Image: www.wcgcollects.com

The average consumer had $6,576 in credit card debt in 2011, down 11% from 2010.  These figures come from a report on CreditKarma.com based on data from 300,000 users.

The downward trend continues from 2010, when credit card debt decreased 7%.  However, the decreases may not continue as the economy recovers. Improving consumer confidence and eased credit requirements from banks are key factors in possible credit debt increases. “I believe we are just about at the bottom of the debt trend,” said Ken Lin, CEO of Credit Karma in an interview with CNN.

Consumers in Wisconsin had the lowest credit card debt last year at $5,062, while Alaska had the highest at $7,937.  Here in North Carolina, the average credit debt balance was $6,353, down 10% from 2010.

Mortgage debts stayed the same in 2011 with an average balance of $173,876 per capita.  Auto loan debt went up 2% to $15,504 across the nation. After all debts were summed up, each consumer carried an average $210,236 in debt, down about 1% from 2010.

Note: all numbers and quotes from CNN.com