The means test in Minnesota: median income
The Minnesota median income table and the first step of the means test.
Checked against official sources: October 25, 2026.
Short answer
Official medians for Minnesota from the U.S. Trustee Program. Below the median for your household size means you pass the first step.
- 1 person
- $77,696
- 2 people
- $98,328
- 3 people
- $126,487
- 4 people
- $149,882
- Each extra person
- +$11,100
- Medians apply to cases filed on or after
- April 1, 2026
Minnesota median income check
Official Form 122A-1 compares your household's yearly income with the median income in Minnesota. Here are the official medians:
- 1 person$77,696
- 2 people$98,328
- 3 people$126,487
- 4 people$149,882
- Each extra person+$11,100
Applies to cases filed on or after April 1, 2026. 1 = one earner; 2, 3, 4 = people in the household; add = amount added for each person over 4
The bankruptcy courts in Minnesota
You file in the federal bankruptcy district where you lived (your domicile) for most of the 180 days before you file. Minnesota has one district with offices in St. Paul, Minneapolis, Duluth and Fergus Falls. The court's locations page lists the counties in each division: https://www.mnb.uscourts.gov/court-info/court-locations
Law: 28 U.S.C. 1408
Divisions: St. Paul, Minneapolis, Duluth, Fergus Falls
Clerk's phone: (651) 848-1000 or 1-866-260-7337
Exemptions in Minnesota at a glance
In Minnesota you choose state or federal exemptions (exemptions are the property the law lets you keep).
Home (homestead): $540,000 in equity, or $1,350,000 if the homestead is used mainly for farming (amounts effective July 1, 2026).
Car or other vehicle: One of: $10,200 in one vehicle; $27,500 in a vehicle regularly used by or for a physically disabled person; $110,000 in a vehicle designed or modified for a disability; or $13,750 in a vehicle reasonably necessary for your trade or business (amounts effective July 1, 2026).
Wildcard (any property): $1,650 in any property, including money in a bank account, in bankruptcy only (effective July 1, 2026).
In nearby states
- Wisconsin: 1 person $71,168 · 2 people $90,252 · 3 people $108,516 · 4 people $133,384
- Iowa: 1 person $67,617 · 2 people $88,800 · 3 people $104,133 · 4 people $126,058
- North Dakota: 1 person $73,549 · 2 people $96,352 · 3 people $106,686 · 4 people $137,817
- South Dakota: 1 person $69,190 · 2 people $89,809 · 3 people $100,883 · 4 people $130,738
- Nebraska: 1 person $66,922 · 2 people $90,728 · 3 people $103,405 · 4 people $125,074
- Michigan: 1 person $67,352 · 2 people $83,432 · 3 people $103,449 · 4 people $123,010
Your next steps in Minnesota
Gather your income
Collect proof of all income for the last 6 months.
Fill in the first form
The court uses Official Form 122A-1.
When income is higher
The second step subtracts allowed expenses on Official Form 122A-2.
Find your court
You file the forms in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Minnesota.
Free help in Minnesota
Questions about the means test in Minnesota
How much home equity can I keep in Minnesota?
$540,000 in equity, or $1,350,000 if the homestead is used mainly for farming (amounts effective July 1, 2026). The homestead can include up to 160 acres of land.
Where do I file bankruptcy in Minnesota?
You file in the federal bankruptcy district where you lived (your domicile) for most of the 180 days before you file. Minnesota has one district with offices in St. Paul, Minneapolis, Duluth and Fergus Falls. The court's locations page lists the counties in each division: https://www.mnb.uscourts.gov/court-info/court-locations
What are the Minnesota means test numbers?
For cases filed on or after April 1, 2026: 1 person: $77,696; 2 people: $98,328; 3 people: $126,487; 4 people: $149,882; Each extra person: +$11,100.
Is there free bankruptcy help in Minnesota?
Volunteer Lawyers Network bankruptcy advice clinics (with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court), Volunteer Lawyers Network and LawHelp Minnesota.