Nevada cities land high in WalletHub’s auto debt rankings — here’s the breakdown

Two Nevada cities rank among the top 10 nationwide for rising auto loan debt, according to a new WalletHub report that compared debt levels in the 100 largest U.S. cities.

WalletHub ranked cities by how fast auto loan debt is growing, along with average balances and monthly payments.

How much is Nevada’s auto debt?

Nevada’s average auto loan balances — ranging from $20,362 to $22,279 — are about 45% to 59% higher than the national average of $14,000, according to WalletHub.

Henderson came in at No. 5 overall, with an average auto loan balance of $22,279 and monthly payments of $524. North Las Vegas ranked No. 7, with an average balance of $21,236 and payments averaging $477 per month.

Reno ranked No. 17, with a balance of $20,362 and payments of $491, while Las Vegas landed at No. 52, with a smaller increase and a balance of $20,489, paying about $471 per month.

These Nevada cities joined other fast-climbing debt markets such as Irvine, California, and Irving, Texas — both of which saw even sharper increases in average loan balances and payments over the past year.

Why is auto loan debt rising in the US, Nevada?

Americans now owe more than $1.64 trillion in auto loans. The cost of borrowing has climbed in recent years, making monthly payments harder to manage — especially for people with less financial flexibility, according to WalletHub.

Some increases in auto loan debt may reflect stronger borrowing power, but in most of the top 10 cities, it’s a red flag, according to WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo.

“In most of the top 10 cities driving up auto debt, the extra debt is a bad sign because those cities tend to have high debt delinquency rates and a lot of people experiencing financial distress.”

Here’s a look at the cities with the highest increases in auto loan debt across the country and where Nevada ranked.

What cities have the highest auto loan debt increases in the country?

According to WalletHub, these 10 cities saw the largest increases in auto loan debt from the first quarter of 2024 to the first quarter of 2025:

Irvine, California

Irving, Texas

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Hialeah, Florida

Henderson, Nevada

Scottsdale, Arizona

North Las Vegas, Nevada

Fremont, California

Fresno, California

Albuquerque, New Mexico

What Nevada cities have the highest auto loan debt increases?

WalletHub ranked the following Nevada cities among those with the highest increases in auto loan debt between the first quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025:

Ranking / city / national ranking

Henderson — No. 5 nationally (1.96%) \ $22,279 balance \ $524/month

North Las Vegas — No. 7 nationally (2.26%) \ $21,236 balance \ $477/month

Reno — No. 17 nationally (1.60%) \ $20,362 balance \ $491/month

Las Vegas — No. 52 nationally (0.37%) \ $20,489 balance \ $471/month

This article originally appeared on Reno Gazette Journal: Nevada cities land high in WalletHub’s auto debt rankings — here’s the breakdown

Reporting by Carly Sauvageau, Reno Gazette Journal / Reno Gazette Journal

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

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