Research

Original data research from the PlainPension editorial team. Every page derives at least one statistic from our own database, cites primary sources inline, and documents its methodology and limits.

Funded Ratio Distribution — 197 US Public Pension Plans Histogram showing how 197 US public pension plans are distributed across funded-ratio buckets, from critically underfunded (under 40%) to fully funded (over 100%). 8 <40% 14 40-50 26 50-60 38 60-70 52 70-80 35 80-90 18 90-100 6 >100 National avg 73.5% 60 40 20 0 plans Funded Ratio Bucket (% — actuarial assets / liabilities)
Distribution of 197 US public pension plans by funded-ratio bucket — Public Plans Database, FY2023 reporting.

CalPERS 467 Billion in Assets: Top 10 US Public Pension Funds

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.

Sioux Falls Fire 24.4% Funded Ratio: Bottom 10 US Public Pensions

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.

California 408 Billion in Unfunded Pension Liabilities: Top 10 State Totals

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.