Original data research from the PlainPension. Every page derives at least one statistic from our own database, cites primary sources inline, and documents its methodology and limits.
Download the plan-level funded-ratio extract cited on this page: public-pension-landscape.csv (PPD / Boston College CRR · CC0).
What this research covers
PlainPension research ranks US public pension plans from a live Public Plans Database mirror covering 197 plans across 51 states (latest plan year 2023); portfolio average funded ratio 75.5%.
Studies below answer one ranking question each from the live PPD mirror; they are descriptive plan statistics, not investment, contribution, or retirement advice.
Public Plans Database data shows CalPERS ($467B market assets), CalSTRS ($317B), and New York State Local Retirement ($250B) leading US public pension funds by market assets, with combined top-10 assets exceeding $2.1 trillion across California New York Texas Florida and Washington systems.
Public Plans Database data shows Sioux Falls Fire (24.4 percent funded), Providence Employees (24.6 percent), and City of Miami Fire/Police (25.8 percent) leading the worst-funded US public pension plans, with Louisiana Teachers at 28.2 percent funded and $66.4 billion unfunded liability anchoring the state-level distress tier.
Public Plans Database data shows California ($408.79B unfunded), New York ($243.84B), and Texas ($137.47B) leading US states by aggregate pension unfunded liabilities, with Ohio at $121.36 billion and Washington State at $98.44 billion completing the top-burden state tier.