Foreclosures surged 21% in the first half of 2026, new data shows
The state with the biggest jump in foreclosure activity was Idaho, where filings increased 59% compared to the same time last year.
Updated on: July 16, 2026 / 11:32 AM EDT / CBS News
Foreclosures across the U.S. ballooned in the first half of the year, a sign of the increasing financial strain facing the nation's homeowners.
Foreclosure filings reached nearly 228,000 from January to June, up 21% from a year ago and 28% from two years ago, according to data released Thursday from real estate data company ATTOM.
Rising foreclosure rates indicate that more homeowners are in financial distress, Rob Barber, CEO of ATTOM, said in a statement. Homes go into foreclosure when the owner falls behind on mortgage payments, often due to extenuating life circumstances such as a job loss. ATTOM defines foreclosures as default notices, scheduled auctions or bank repossessions.
The states with the biggest jumps in foreclosure activity in the first half of the year were:
When it comes to the highest overall foreclosure rates, Florida dominates. In June alone, one in every 2,106 housing units in the state had a foreclosure filing.