Distrito Federal faces high delinquency despite leading Brazil in per capita income

Despite having the highest per capita household income in Brazil, reaching R$ 4,538 in 2025 according to IBGE, families in the Distrito Federal (DF) are facing significant financial distress. As of July 2026, 51.2% of families in the DF were in default, a rate significantly higher than the national average of 29.8%.

Data from the Consumer Indebtedness and Delinquency Survey (Peic) indicates that approximately 79.9% of families in the region carry some form of debt. Credit cards are a primary factor, appearing in the debts of 86.6% of indebted households. The delinquency rate in the DF has risen sharply from 41.8% to 51.2% over the past year.

Rising living costs, particularly regarding housing, are driving this trend. Rent delinquency reached 2.16%, the highest in four months, as families struggle with the combined pressure of rent, condominium fees, utilities, and food costs. For families earning up to 10 minimum wages, indebtedness has reached 85.8%, exceeding the national average for that income bracket.