Complete state-by-state foreclosure data with rankings, historical trends, metro hotspots, and prevention resources.
Foreclosure activity in the United States climbed to its highest level since 2019 in 2025. According to ATTOM's Year-End 2025 Foreclosure Market Report, foreclosure filings were reported on 367,460 U.S. properties last year. That is a 14% increase from 2024 and a 3% increase from 2023.
Those filings represent 0.26% of all U.S. housing units, up from 0.23% in 2024. While the numbers are climbing, they remain well below pre-pandemic norms and far below the peak of nearly 2.9 million filings (2.23% of housing units) recorded in 2010 during the housing crisis.
"Foreclosure activity increased in 2025, reflecting a continued normalization of the housing market following several years of historically low levels," said Rob Barber, CEO at ATTOM. "The data suggests that today's uptick is being driven more by market recalibration than widespread homeowner distress, with strong equity positions and more disciplined lending continuing to limit risk."
Below you will find complete foreclosure data for all 50 states, historical trends from 2005 to 2025, metro area rankings, foreclosure timelines, prevention resources, and guidance for buyers considering foreclosed properties.
The table below ranks all 50 states by their December 2025 foreclosure rate (the number of housing units per foreclosure filing). A lower number means a higher foreclosure rate. Data sourced from ATTOM.
| Rank | State | Dec. 2025 Rate (1 in X) | Dec. Filings | Housing Units | 2025 Annual Rate (1 in X) | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Jersey | 1 in 1,734 | 2,178 | 3,775,842 | 1 in 273 | +18% |
| 2 | South Carolina | 1 in 1,917 | 1,253 | 2,401,638 | 1 in 242 | +22% |
| 3 | Maryland | 1 in 1,961 | 1,298 | 2,545,532 | 1 in 326 | +15% |
| 4 | Delaware | 1 in 2,044 | 224 | 457,958 | 1 in 240 | +24% |
| 5 | Florida | 1 in 2,119 | 4,757 | 10,082,356 | 1 in 230 | +19% |
| 6 | Illinois | 1 in 2,245 | 2,425 | 5,443,501 | 1 in 248 | +12% |
| 7 | Utah | 1 in 2,381 | 501 | 1,193,082 | 1 in 485 | +31% |
| 8 | Nevada | 1 in 2,386 | 548 | 1,307,338 | 1 in 248 | +16% |
| 9 | Texas | 1 in 2,451 | 4,852 | 11,890,808 | 1 in 319 | +11% |
| 10 | Indiana | 1 in 2,544 | 1,161 | 2,953,344 | 1 in 302 | +14% |
| 11 | Ohio | 1 in 2,736 | 1,927 | 5,271,573 | 1 in 307 | +17% |
| 12 | Alabama | 1 in 2,825 | 820 | 2,316,192 | 1 in 412 | +20% |
| 13 | Georgia | 1 in 2,834 | 1,582 | 4,483,873 | 1 in 365 | +13% |
| 14 | Louisiana | 1 in 2,966 | 706 | 2,094,002 | 1 in 422 | +21% |
| 15 | Colorado | 1 in 3,085 | 825 | 2,545,124 | 1 in 478 | +25% |
| 16 | Iowa | 1 in 3,109 | 459 | 1,427,175 | 1 in 520 | +9% |
| 17 | Oklahoma | 1 in 3,211 | 549 | 1,763,036 | 1 in 485 | +12% |
| 18 | Michigan | 1 in 3,251 | 1,415 | 4,599,683 | 1 in 420 | +16% |
| 19 | Pennsylvania | 1 in 3,335 | 1,733 | 5,779,663 | 1 in 445 | +13% |
| 20 | New York | 1 in 3,423 | 2,495 | 8,539,536 | 1 in 425 | +10% |
| 21 | California | 1 in 3,499 | 4,153 | 14,532,683 | 1 in 488 | +8% |
| 22 | Maine | 1 in 3,809 | 196 | 746,552 | 1 in 595 | +16% |
| 23 | Arkansas | 1 in 3,873 | 357 | 1,382,664 | 1 in 555 | +12% |
| 24 | Wyoming | 1 in 3,875 | 71 | 275,131 | 1 in 610 | +21% |
| 25 | Arizona | 1 in 4,050 | 776 | 3,142,443 | 1 in 510 | +15% |
| 26 | Connecticut | 1 in 4,118 | 373 | 1,536,049 | 1 in 545 | +11% |
| 27 | Idaho | 1 in 4,131 | 188 | 776,683 | 1 in 620 | +28% |
| 28 | Virginia | 1 in 4,215 | 867 | 3,654,784 | 1 in 530 | +12% |
| 29 | New Mexico | 1 in 4,336 | 219 | 949,524 | 1 in 610 | +18% |
| 30 | North Carolina | 1 in 4,381 | 1,099 | 4,815,195 | 1 in 545 | +10% |
| 31 | Massachusetts | 1 in 4,388 | 687 | 3,014,657 | 1 in 580 | +14% |
| 32 | Tennessee | 1 in 4,572 | 677 | 3,095,472 | 1 in 565 | +11% |
| 33 | Minnesota | 1 in 4,666 | 540 | 2,519,538 | 1 in 620 | +13% |
| 34 | Missouri | 1 in 4,955 | 567 | 2,809,501 | 1 in 635 | +9% |
| 35 | Washington | 1 in 5,549 | 588 | 3,262,667 | 1 in 720 | +15% |
| 36 | Oregon | 1 in 6,212 | 296 | 1,838,631 | 1 in 810 | -1% |
| 37 | Mississippi | 1 in 6,470 | 206 | 1,332,811 | 1 in 825 | +7% |
| 38 | Nebraska | 1 in 6,685 | 128 | 855,631 | 1 in 870 | +10% |
| 39 | Kentucky | 1 in 6,725 | 299 | 2,010,655 | 1 in 865 | +8% |
| 40 | Hawaii | 1 in 6,725 | 84 | 564,905 | 1 in 920 | +19% |
| 41 | Alaska | 1 in 6,933 | 46 | 318,927 | 1 in 985 | +22% |
| 42 | Rhode Island | 1 in 7,456 | 65 | 484,615 | 1 in 960 | +11% |
| 43 | New Hampshire | 1 in 7,857 | 82 | 644,253 | 1 in 1,020 | +6% |
| 44 | West Virginia | 1 in 9,049 | 95 | 859,653 | 1 in 1,180 | +14% |
| 45 | Kansas | 1 in 9,663 | 133 | 1,285,221 | 1 in 1,250 | +5% |
| 46 | Wisconsin | 1 in 10,621 | 259 | 2,750,750 | 1 in 1,380 | +3% |
| 47 | North Dakota | 1 in 12,496 | 30 | 374,866 | 1 in 1,650 | +7% |
| 48 | Montana | 1 in 15,381 | 34 | 522,939 | 1 in 1,980 | -3% |
| 49 | Vermont | 1 in 25,929 | 13 | 337,072 | 1 in 3,120 | +79% |
| 50 | South Dakota | 1 in 28,493 | 14 | 398,903 | 1 in 3,280 | +4% |
Source: ATTOM Year-End 2025 and December 2025 U.S. Foreclosure Market Reports. Rate represents the number of housing units per one foreclosure filing. A lower number indicates a higher foreclosure rate. YoY change is compared to the same month in 2024.
Here is a closer look at foreclosure activity in the states that rank near the top and bottom of the list, along with the counties with the most foreclosures per housing unit within each state. Rates are expressed as one in every X housing units with a foreclosure filing.
New Jersey state ranked first for highest foreclosure rate in December 2025 with a foreclosure rate of one in every 1,734 homes. Out of 3,775,842 total housing units, 2,178 went into foreclosure. The counties with the most foreclosures per housing unit were, from highest to lowest: Salem, Camden, and Cumberland. The Garden State's rate was one in every 273 housing units on an annual basis, reflecting persistent challenges with high property taxes and cost of living.
South Carolina had the second highest foreclosure rate at one in every 1,917 homes going into foreclosure in December 2025. Of the Palmetto State's 2,401,638 housing units, 1,253 were foreclosed on. The counties with the most foreclosures per housing unit were, from highest to lowest: Dorchester, Kershaw, and Florence.
Maryland took third place with a foreclosure rate one in every 1,961 households. With 2,545,532 total housing units, 1,298 homes went into foreclosure. The counties with the most foreclosures were, from highest to lowest: Baltimore City, Dorchester, and Charles.
Delaware, with only three counties in the state, claimed the fourth spot for the month. The state had a total of 457,958 housing units, of which 224 went into foreclosure and a total rate of one in every 2,044 households. Delaware had the second-highest foreclosure rate for the full year at 1 in 240. The three counties with housing units in foreclosure were, from highest to lowest: Kent, New Castle, and Sussex.
Florida led the nation in foreclosure filings for the full year and had the worst annual foreclosure rate of any state, with a rate of one in every 230 housing units. The state experienced 43,836 annual filings and 4,757 in December alone. The Sunshine State's rising foreclosure activity reflects ongoing affordability pressure from soaring insurance premiums. The counties with the most foreclosures per housing unit were Hendry, Charlotte, and Osceola.
Illinois had one of the worst foreclosure rates in 2025, claiming fourth place for highest foreclosure rate among all states. The state's foreclosure rate was one in every 2,245 housing units in December. With 5,443,501 homes, Illinois saw 2,425 filings in December alone. The state's foreclosure rate one in every 248 housing units for the full year made it the fourth most troubled state in the country. The counties with the most foreclosures were Dewitt, Edgar, and Saint Clair.
Utah ranked seventh for highest foreclosure rate in December with 501 homes going into foreclosure out of 1,193,082 total housing units. The state's December rate was one in every 2,381 households. Utah saw the largest year-over-year increase at 31%, signaling that the state experienced notable stress from elevated home prices relative to income.
Nevada claimed the eighth spot with a foreclosure rate one in every 2,386 homes in December. Based on ATTOM's data and latest foreclosure reports, the rate of foreclosure in Clark County (home to Las Vegas) was significantly above the state average. Nevada saw 548 filings in December from 1,307,338 housing units. Real estate data confirms Las Vegas remains a metro hotspot with rising foreclosure pressure.
Texas led the nation with 37,215 foreclosure starts in 2025, the most of any state in the country. The Lone Star State's December foreclosure rate was one in every 2,451 housing units. With 11,890,808 total housing units, the state saw 4,852 filings in December. The counties with the most foreclosures per housing unit were Liberty, Borden, and Kaufman. As a non-judicial foreclosure state, Texas completes foreclosures faster than most.
South Dakota had the lowest foreclosure rate, with only 14 foreclosures out of 398,903 housing units. The state's foreclosure rate was one in every 28,493 households. Vermont and Montana also maintained very low rates, with fewer foreclosures per housing unit than any other states.
Florida led the nation with the worst annual foreclosure rate in 2025, with 1 in every 230 housing units receiving a foreclosure filing. Delaware ranked second at 1 in 240, followed by South Carolina at 1 in 242. These three states have consistently topped the list throughout 2025.
Florida consistently tops the foreclosure rankings due to a combination of factors. Rising property insurance premiums have increased the cost of homeownership significantly. Higher property taxes and a growing supply of homes for sale have softened buyer demand in parts of the state. Slower price growth and longer time on market put pressure on homeowners who purchased near the peak, especially those carrying higher monthly costs. According to Realtor.com senior analyst Hannah Jones, "these dynamics increase the risk of foreclosure for some homeowners, particularly those who bought near the peak of the market."
South Dakota had the lowest foreclosure rate in December 2025, with just 1 in every 28,493 housing units receiving a foreclosure filing. Vermont ranked second at 1 in 25,929, and Montana was third at 1 in 15,381. These states tend to have smaller populations, stronger community lending practices, and lower housing costs relative to income.
| Rank | State | Dec. 2025 Rate (1 in X) | Dec. Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Dakota | 1 in 28,493 | 14 |
| 2 | Vermont | 1 in 25,929 | 13 |
| 3 | Montana | 1 in 15,381 | 34 |
| 4 | North Dakota | 1 in 12,496 | 30 |
| 5 | Wisconsin | 1 in 10,621 | 259 |
| 6 | Kansas | 1 in 9,663 | 133 |
| 7 | West Virginia | 1 in 9,049 | 95 |
| 8 | New Hampshire | 1 in 7,857 | 82 |
| 9 | Rhode Island | 1 in 7,456 | 65 |
| 10 | Alaska | 1 in 6,933 | 46 |
When measured by total number of foreclosure filings rather than rate, the most populous states naturally lead. Texas had the most foreclosure starts in 2025 with 37,215, followed by Florida with 34,336 and California with 29,777. These three states alone accounted for roughly 28% of all foreclosure starts nationwide.
Bank repossessions (REOs) increased 27% from 2024 to 2025, reaching 46,439 nationally. This figure remains 68% below the 143,955 REOs recorded in 2019 and 96% below the 2010 peak of over 1 million repossessions. Texas and California led in both foreclosure starts and completed repossessions.
Metro-level data reveals even more concentrated foreclosure activity. Among metro areas with a population of at least 200,000, Lakeland, Florida had the worst foreclosure rate in 2025 at 1 in every 145 housing units. Multiple Florida metros appear in the top 10, reinforcing the state's position as the foreclosure hotspot.
| Metro Area | Rate (1 in X) |
|---|---|
| Lakeland, FL | 1 in 145 |
| Columbia, SC | 1 in 165 |
| Cleveland, OH | 1 in 187 |
| Cape Coral, FL | 1 in 189 |
| Atlantic City, NJ | 1 in 192 |
| Jacksonville, FL | 1 in 200 |
| Las Vegas, NV | 1 in 210 |
| Chicago, IL | 1 in 214 |
| Orlando, FL | 1 in 217 |
| Miami, FL | 1 in 225 |
| Metro Area | Rate (1 in X) |
|---|---|
| Provo, UT | 1 in 8,500 |
| Boise, ID | 1 in 6,200 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | 1 in 4,800 |
| Portland, OR | 1 in 4,500 |
| Seattle, WA | 1 in 4,200 |
Among metros with a population greater than 1 million, Cleveland had the worst foreclosure rate in 2025 at 1 in every 187 housing units. Jacksonville, FL (1 in 200), Las Vegas, NV (1 in 210), Chicago, IL (1 in 214), and Orlando, FL (1 in 217) rounded out the top five.
Understanding current foreclosure activity requires historical context. The 2008 housing crisis and subsequent foreclosure wave dwarfs any activity seen today. At its worst in 2010, nearly 2.9 million properties had foreclosure filings. Today's 367,460 filings represent a fraction of that peak.
| Year | Total Foreclosure Filings | % of Housing Units | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 885,000 | 0.69% | Pre-crisis baseline |
| 2006 | 1,260,000 | 0.96% | Subprime cracks appear |
| 2007 | 2,204,000 | 1.67% | Housing bubble bursts |
| 2008 | 2,330,500 | 1.84% | Financial crisis |
| 2009 | 2,824,700 | 2.21% | Peak foreclosure starts |
| 2010 | 2,871,500 | 2.23% | Peak total filings |
| 2011 | 1,887,800 | 1.45% | Robo-signing scandal |
| 2012 | 1,836,600 | 1.39% | National Mortgage Settlement |
| 2013 | 1,369,400 | 1.04% | Recovery begins |
| 2014 | 1,117,400 | 0.85% | Market stabilizing |
| 2015 | 1,083,600 | 0.78% | Continued decline |
| 2016 | 933,000 | 0.7% | Pre-pandemic normal |
| 2017 | 676,500 | 0.49% | Low rates, stable market |
| 2018 | 624,800 | 0.47% | Rates rising |
| 2019 | 493,066 | 0.36% | Last pre-COVID year |
| 2020 | 214,100 | 0.16% | COVID moratoriums |
| 2021 | 151,500 | 0.11% | Historic low, forbearance |
| 2022 | 324,200 | 0.23% | Protections expire |
| 2023 | 357,000 | 0.25% | Normalization begins |
| 2024 | 322,600 | 0.23% | Slight pullback |
| 2025 | 367,460 | 0.26% | Post-COVID high |
The average time to complete a foreclosure varies dramatically by state. In Q4 2025, the national average was 592 days, a 22% decrease from a year ago. States with judicial foreclosure processes (where the lender must file a lawsuit in court) tend to have much longer timelines than non-judicial states.
Judicial vs. Non-Judicial: States like Louisiana and New York require judicial foreclosure, where lenders must go through the court system. States like Texas and Georgia allow non-judicial foreclosure, which can proceed without court involvement, resulting in significantly faster timelines.
Foreclosures happen when homeowners can no longer make their mortgage payments and the lender takes legal action to recover the property. Several economic and personal factors drive foreclosure activity.
Elevated interest rates increase monthly payments for adjustable-rate mortgages and make refinancing less viable for struggling homeowners.
Property insurance costs have surged in states like Florida and Louisiana, adding hundreds to monthly housing costs.
Higher prices for food, energy, and everyday expenses reduce the funds available for mortgage payments.
Layoffs and reduced hours in certain sectors make it harder for homeowners to keep up with payments.
The most common trigger for foreclosure. Even temporary unemployment can lead to missed payments.
Unexpected medical bills remain a leading cause of financial hardship for American families.
Splitting household income often makes it difficult for one party to maintain mortgage payments alone.
Purchasing a home at the top of one's budget leaves no financial cushion when unexpected expenses arise.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented foreclosure protections. Federal moratoriums and forbearance programs artificially suppressed foreclosure activity in 2020 and 2021. As these protections expired, many homeowners who had been in forbearance could not catch up on deferred payments, contributing to the steady climb from 2022 through 2025. Foreclosure starts are now up 213% from the pandemic-era low in 2021.
Most housing analysts expect foreclosure activity to continue rising moderately in 2026. However, experts emphasize that the current environment is fundamentally different from the 2008 crisis. Here is what the data and experts suggest.
With inflation elevated, mortgage rates above 6%, and insurance costs still climbing, foreclosure filings are projected to rise 10 to 15% in 2026 compared to 2025.
Strong home equity positions (homeowners have a record $35 trillion in equity), stricter lending standards, and low unemployment make a 2008-style collapse extremely unlikely. Foreclosures remain 25% below 2019 pre-pandemic levels.
Foreclosure increases will be concentrated in states with high insurance costs (Florida, Louisiana), declining markets (parts of Texas), and areas with high property taxes (New Jersey, Illinois). The West Coast and Mountain states will likely see the least pressure.
Fernando Ferreira, professor at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School, notes that while a deterioration in the labor market could increase foreclosures further in 2026, it "will not be comparable to the catastrophic foreclosure crisis of the Great Recession."
If you are struggling to make your mortgage payments, you have options. Acting early gives you the most leverage and the best chance of keeping your home.
Do not wait until you miss payments. Call your mortgage servicer as soon as you anticipate difficulty. Most servicers have loss mitigation departments specifically designed to help.
A loan modification changes the terms of your existing mortgage to make payments more affordable. This can include lowering the interest rate, extending the loan term, or reducing the principal balance.
Forbearance allows you to temporarily pause or reduce your payments. This is useful for short-term hardships like job loss or medical emergencies. You will need to repay the deferred amount later.
If you have equity and a reasonable credit score, refinancing to a lower rate or longer term can reduce monthly payments. This works best before you miss any payments.
If keeping the home is not viable, selling before foreclosure protects your credit score and lets you walk away with any remaining equity. An experienced real estate agent can help you navigate a quick sale.
If you owe more than your home is worth, a short sale allows you to sell for less than the mortgage balance with your lender's approval. It is less damaging to your credit than a foreclosure.
You voluntarily transfer the property to your lender to satisfy the mortgage debt. This avoids the formal foreclosure process and is typically less harmful to your credit score.
Free counseling is available through HUD-approved agencies. Call 800-569-4287 or visit hud.gov to find a counselor near you. They can help you understand all your options and negotiate with your lender.
With foreclosure inventory increasing, buyers may find more opportunities to purchase below-market properties. However, buying a foreclosed home comes with unique risks and considerations.
Buying foreclosed property is complex. An experienced real estate agent who specializes in distressed properties can help you navigate the process, assess property values, identify potential issues, and negotiate with banks. A knowledgeable agent can mean the difference between a smart investment and a costly mistake.
Find a Local Real Estate AgentFlorida had the highest foreclosure rate in 2025, with 1 in every 230 housing units receiving a foreclosure filing. Delaware ranked second at 1 in 240, followed by South Carolina at 1 in 242 and Illinois at 1 in 248, according to ATTOM's Year-End 2025 Foreclosure Market Report.
Yes. Foreclosure filings totaled 367,460 in 2025, up 14% from 2024 and the highest level since 2019. Foreclosure starts rose 14%, and bank repossessions jumped 27% year over year. Experts predict continued increases in 2026 driven by inflation, elevated mortgage rates, rising insurance premiums, and expiring pandemic-era protections.
Current foreclosure activity remains far below crisis levels. In 2025, 367,460 properties had foreclosure filings, representing 0.26% of all housing units. At the peak in 2010, nearly 2.9 million properties had filings, representing 2.23% of housing units. Today's levels are 87% below that peak.
The main drivers include job loss or income reduction, high mortgage interest rates, rising property insurance premiums, increasing property taxes and HOA fees, adjustable-rate mortgage resets, negative equity from falling home values, medical debt, and divorce. Economic downturns and natural disasters also contribute to regional spikes.
The average time to complete a foreclosure in Q4 2025 was 592 days nationwide. This varies dramatically by state. Louisiana has the longest average at 3,461 days, followed by New York at 1,998 days and Hawaii at 1,760 days. Non-judicial foreclosure states like Texas and Georgia typically complete the process in under 180 days.
Contact your mortgage servicer immediately to discuss options like loan modification, forbearance, or repayment plans. Reach out to a HUD-approved housing counselor at 800-569-4287 for free guidance. Consider consulting a foreclosure attorney to understand your rights. Acting early gives you the most options to keep your home or minimize financial damage.
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Real Estate Agent Near Me. "Foreclosure Rates by State: 2026 Data for All 50 States."
realestateagentnearme.com/foreclosure-rates-by-state/. Accessed March 20, 2026.
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