The Bottom 25% (Lowest quartile) indicates relatively lower unfunded liabilities. The Top 25% (Highest quartile) indicates relatively higher unfunded liabilities. Metrics reflect the Fiscal Year selected. Agencies reported as NA or agencies for which we do not have geographic locations are excluded from calculations. See Glossary for additional information.
Data reflect Fiscal Year (FY) , the most recent available.
Pension assets minus liabilities, aka unfunded liability or net pension debt. Data reflect Fiscal Year (FY) 2013, the most recent available. Site contains California state and local government pension data.
Liabilities minus assets, aka unfunded liability or net pension debt. Data reflect Fiscal Year (FY) 2018, the most recent available. Site contains state and estimated totals for local government pensions.
Market Basis
Market Basis reflects Pension Debt using a discount rate equal to 3.25%, the CalPERS rate in 2018. The use of this discount rate here is intended, as CalPERS is the largest US public pension. Pension Debt Per Household equals Pension Debt divided by the number of households in the United States.
The Glossary contains additional information and definitions.
Actuarial Basis
Actuarial Basis Pension Debt using discount rates reported by most systems, an average of about 7.21% in 2018. Pension Debt Per Household equals Pension Debt divided by the number of households in the United States.
The Glossary contains additional information and definitions.
Pension Tracker will be shutting down operations on Feb. 28, 2022. We appreciate the opportunity to shine a light on the financial challenges raised by public employee pensions in all states, and in particular in California. We owe thanks to our advisors and financial supporters and to the thousands of Pension Tracker users who have used the sites since we launched in 2013. If you’d like any additional information, please email joenation@stanford.edu.
