Definition
Per-Capita Debt refers to the total bonded debt of a municipality divided by its population. This per capita metric is essential for gauging the debt burden on each resident within the municipality. By comparing these figures over different periods, analysts and investors can determine trends and changes in the municipality’s debt burden, aiding in financial assessments and investment decisions regarding municipal bonds.
Examples
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City A has a bonded debt of $100 million and a population of 50,000. The per-capita debt would be calculated as follows:
$$\text{Per-Capita Debt} = \frac{\text{Total Bonded Debt}}{\text{Population}} = \frac{100,000,000}{50,000} = 2,000$$
Therefore, the per-capita debt of City A is $2,000.
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Town B has a bonded debt of $75 million and a population of 150,000. The per-capita debt would be:
$$\text{Per-Capita Debt} = \frac{75,000,000}{150,000} = 500$$
Thus, Town B’s per-capita debt is $500.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is bonded debt?
Bonded debt is the portion of a municipality’s debt that is comprised of bonds issued to finance various projects, such as infrastructure, schools, and public services.
Why is per-capita debt important?
Per-capita debt helps to provide a clear picture of the debt burden each individual in the municipality carries. This measurement is crucial for comparing financial health over time and across different municipalities.
How is per-capita debt used in bond analysis?
Bond analysts evaluate per-capita debt to assess the sustainability and risk of investing in municipal bonds. A higher per-capita debt may indicate higher financial risk.
Does a higher per-capita debt signify financial trouble for a municipality?
Not necessarily; it needs to be analyzed in context. A higher per-capita debt could be a concern if not supported by adequate revenue streams or asset values. However, it could also mean that the municipality has invested in long-term beneficial projects.
How often should per-capita debt be evaluated?
While this varies, it is typically evaluated annually or whenever new bonds are issued, to continuously monitor the municipality’s financial health.
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Municipal Bond: Debt securities issued by a state, municipality, or county to finance its capital expenditures.
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Debt Service: The cash required for a particular time period to cover the repayment of interest and principal on a debt.
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Bond Ratio: The proportion of a municipality’s debt to its income, assessed value, or population.
Online References
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Handbook of Municipal Bonds” by Sylvan G. Feldstein and Frank J. Fabozzi
- “Municipal Finance: A Handbook for Local Government Practitioners” by Gerardus Blokdyk
- “Public Finance and Public Policy” by Jonathan Gruber
Fundamentals of Per-Capita Debt: Finance Basics Quiz
### What does per-capita debt represent?
- [x] The total bonded debt of a municipality divided by its population.
- [ ] The total revenue of a municipality.
- [ ] The amount of debt paid by individuals annually.
- [ ] The total assets of a municipality.
> **Explanation:** Per-capita debt represents the total bonded debt of the municipality divided by its population, highlighting the debt burden on each individual resident.
### How can per-capita debt be calculated?
- [ ] By dividing the total revenue by the total expenses of the municipality.
- [x] By dividing the total bonded debt by the population.
- [ ] By multiplying the total bonded debt by the population.
- [ ] By adding the total bonded debt and the population.
> **Explanation:** Per-capita debt is determined by dividing the total bonded debt of the municipality by the population.
### Why is it important to compare per-capita debt over multiple periods?
- [ ] To understand population growth.
- [ ] To forecast future revenues.
- [x] To reveal trends in the municipality’s debt burden.
- [ ] To assess the municipal asset value.
> **Explanation:** Comparing per-capita debt over multiple periods helps to reveal trends in the municipality’s debt burden, which is crucial for informed financial decision-making.
### Which entity is primarily interested in per-capita debt levels?
- [ ] Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
- [ ] Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
- [x] Bond analysts.
- [ ] Department of Education.
> **Explanation:** Bond analysts use per-capita debt levels to assess risks and sustainability of municipal bonds.
### If City C has a bonded debt of $150 million and a population of 75,000, what is its per-capita debt?
- [ ] $1,500
- [ ] $1,000
- [ ] $3,000
- [x] $2,000
> **Explanation:** The per-capita debt of City C would be $2,000, as calculated by dividing $150 million by 75,000.
### What is bonded debt?
- [ ] The total net income of a municipality.
- [x] The portion of a municipality’s debt that is comprised of bonds issued.
- [ ] The amount of fixed assets of the municipality.
- [ ] The total expenditure of a municipality.
> **Explanation:** Bonded debt refers to the portion of a municipality’s debt that is comprised of bonds issued to finance various public projects.
### When calculating per-capita debt, which factors are divided?
- [ ] Revenue and Expenses
- [ ] Debt and Assets
- [x] Bonded Debt and Population
- [ ] Total Revenue and Population
> **Explanation:** Per-capita debt is calculated by dividing the bonded debt by the population of the municipality.
### Why might a higher per-capita debt not always indicate financial trouble?
- [ ] Because the municipality might have additional hidden reserves.
- [ ] Because the residents are not affected by municipality debt.
- [x] Because it might be supported by adequate revenue streams or assets.
- [ ] Because financial trouble is not measured by debt.
> **Explanation:** A higher per-capita debt might be supported by adequate revenue streams or assets, indicating that the municipality can service the debt.
### Who typically monitors per-capita debt?
- [x] Financial analysts and investors.
- [ ] School boards.
- [ ] Agricultural departments.
- [ ] Public libraries.
> **Explanation:** Financial analysts and investors typically monitor per-capita debt to assess the financial health and risk associated with the municipality’s bonded debt.
### In what way can the trend of per-capita debt be useful?
- [ ] For monitoring the fluctuation in property values.
- [x] For understanding the historical and future financial health of the municipality.
- [ ] For determining the educational level of residents.
- [ ] For calculating businesses’ tax liabilities.
> **Explanation:** Trends in per-capita debt are useful for understanding the historical and future financial health of the municipality.
Thank you for studying per-capita debt through our detailed explanation and engaging quiz materials. Stay informed and ahead in the field of public finance and bond analysis!