20 Cities Where Boomers Have the Most Car Loan Debt
An estimated 48% of baby boomers have auto loans, according to a recent LendingTree study on debt in America’s largest 100 metropolitan areas. For boomers who still owe money on their cars, the median balance is $19,526. In comparison, the median auto loan balance for other generations is $20,826 (millennials), $23,260 (Gen X) and $17,402 (Gen Z).
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While auto loan debt varies by city, residents of McAllen, Texas, owe the highest amount across all four generations. Interestingly, many of the major cities with the highest auto loan debt are in the Lone Star State.
These are the top 20 metropolitan areas where boomers owe the most on their auto loans (ranked lowest to highest).
Also see ways boomers become poor in retirement.
Oklahoma City
Median balance: $21,679
Percentage of boomers with auto debt: 55.1%
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Lakeland, Florida
Median balance: $21,682
Percentage of boomers with auto debt: 53.5%
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Median balance: $21,923
Percentage of boomers with auto debt: 50%
Las Vegas
Median balance: $21,930
Percentage of boomers with auto debt: 44.2%
Deltona, Florida
Median balance: $22,088
Percentage of boomers with auto debt: 53.1%
Cape Coral, Florida
Median balance: $22,091
Percentage of boomers with auto debt: 58.1%
Augusta, Georgia
Median balance: $22,092
Percentage of boomers with auto debt: 52.5%
Orlando, Florida
Median balance: $22,405
Percentage of boomers with auto debt: 50.5%
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Median balance: $22,644
Percentage of boomers with auto debt: 50.4%
Houston
Median balance: $22,777
Percentage of boomers with auto debt: 44.9%
Bakersfield, California
Median balance: $22,811
Percentage of boomers with auto debt: 45.9%
Austin, Texas
Median balance: $22,894
Percentage of boomers with auto debt: 54.2%
Jacksonville, Florida
Median balance: $22,898
Percentage of boomers with auto debt: 49.9%
Dallas
Median balance: $22,962
Percentage of boomers with auto debt: 51.1%
Memphis, Tennessee
Median balance: $23,554
Percentage of boomers with auto debt: 46.1%
San Antonio, Texas
Median balance: $23.941
Percentage of boomers with auto debt: 53.9%
El Paso, Texas
Median balance: $24,008
Percentage of boomers with auto debt: 50.5%
Little Rock, Arkansas
Median balance: $25,204
Percentage of boomers with auto debt: 54.5%
Salt Lake City
Median balance: $25,400
Percentage of boomers with auto debt: 46.4%
McAllen, Texas
Median balance: $27,973
Percentage of boomers with auto debt: 62.2%
Ways To Manage Your Auto Loan
Baby boomers are those born between the years 1946 and 1964, meaning most are in their 60s or late 70s right now. While some individuals from this generation may still be working, the majority are now retired and — in many cases — living on fixed incomes.
Depending on individual circumstances, it might make sense to prioritize paying off any remaining debts — including car loans. Or it might make more sense to change the terms of your loan. Here are some options you might have:
Consider refinancing. If it’s an option, you could refinance your loan to get a better interest rate. This may extend your loan term, but it can also get you a lower monthly payment. Even if the goal isn’t to pay off your debt, just having a smaller monthly payment can ease some financial stress.
Look over your loan agreement. Check the fine print to see if there are any ways to reduce what you owe. For example, this could mean dropping the GAP insurance or extended warranty. If you decide to pay off your loan early, make sure there aren’t any hefty fees — like a prepayment penalty — for doing so.
Reach out to your lender. If you’re experiencing financial hardship, contact your lender and let them know your situation. They might be willing to set up a different repayment plan with you based on your budget. In some cases, they might even put a temporary pause on your payments — though this isn’t a long-term measure.
Look for community resources. Depending on where you live, your income, and household size, you might qualify for financial assistance through local or government programs. Check with your Department of Health and Human Services website for more information.
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