In the first half of 2023, the United States witnessed 185,580 foreclosure filings, up from 164,581 in the first half of 2022, according to property data aggregator ATTOM. Starting from 2008 data, filings peaked in 2010 and then progressively declined, with a significant drop in 2020 and 2021 before a steady uptick. Economic downturns, unemployment spikes and individual homeowner challenges, such as adjustable-rate mortgages and unforeseen medical emergencies, primarily drive these fluctuations. Understanding what drives foreclosures and tracking statistics offers insights into housing market health and contemporary economic conditions.
US Foreclosure Data: Trends and Takeaways
Updated: November 1, 2024
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KEY TAKEAWAYS ON US FORECLOSURE STATISTICS
- In 2022, there were 164,581 foreclosure filings. This number increased to 185,580 in the first half of 2023, showcasing a continued upward trend.
- Foreclosure frequency varies by state, with Illinois and New Jersey experiencing the highest density at one filing for every 397 and 411 housing units, respectively, whereas South Dakota saw the lowest with one in 8,827.
- California and Florida saw the most foreclosure filings by state, with 17,914 and 18,530, respectively.
- South Dakota and Vermont reported minimal foreclosures with just 44 and 71 filings, illustrating states with the most stable housing situations.
- Foreclosures arise from a combination of macroeconomic shifts — like economic downturns and unemployment — and personal homeowner challenges — including adjustable-rate mortgages and unexpected medical expenses.
US Foreclosure Statistics
Source: ATTOM
Foreclosure filings surged between 2008 and 2010, reflecting the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, driven by subprime mortgage collapses and widespread economic downturn. Filings began a consistent decline from 2011 through 2019 due to regulatory changes, improved lending practices and gradual economic recovery.
We observed a sharp decline from 2020 to 2021, likely influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic's economic impact, coupled with government intervention measures like foreclosure moratoriums and financial assistance. As those relief measures waned, 2022 saw an uptick and by 2023, although still lower than pre-pandemic numbers, filings rose higher as some homeowners continued to face financial challenges.
Foreclosure Statistics by State
Source: ATTOM
Top 10 States With the Highest Foreclosure Filings
Florida (18,530), California (17,914) and Texas (13,869) lead the nation in foreclosure filings, followed closely by Illinois (13,619) and New York (12,193). Ohio, New Jersey, Michigan, Georgia and Pennsylvania also report high numbers, each exceeding 5,000 filings. These states face significant housing market challenges likely due to their large populations and diverse economic landscapes.
Top 10 States With the Lowest Foreclosure Filings
South Dakota (44), Vermont (71), North Dakota (103), Montana (203) and Wyoming (239) report the lowest number of foreclosure filings in the nation. Other states with notably low numbers include Alaska (312), Rhode Island (361), Idaho (460) and Hawaii (517). Washington, D.C., joins these low-filing states (496). Whether due to smaller populations, specific economic conditions or stringent mortgage regulations, these states managed to maintain a lower number of foreclosure incidents.
States With High and Low Foreclosure Density
Illinois leads in foreclosure density with one foreclosure in every 397 housing units. New Jersey (411), Maryland (430), Delaware (443) and Ohio (496) trail closely behind, indicating more frequent foreclosures relative to their housing stock. Conversely, South Dakota's one foreclosure for every 8,827 housing units and Vermont's 4,697 positions them as the states with the least foreclosure density. North Dakota (3,593), Montana (2,525) and Kansas (2,110) also showcase a lower density, suggesting differing housing market dynamics or increased stability in these regions.
Key Drivers of Foreclosure
Understanding the factors that lead to foreclosure is crucial. From broad economic shifts to personal homeowner challenges, various triggers can push properties into foreclosure.
Economic Recessions
Economic downturns reduce income and job opportunities, making mortgage repayments difficult for many homeowners.
High Unemployment Rates
Job losses directly impact homeowners' ability to make timely mortgage payments, leading to potential foreclosures.
Adjustable-Rate Mortgages
Mortgages with varying interest rates can see sudden hikes, causing unexpected payment increases that homeowners might not be able to afford.
Medical Emergencies
Unexpected health crises can drain savings and lead to significant debts, pushing homeowners to default on mortgages.
Divorce or Family Disruptions
Significant life changes like divorce or spousal death can result in reduced household income, making mortgage management challenging.
Although each of these drivers plays a significant role in foreclosures, homeowners often face a combination of these factors. These highlighted reasons represent just the major contributors among many possible circumstances leading to foreclosure.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foreclosure Statistics
Explore frequently asked questions about U.S. foreclosure statistics to clarify common concerns and deepen your insight into this topic.
How many homes are typically foreclosed in the U.S. each year?
In 2022, there were 164,581 foreclosure filings in the U.S. For the first half of 2023, foreclosure filings have reached 185,580, indicating an upward trend.
What causes home foreclosure?
Home foreclosure happens when homeowners default on their mortgage payments, leading lenders to reclaim and sell the property to recover the owed amount.
How long does a foreclosure stay on your credit report?
A foreclosure remains on a credit report for seven years, impacting credit scores and the ability to secure future loans or credit.
Are all states equally affected by foreclosures?
No, foreclosure rates differ by state. Factors like state economy, housing market conditions and mortgage regulations influence these discrepancies.
Can homeowners avoid foreclosure if they miss a payment?
Yes, lenders typically offer grace periods and may negotiate payment plans. However, consistent nonpayment can eventually lead to foreclosure proceedings.
Related Content
To further your understanding of U.S. foreclosure statistics, we've compiled a list of related resources. These MoneyGeek articles and guides dive deep into foreclosure and related mortgage topics.
- Foreclosure Process — This guide walks you through the entire foreclosure process, giving clarity on each phase, from missed payments to potential property auctions.
- Foreclosure Assistance — Facing foreclosure can be daunting. Find various resources and assistance programs that aim to support homeowners in distress.
- Glossary of Mortgage Terms — Navigate the mortgage landscape with ease using this comprehensive glossary. This is a handy reference, especially when dealing with intricate mortgage topics.
- What Is a Mortgage? — This article breaks down the fundamental aspects of home financing.
About Nathan Paulus
Nathan Paulus is the Head of Content Marketing at MoneyGeek, with nearly 10 years of experience researching and creating content related to personal finance and financial literacy.
Paulus has a bachelor's degree in English from the University of St. Thomas, Houston. He enjoys helping people from all walks of life build stronger financial foundations.
sources
- ATTOM Data Solutions. "Mid-Year 2023 U.S. Foreclosure Market Report." Accessed September 17, 2023.