezproxy.canberra.edu.au/statistics/246405/federal-debt-limit-of-the-united-states/ (last visited November 13, 2024)
Statutory limits on the federal debt of the United States from 1983 to 2021 (in billion U.S. dollars) [Graph], US Office of Management and Budget, March 28, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www-statista-com.ezproxy.canberra.edu.au/statistics/246405/federal-debt-limit-of-the-united-states/
