The means test in Missouri: median income
The official median income for Missouri, a quick first-step check and what happens if your income is above it.
Checked against official sources: October 25, 2026.
Short answer
Official medians for Missouri from the U.S. Trustee Program. Below the median for your household size means you pass the first step.
- 1 person
- $64,972
- 2 people
- $82,075
- 3 people
- $100,228
- 4 people
- $118,530
- Each extra person
- +$11,100
- Medians apply to cases filed on or after
- April 1, 2026
Are you below the Missouri median?
Official Form 122A-1 compares your household's yearly income with the median income in Missouri. Here are the official medians:
- 1 person$64,972
- 2 people$82,075
- 3 people$100,228
- 4 people$118,530
- 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 Missouri
You file in the federal bankruptcy district where you lived (your domicile) for most of the 180 days before you file. Missouri has two districts, Eastern and Western. Eastern District divisional map: https://www.moeb.uscourts.gov/divisional-map; Western District courthouse locations: https://www.mow.uscourts.gov/offices
Law: 28 U.S.C. 1408
Divisions: St. Louis (Eastern, staffed); Cape Girardeau (Southeastern) and Hannibal (Northern), staffed only on court days
Clerk's phone: (314) 244-4500
Divisions: Clerk's office in Kansas City; courthouses in Kansas City, Jefferson City and Springfield
Clerk's phone: 816-512-1800
What you can keep in Missouri
In Missouri you use state exemptions only (exemptions are the property the law lets you keep).
Home (homestead): $15,000 in your home and the land used with it.
Car or other vehicle: $3,000 total in motor vehicles.
Wildcard (any property): $600 in any property. If you are the head of a family: another $1,250 plus $350 for each unmarried dependent child under 21 (or disabled dependent).
In nearby states
- Illinois: 1 person $73,180 · 2 people $93,934 · 3 people $113,625 · 4 people $137,902
- Arkansas: 1 person $58,421 · 2 people $73,630 · 3 people $82,329 · 4 people $97,054
- Iowa: 1 person $67,617 · 2 people $88,800 · 3 people $104,133 · 4 people $126,058
- Kansas: 1 person $69,197 · 2 people $87,441 · 3 people $103,852 · 4 people $125,971
- Oklahoma: 1 person $61,180 · 2 people $77,208 · 3 people $86,845 · 4 people $101,798
- Indiana: 1 person $64,461 · 2 people $81,986 · 3 people $95,627 · 4 people $115,656
What to do now in Missouri
Total your income
Collect proof of all income for the last 6 months.
Do the official first step
The official first step is Official Form 122A-1.
If you are above the median
You continue with Official Form 122A-2.
Find your court
Your court: Eastern District and Western District.
Get help
Free help: Legal Services of Eastern Missouri and Legal Aid of Western Missouri.
Free help in Missouri
Questions about the means test in Missouri
What is the homestead exemption in Missouri?
$15,000 in your home and the land used with it.
How do I find my bankruptcy court in Missouri?
You file in the federal bankruptcy district where you lived (your domicile) for most of the 180 days before you file. Missouri has two districts, Eastern and Western. Eastern District divisional map: https://www.moeb.uscourts.gov/divisional-map; Western District courthouse locations: https://www.mow.uscourts.gov/offices
What are the Missouri means test numbers?
For cases filed on or after April 1, 2026: 1 person: $64,972; 2 people: $82,075; 3 people: $100,228; 4 people: $118,530; Each extra person: +$11,100.
Is there free bankruptcy help in Missouri?
Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Legal Aid of Western Missouri and The Missouri Bar (main office).