Carlton County, Minnesota

County Distress Index: Healthy · 32.8 | 36,825 people · 39th most distressed in Minnesota
American Default Research

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Carlton County, MN ranks among the least distressed counties in the country at 32.8 — 2596th nationally out of 3144 counties. The primary driver is Legal Distress, where bankruptcy filing rates are well above the national average. Within Minnesota, it ranks 39th of 87 counties. Among its 4 neighboring counties, 3 show more distress.

The Numbers Behind the Score

The CDI measures five statistically derived factors of household financial distress, PCA-weighted. Carlton County's primary driver is Legal Distress at 70.4 — above the national median.

Legal Distress Primary driver 70.4
Bankruptcy Filing Rate 70
Economic Vitality 49.8
Wage-to-Rent Ratio 54
Rent-to-Income Ratio 34
Business Formation Rate 85
House Price Change (YoY) 5
Housing Cost Burden 48.8
Rent-Burdened (30%+) 51
Severely Rent-Burdened (50%+) 47
Mortgage-Burdened (30%+) 86
Homeownership Rate 22
Structural Poverty 43.6
Unemployment Rate 90
Poverty Rate 13
Income vs. State Median 37
Child Poverty Rate 6
Disability Rate 48
Transfer Income Dependency 65
Consumer Credit Distress 13.1
Debt in Collections 14
Medical Debt 16
Auto Loan Delinquency 5
Credit Card Delinquency 19
Uninsured Rate 15
Subprime Credit Population 12

Scores are percentile-based: 50 = national median, higher = more distressed.

Neighbors and Peers

Neighboring Counties

CountyScoreZonevs. Carlton County
Carlton County, MN 32.8 Healthy —
Pine County, MN 45.7 Normal +12.9
St. Louis County, MN 41.5 Normal +8.7
Douglas County, WI 37.5 Normal +4.7
Aitkin County, MN 32.6 Healthy -0.2

Population Peers

CountyScoreZonevs. Carlton County
Ralls County, MO 32.8 Healthy -0.0
Chaffee County, CO 32.8 Healthy -0.0
Platte County, NE 32.7 Healthy -0.1
Shawano County, WI 32.9 Healthy +0.1
Redwood County, MN 32.9 Healthy +0.1

Download Data

Export all distress indicators for Carlton County as a CSV file.

Find Help in Carlton County

Find an Attorney

Minnesota State Bar Association Lawyer Referral offers a lawyer referral service for bankruptcy, foreclosure defense, and consumer rights.

Minnesota State Bar Association Lawyer Referral 612-278-6333

Free Legal Aid

Legal aid organizations serving Carlton County residents at no cost.

Legal Aid Society of Minneapolis 612-334-5970
Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid 612-332-1441
Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services 1-888-575-2954
Central Minnesota Legal Services, Inc. (612) 334-5970
Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota (800) 933-1112
Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota Corporation (800) 450-8585

American Default Research does not endorse, rate, or rank any provider. Verify attorney credentials with your state bar.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the distress score for Carlton County, Minnesota?

    Carlton County has a County Distress Index score of 32.8 out of 100, placing it in the Healthy zone. It ranks 2,596th nationally out of 3,144 counties and 39th in Minnesota out of 87 counties.

  • What drives financial distress in Carlton County?

    The primary driver of distress in Carlton County is Legal Distress, where the county scores 70.4 out of 100. This domain is measured by indicators including Bankruptcy Filing Rate.

  • How does Carlton County compare to neighboring counties?

    Carlton County (32.8) can be compared to its 4 neighboring counties: Pine County, MN (45.7); St. Louis County, MN (41.5); Douglas County, WI (37.5).

  • How is the County Distress Index calculated?

    The County Distress Index uses PCA-weighted percentile scoring across five statistically derived factors: Consumer Credit Distress (47.5%), Housing Cost Burden (22.3%), Structural Poverty (13.6%), Economic Vitality (9.2%), and Legal Distress (7.4%). Each county's indicators are ranked against all 3,144 U.S. counties. A score of 50 means the county is at the national median; higher scores indicate greater distress.

  • How often is the CDI updated?

    Annually, aligned to Census American Community Survey and Urban Institute Debt in America release windows — the slowest-moving source inputs. Between annual refreshes, faster-cadence indicators (BLS unemployment, QCEW wages) may drive light mid-year updates if a specific component moves meaningfully. Current data compiled April 14, 2026; next full refresh early 2027.

  • What does the Healthy zone mean?

    The CDI divides counties into five zones: Healthy (below 46), Normal (46–55), Elevated (55–71), Serious (71–86), and Crisis (86 and above). Carlton County's score of 32.8 sits in the Healthy zone (below 46).

  • What data sources power Carlton County's CDI score?

    Carlton County's CDI score draws on Urban Institute Debt in America (Equifax credit-bureau panel), U.S. Census Bureau (American Community Survey 5-year, Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates), Bureau of Labor Statistics (LAUS, QCEW), U.S. Courts Administrative Office (F-5A bankruptcy filings), and HUD Fair Market Rents. Every number on this page traces to one of these public sources.

  • What is the population of Carlton County?

    Carlton County, Minnesota has a population of approximately 36,825 (2023 Census estimate), classified as a small county.