Racine County, Wisconsin

County Distress Index: Normal · 49.6 | 196,613 people · 4th most distressed in Wisconsin
American Default Research

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Racine County, WI falls within the normal range for household financial distress at 49.6 — 1596th nationally out of 3144 counties. The primary driver is Legal Distress, where bankruptcy filing rates are well above the national average. Within Wisconsin, it ranks 4th of 72 counties. Among its 6 neighboring counties, 4 show less distress.

The Numbers Behind the Score

The CDI measures five statistically derived factors of household financial distress, PCA-weighted. Racine County's primary driver is Legal Distress at 77.6 — worse than roughly 78% of U.S. counties.

Legal Distress Primary driver 77.6
Bankruptcy Filing Rate 78
Housing Cost Burden 62.5
Rent-Burdened (30%+) 55
Severely Rent-Burdened (50%+) 61
Mortgage-Burdened (30%+) 86
Homeownership Rate 66
Consumer Credit Distress 46.0
Debt in Collections 45
Medical Debt 57
Auto Loan Delinquency 58
Credit Card Delinquency 41
Uninsured Rate 26
Subprime Credit Population 41
Economic Vitality 41.0
Wage-to-Rent Ratio 43
Rent-to-Income Ratio 38
Business Formation Rate 53
House Price Change (YoY) 14
Structural Poverty 32.0
Unemployment Rate 45
Poverty Rate 26
Income vs. State Median 36
Child Poverty Rate 35
Disability Rate 31
Transfer Income Dependency 23

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

Neighbors and Peers

Neighboring Counties

CountyScoreZonevs. Racine County
Racine County, WI 49.6 Normal —
Milwaukee County, WI 67.6 Serious +17.9
Kenosha County, WI 53.6 Elevated +4.0
Walworth County, WI 38.2 Normal -11.4
Ottawa County, MI 32.8 Healthy -16.8
Allegan County, MI 32.0 Healthy -17.6
Waukesha County, WI 25.3 Healthy -24.4

Population Peers

CountyScoreZonevs. Racine County
Berkshire County, MA 49.6 Normal -0.0
Wagoner County, OK 49.6 Normal -0.0
Miami County, OH 49.7 Normal +0.1
Kerr County, TX 49.7 Normal +0.1
Cape Girardeau County, MO 49.7 Normal +0.1

Download Data

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

Find Help in Racine County

HUD-Approved Housing Counselors

Free foreclosure prevention and financial counseling near Racine County.

HOUSING RESOURCES, INC-RACINE
RACINE
262-636-8271 Website
Foreclosure PreventionPost-PurchasePre-PurchaseHomebuyer Education

See all counselors in Wisconsin →

Find an Attorney

State Bar of Wisconsin — Lawyer Referral and Information Service offers a lawyer referral service for bankruptcy, foreclosure defense, and consumer rights.

State Bar of Wisconsin — Lawyer Referral and Information Service 608-257-4666 (Madison); 414-274-6768 (Milwaukee)

Free Legal Aid

Legal aid organizations serving Racine County residents at no cost.

Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee 414-278-7722
Legal Action of Wisconsin 608-256-3191 (Madison); 414-278-7722 (Milwaukee)
Wisconsin Judicare 715-842-1681 (Wausau); 1-800-472-1638 (statewide)
Disability Rights Wisconsin 608-267-0214
Judicare Legal Aid (715) 842-1681

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

Need legal help? Find a foreclosure defense attorney in Wisconsin →

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the distress score for Racine County, Wisconsin?

    Racine County has a County Distress Index score of 49.6 out of 100, placing it in the Normal zone. It ranks 1,596th nationally out of 3,144 counties and 4th in Wisconsin out of 72 counties.

  • What drives financial distress in Racine County?

    The primary driver of distress in Racine County is Legal Distress, where the county scores 77.6 out of 100. This domain is measured by indicators including Bankruptcy Filing Rate.

  • How does Racine County compare to neighboring counties?

    Racine County (49.6) can be compared to its 6 neighboring counties: Milwaukee County, WI (67.6); Kenosha County, WI (53.6); Walworth County, WI (38.2).

  • 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 Normal 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). Racine County's score of 49.6 sits in the Normal zone (46–55).

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

    Racine 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 Racine County?

    Racine County, Wisconsin has a population of approximately 196,613 (2023 Census estimate), classified as a mid county.