Total Federal Spending
$38.4B
FY2025 obligations
Puerto Rico Federal Spending
$38.4B in FY2025 federal spending, $11,693 per capita.
$38.4B total · $11,693 per capita · FY2025 · Ranked #35 total, #45 per capita · 25.3% below national avg
In FY2025, Puerto Rico received $38.4B in federal spending - $11,693 per capita, ranking #45 among 57 states and 25.3% below the national average. The most common award type is direct payments, accounting for 52.0% of tracked awards. The top spending agency is Department of Health and Human Services.
Puerto Rico · FY2025
Puerto Rico received $38.4B in federal spending in FY2025 - $11,693 per resident, 25.3% below the national average, with direct payments the largest award category.
- Total federal spending
- $38.4B
- #35 of 57 states
- Per resident
- $11,693
- #45 per capita
- Counties receiving funds
- 78
- place of performance
- Top agency
- Dept. of Health and Human Services
- $13.9B
According to USASpending.gov, the official federal award-transaction dataset, the federal government directed $38.4B to Puerto Rico in FY2025, translating to $11,693 per resident across a population of 3,285,874. That per-capita figure is 25.3% below the $15,647 national average and ranks Puerto Rico #45 of 57 states per capita, while total-dollar rank is #35, illustrating the difference between volume of federal dollars and intensity of federal dependence.
The award-type mix shows how federal awards break down in Puerto Rico by count: 4,393 contracts, 3,831 grants, 8,270 loans, and 20,259 direct payments. The most common award type is direct payments at 52.0% of tracked awards in the state, with loans a distant second at 8,270 awards. Department of Health and Human Services is the single largest federal agency operating in Puerto Rico, with $13.9B in obligations - more than Social Security Administration's $12.5B.
Over the available history, federal spending in Puerto Rico has contracted 22.0% from $49.3B in FY2020 to $38.4B in FY2025. Combined with 78 counties receiving dollars and top recipient Puerto Rico Department of Health at $3.7B, this snapshot lets readers judge whether Puerto Rico's federal footprint is expanding, stable, or being scaled back relative to FY2025.
It helps to read state totals through two different lenses. Total dollars measure the raw volume of federal money flowing into a state, which naturally favors larger and more populous states. Per-capita spending measures intensity, how much federal money lands per resident, and it surfaces smaller states whose economies lean heavily on federal installations, contracts, or transfer payments. The two rankings often disagree, which is exactly why both appear above. The award mix matters too: contracts signal procurement of goods and services, grants flow to universities, nonprofits, and local governments, and direct payments include programs such as Social Security and Medicare that scale with population. Every figure comes from USASpending.gov, the federal spending-transparency system the U.S. Treasury has operated since the DATA Act of 2014. Federal outlays exceeded $7.0 trillion in fiscal year 2025 (CBO Monthly Budget Review), and these are official government records rather than estimates, though late-posted and corrected awards can adjust a state's totals after the year closes. Our methodology details the per-capita denominator, the award categories, and the data vintage.
Source: USAspending.gov, Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) + System for Award Management (SAM) Puerto Rico federal awards (contracts, grants, loans, direct payments) for FY2025 · 2025 USAspending.gov publishes award-level data within ~30 days of obligation; categories follow OMB Object Class Codes. Per-capita metrics use Census ACS population estimates as the denominator.
Key Statistics
Total Spending
$38.4B
Rank #35
Per Capita
$11,693
Rank #45
Population
3,285,874
Contract Awards
4,393
Grant Awards
3,831
Per Capita
$11,693
Rank #45
Counties Receiving
78
federal dollars
Top Agency Share
$13.9B
Department of Health and Human
Puerto Rico award-type mix by count (FY2025)
Puerto Rico per-capita federal spending vs. national average 62.3%
National average
Compared against the national average of $15,647 per resident.
Awards by Type
Direct Payments is the most common award type at 52.0% of tracked awards in Puerto Rico (by count, not dollar value).
Direct Payments 20,259 awards (52.0%)
Loans 8,270 awards (21.2%)
Contracts 4,393 awards (11.3%)
Grants 3,831 awards (9.8%)
Other 2,242 awards (5.7%)
Comparison to National Average
| Metric | Puerto Rico | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per Capita Spending | $11,693 | $15,647 | -25.3% |
| Contracts Share | 0.0% | - | - |
| Grants Share | 0.0% | - | - |
Top Federal Agencies in Puerto Rico
Federal agencies ranked by total spending in Puerto Rico during FY2025.
| # | Agency | Spending | % of Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Department of Health and Human Services | $13.9B | 36.1% |
| 2 | Social Security Administration | $12.5B | 32.7% |
| 3 | Department of Agriculture | $3.3B | 8.6% |
| 4 | Department of Veterans Affairs | $1.7B | 4.4% |
| 5 | Department of Education | $1.7B | 4.4% |
| 6 | Department of Homeland Security | $1.7B | 4.3% |
| 7 | Department of Housing and Urban Development | $1.2B | 3.0% |
| 8 | Environmental Protection Agency | $889.5M | 2.3% |
| 9 | Department of Defense | $620.4M | 1.6% |
| 10 | Department of Energy | $575.3M | 1.5% |
| 11 | Department of Transportation | $513.2M | 1.3% |
Top Recipients in Puerto Rico
Organizations and entities receiving the most federal funds in Puerto Rico.
| # | Recipient | Total Awards |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Puerto Rico Department of Health | $3.7B |
| 2 | Administracion DE Desarrollo Socioeconomico DE LA Familia | $3.1B |
| 3 | Governor's Authorized Representative | $1.6B |
| 4 | Department of Education of Puerto Rico | $794.8M |
| 5 | Administration DE Vivienda Publica | $578.0M |
| 6 | Oficina DE Gerencia Y Presupuesto | $485.7M |
| 7 | Puerto Rico Highway && Transportation Authority | $390.2M |
| 8 | Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority | $365.3M |
| 9 | Weston Solutions INC | $355.3M |
| 10 | Departamento DE Desarrollo Economico Y Comercio | $254.7M |
| 11 | Puerto Rico Department of Housing | $189.6M |
| 12 | Puerto Rico Department of the Family | $181.0M |
| 13 | Department of Family | $173.7M |
| 14 | National University College | $165.1M |
| 15 | Ferrovial Construccion Pr, LLC | $150.7M |
| 16 | Novel Construction LLC | $82.1M |
| 17 | Sunnova Energy Corporation | $81.3M |
| 18 | Natural and Environmental Resources, Department Of | $71.5M |
Spending Trends
Federal spending in Puerto Rico decreased 22.0% from FY2020 to FY2025.
| Fiscal Year | Total Spending | Per Capita | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| FY2025 | $38.4B | $11,693 | 3,285,874 |
| FY2024 | $40.4B | $12,310 | 3,285,874 |
| FY2023 | $39.6B | $12,064 | 3,285,874 |
| FY2022 | $39.0B | $11,870 | 3,285,874 |
| FY2021 | $65.2B | $19,850 | 3,285,874 |
| FY2020 | $49.3B | $14,990 | 3,285,874 |
Counties in Puerto Rico
78 counties ranked by federal spending in FY2025.
| # | County | Total Spending | Per Capita | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Juan Municipio | $13.9B | $40,508 | 342,259 |
| 2 | Guaynabo Municipio | $2.1B | $23,925 | 89,780 |
| 3 | Bayamón Municipio | $1.0B | $5,651 | 185,187 |
| 4 | Ponce Municipio | $761.6M | $5,539 | 137,491 |
| 5 | Carolina Municipio | $736.0M | $4,754 | 154,815 |
| 6 | Caguas Municipio | $728.6M | $5,726 | 127,244 |
| 7 | Arecibo Municipio | $666.7M | $7,598 | 87,754 |
| 8 | Mayagüez Municipio | $467.6M | $6,399 | 73,077 |
| 9 | Humacao Municipio | $388.7M | $7,638 | 50,896 |
| 10 | Aguadilla Municipio | $374.3M | $6,794 | 55,101 |
| 11 | Toa Baja Municipio | $345.1M | $4,584 | 75,293 |
| 12 | Cabo Rojo Municipio | $261.6M | $5,547 | 47,158 |
| 13 | Toa Alta Municipio | $256.7M | $3,840 | 66,852 |
| 14 | Cayey Municipio | $246.2M | $5,912 | 41,652 |
| 15 | Trujillo Alto Municipio | $230.7M | $3,406 | 67,740 |
| 16 | Gurabo Municipio | $226.3M | $5,571 | 40,622 |
| 17 | Manatí Municipio | $210.4M | $5,329 | 39,492 |
| 18 | Vega Baja Municipio | $208.9M | $3,839 | 54,414 |
| 19 | Camuy Municipio | $195.6M | $5,958 | 32,827 |
| 20 | Guayama Municipio | $192.8M | $5,267 | 36,614 |
| 21 | San Sebastián Municipio | $192.0M | $4,881 | 39,345 |
| 22 | Isabela Municipio | $186.7M | $4,347 | 42,943 |
| 23 | Canóvanas Municipio | $186.2M | $4,398 | 42,337 |
| 24 | Vega Alta Municipio | $179.6M | $5,073 | 35,395 |
| 25 | Cidra Municipio | $170.2M | $4,258 | 39,970 |
| 26 | Aguada Municipio | $167.0M | $4,379 | 38,136 |
| 27 | Juana Díaz Municipio | $165.5M | $3,556 | 46,538 |
| 28 | San Germán Municipio | $164.2M | $5,152 | 31,879 |
| 29 | Lajas Municipio | $163.6M | $7,011 | 23,334 |
| 30 | Yabucoa Municipio | $162.5M | $5,341 | 30,426 |
| 31 | Dorado Municipio | $161.7M | $4,507 | 35,879 |
| 32 | Las Piedras Municipio | $160.0M | $4,547 | 35,180 |
| 33 | Yauco Municipio | $155.1M | $4,537 | 34,172 |
| 34 | Fajardo Municipio | $154.3M | $4,804 | 32,124 |
| 35 | San Lorenzo Municipio | $152.7M | $4,052 | 37,693 |
| 36 | Juncos Municipio | $151.3M | $4,089 | 37,012 |
| 37 | Coamo Municipio | $150.2M | $4,333 | 34,668 |
| 38 | Hatillo Municipio | $142.8M | $3,711 | 38,486 |
| 39 | Morovis Municipio | $142.6M | $4,964 | 28,727 |
| 40 | Orocovis Municipio | $139.0M | $6,487 | 21,434 |
| 41 | Moca Municipio | $138.8M | $3,707 | 37,460 |
| 42 | Salinas Municipio | $135.4M | $5,252 | 25,789 |
| 43 | Sabana Grande Municipio | $134.3M | $5,908 | 22,729 |
| 44 | Utuado Municipio | $131.9M | $4,664 | 28,287 |
| 45 | Aibonito Municipio | $124.2M | $5,040 | 24,637 |
| 46 | Río Grande Municipio | $122.4M | $2,600 | 47,060 |
| 47 | Quebradillas Municipio | $121.3M | $5,130 | 23,638 |
| 48 | Lares Municipio | $117.1M | $4,166 | 28,105 |
| 49 | Añasco Municipio | $116.8M | $4,562 | 25,596 |
| 50 | Guayanilla Municipio | $116.5M | $6,550 | 17,784 |
| 51 | Naranjito Municipio | $116.4M | $3,980 | 29,241 |
| 52 | Corozal Municipio | $114.7M | $3,317 | 34,571 |
| 53 | Barranquitas Municipio | $112.0M | $3,864 | 28,983 |
| 54 | Barceloneta Municipio | $107.5M | $4,743 | 22,657 |
| 55 | Aguas Buenas Municipio | $97.6M | $4,029 | 24,223 |
| 56 | Naguabo Municipio | $91.1M | $3,894 | 23,386 |
| 57 | Ciales Municipio | $88.7M | $5,222 | 16,984 |
| 58 | Villalba Municipio | $88.3M | $3,997 | 22,093 |
| 59 | Patillas Municipio | $87.5M | $5,475 | 15,985 |
| 60 | Peñuelas Municipio | $85.6M | $4,197 | 20,399 |
| 61 | Santa Isabel Municipio | $84.5M | $4,168 | 20,281 |
| 62 | Cataño Municipio | $82.3M | $3,555 | 23,155 |
| 63 | Luquillo Municipio | $81.9M | $4,607 | 17,781 |
| 64 | Arroyo Municipio | $81.5M | $5,145 | 15,843 |
| 65 | Hormigueros Municipio | $79.3M | $5,067 | 15,654 |
| 66 | Maunabo Municipio | $74.2M | $7,006 | 10,589 |
| 67 | Florida Municipio | $66.6M | $5,699 | 11,692 |
| 68 | Rincón Municipio | $66.5M | $4,376 | 15,187 |
| 69 | Guánica Municipio | $63.8M | $4,630 | 13,787 |
| 70 | Adjuntas Municipio | $61.4M | $3,407 | 18,020 |
| 71 | Loíza Municipio | $61.3M | $2,588 | 23,693 |
| 72 | Comerío Municipio | $60.7M | $3,214 | 18,883 |
| 73 | Ceiba Municipio | $56.3M | $4,982 | 11,307 |
| 74 | Jayuya Municipio | $54.6M | $3,692 | 14,779 |
| 75 | Vieques Municipio | $50.1M | $6,074 | 8,249 |
| 76 | Maricao Municipio | $17.3M | $3,637 | 4,755 |
| 77 | Las Marías Municipio | $16.5M | $1,863 | 8,874 |
| 78 | Culebra Municipio | $8.4M | $4,699 | 1,792 |
Explore Puerto Rico Federal Spending
Go deeper on Puerto Rico's federal footprint.
DOGE Impact for Puerto Rico
Reported federal contract and grant terminations, claimed savings, per-capita impact, and state ranking.
DOGE state impact →
Per-Capita Rankings
Where Puerto Rico ranks among all states for federal spending per resident.
Top Federal Agencies
The agencies that move the most money nationwide, by obligated amount.
Federal Spending Guides
Learn more about how federal spending works and how to interpret this data.
Understanding Federal Spending
Contracts, grants, loans, and how federal money flows to states and communities.
Why Spending Varies by State
Military bases, federal labs, population, and per capita analysis.
Where Does Federal Money Go?
Mandatory vs. discretionary, top agencies, and biggest programs.
How Federal Contracts Are Awarded
Procurement process, contract types, and small business set-asides.
States With Similar Per Capita Spending
States with per capita federal spending closest to Puerto Rico's $11,693.
What this means
Puerto Rico ranks #45 of 57 states by FY2025 per-capita federal spending.
- Per-capita spending is 25.3% below the national average -- a structural signal, not a claim about efficiency or need. Per-capita rankings
- Department of Health and Human Services is the single largest federal agency operating here, obligating 36.1% of every dollar tracked in Puerto Rico. Agency rankings
- 78 counties in Puerto Rico receive federal dollars -- the county-level pages break down exactly where. See counties
Per-capita and national-average figures use each state's most recent Census population estimate against the same FY total; they describe HOW money is distributed, not whether that distribution is justified.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much federal spending did Puerto Rico receive in FY2025?
Puerto Rico received $38.4B in total federal spending during Fiscal Year 2025. This equates to $11,693 per capita for the state's population of 3,285,874.
How does Puerto Rico's federal spending per capita compare to the national average?
Puerto Rico's per capita federal spending of $11,693 is 25.3% below the national average of $15,647. Puerto Rico ranks #45 out of 57 states by per capita spending.
What is the largest category of federal spending in Puerto Rico?
The most common award type is direct payments, accounting for 20,259 awards (52.0% of tracked awards). The second-largest is loans at 8,270 awards.
Which federal agencies spend the most in Puerto Rico?
The top federal agency spending in Puerto Rico is Department of Health and Human Services with $13.9B. Followed by Social Security Administration ($12.5B) and Department of Agriculture ($3.3B).
How many counties in Puerto Rico receive federal spending?
78 counties in Puerto Rico receive federal spending. The county receiving the most is San Juan Municipio with $13.9B.
How has federal spending in Puerto Rico changed over time?
Federal spending in Puerto Rico decreased by 22.0% from FY2020 ($49.3B) to FY2025 ($38.4B).
Where does Puerto Rico rank nationally in federal spending?
Puerto Rico ranks #35 out of 57 states in total federal spending and #45 in per capita spending. The state received $38.4B total ($11,693 per person) in FY2025.
Data Sources
- USASpending.gov: Federal spending data from the U.S. Department of the Treasury
- Fiscal Year: FY2025
- Award types: Contracts, grants, loans, direct payments, and other financial assistance
- Population: U.S. Census Bureau estimates used for per capita calculations
- Budget context: Agency totals cross-referenced with OMB Program and Financial Schedules where applicable
Spending figures represent obligated amounts from federal awards. Per capita calculations use Census population estimates. This information is for research and informational purposes only.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and presented.
Every figure on PlainSpending is computed directly from USASpending.gov award-transaction data, no number is typed in by an editor. This page aggregates every county-level federal award within the state, live from the dataset. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error.