In its latest Credit Trends study, global information services company Experian today released an analysis of current debt levels and credit scores in the top 20 major U.S. metropolitan areas. The results of the study show that of the cities examined, Detroit, Mich., residents have the lowest average debt ($23,604) and that Dallas, Texas, residents have the highest average debt ($28,240).

Additionally, the study compared the current debt to the debt from four years ago and found that Detroit has decreased its average debt by 7.1 percent and the Dallas' debt amounts have increased by 7.8 percent since 2010.

Nationally, the average debt has increased by 5 percent compared to four years ago and the national average VantageScore credit score remained consistent and has held steady at 665. The national averages for 2014 and 2010 are listed below: 

"There is a lot more behind the numbers than meets the eye – 19 of the cities had increases in their debt amounts, which could actually be signaling a recovery pattern as credit lending is opening up and consumers are becoming more confident," said Michele Raneri, Experian's vice president of analytics. "Detroit, while being the only city to decrease its average debt, is also showing signs of recovery amid the unemployment and economic pressures the city is experiencing."

In the 20 cities analyzed, the lowest debt numbers following Detroit come from Los Angeles, Calif.; Miami, Fla.; New York, N.Y.; and Boston, Mass. The cities with the highest amounts of debt following Dallas include Houston, Texas;Washington, D.C.; Seattle, Wash.; and Baltimore, Md. An infographic is also available that visually represents the 20 cities and their current debt levels. 

Below is the listing of current rankings according to each of the cities' average debt levels:

Other key highlights found in this study include:

• San Diego residents increased their credit scores from 662 to 666 and had the highest increase in average debt with an 11 percent increase from $23,797 to $26,423
• Minneapolis residents have the highest credit scores in the study with an average score of 702, which increased by two points since 2010
• Phoenix had the highest boost to its average credit score with an increase of seven points compared to 2010 — from 647 to 654.

"While it is interesting to compare these cities to one another, what studies such as this really help us do is shine a light on the importance of using credit wisely," said Maxine Sweet, Experian's vice president of public education. "Experian created http://www.livecreditsmart.com to help you learn more about credit reports and credit scores so you can take the right steps to strengthen your financial well-being."