Steiermark records highest per capita public debt in Austria

Data from Statistik Austria as of March 31 reveals significant disparities in per capita public debt across Austrian federal states. Steiermark recorded the highest debt burden at 8,611 euros per inhabitant, followed by Kärnten at 8,201 euros and Burgenland at 7,783 euros. Lower Austria and Vienna also showed relatively high levels, with 7,507 euros and 7,342 euros respectively.

In contrast, Tirol and Oberösterreich reported the lowest debt levels. Tirol holds the lowest per capita debt in the country at 3,285 euros. Tirol's Governor, Anton Mattle, noted that the state is following a consistent financial course with a budget free of new debt, aiming to remain a model for fiscal responsibility.

The calculations follow the European System of National Accounts (ESA) criteria, which include not only direct state and municipal debts but also regional organizations and extra-budgetary units that are legally independent yet linked to the federal states.