Business
N.J. has sixth-highest bankruptcy filings rate in U.S.; national filings increased 11.4% year over year
Source: ROI-NJ · Jul 31, 2026, 5:26 AM
AI-assisted briefing from the publisher’s public headline and excerpt — not original reporting. How we write briefings

New Jersey experienced a significant surge in business bankruptcies, with 93.1 filings per 100,000 small businesses making it the sixth-highest rate nationally, according to LendingTree data.
The state saw business bankruptcy filings jump 79.3% over the past year—the second-largest increase in the nation. This sharp rise reflects broader economic pressures on small businesses, even as national bankruptcy filings increased 11.4% year-over-year.
The 979 business bankruptcies filed in New Jersey highlight growing financial strain in the state's small business sector.
Key points
- New Jersey ranks sixth highest in the nation for small business bankruptcy filing rates at 93.1 per 100,000 businesses
- Business bankruptcy filings in New Jersey surged 79.3% year-over-year, the second-largest increase among all states
- New Jersey recorded 979 business bankruptcy filings in the past year
- National business bankruptcy filings increased 11.4% overall, showing New Jersey's jump significantly exceeds national trend
FAQ
- Why is New Jersey's bankruptcy rate so high?
- While the excerpt doesn't specify causes, New Jersey's high rate reflects broader economic pressures on small businesses. The 79.3% surge suggests businesses are struggling with economic conditions, rising costs, or market challenges. The state's sixth-place ranking indicates it's among the harder-hit states for small business insolvency.
- What does this mean for New Jersey small business owners?
- The data suggests New Jersey small business owners face significant financial challenges. With the second-highest increase in bankruptcy filings nationally, business owners should closely monitor cash flow, seek financial guidance, and explore restructuring options if their businesses face difficulty.
- How does New Jersey compare nationally on this metric?
- New Jersey ranks sixth in the nation for business bankruptcy filings per capita. The state's 79.3% year-over-year increase is the second-largest among all states, indicating New Jersey is experiencing bankruptcy pressures above the national average of 11.4% growth.
Briefing prepared for NJ News Hub. Verify details on the original story. See our editorial policy.
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