How Much Is the U.S. National Debt?

On Feb. 14, while announcing the 2012 budget request, President Barack Obama projected that by Sept. 30, the end of the 2011 fiscal year, the U.S. National Debt projects to be $15.476 trillion, or 102.6 percent of the gross domestic product. That works out to $49,762.06 for every man, woman and child.

There are just under 311 million people in the United States. But because most children don't pay taxes , the debt to each taxpayer will hit $139,632.24.

Today, July 26, though, the debt sits at $14.539 trillion, or about $130,020 per tax payer (or $46,621 per citizen).

The U.S. Debt Clock is literally changing as you read this. If you can stand it, here are some staggering statistics:

• Total interest due: $3.637 trillion ($11,664 per citizen).
• Biggest budget item (Medicare/Medicaid): $823.1 billion and rising.
• Social Security: $715.7 billion and rising.
• Defense/Wars: $702 billion and rising.
• Number of people unemployed: 24,781,771 (actual), or 14,028,907 (official).
• Credit card debt: $803.9 billion and rising.

The U.S. Debt Clock is run by a non-partisan, non-profit, non-governmental organization using government data.

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