California City Named No. 1 for Largest Average Credit Card Debt in US

Santa Clarita takes the top spot as Southern California cities dominate WalletHub’s list of cities with the highest average household credit card debt.

Experts attribute mounting credit card debt to the high cost of living and, in some areas, a culture of extravagant consumer spending. Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Southern California is home to six of the top 10 U.S. cities with the largest average household credit card debt, according to a new study published on March 13 by WalletHub.

“Comparing the residents of cities based on how much debt they’re adding at the household level and what their average balance is puts things in perspective,” said John Kiernan, WalletHub editor. “Many people’s debt is in danger of becoming unsustainable, which means their financial future is in jeopardy.”