Arkansas Financial Distress Profile
Household debt and delinquency, bankruptcy filings, unemployment, foreclosure law and county distress scores for Arkansas and its 75 counties, from federal sources, each shown beside the U.S. figure.
· Data from Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, Q4 2025
Behind on your mortgage in Arkansas? See your options under Arkansas law →
Arkansas ranks #24 of 51 jurisdictions on the State Distress Index, in the middle fifth: its score of 54 means it is more distressed than 54% of the 50 states and D.C.. County Distress Index details are listed separately for its 75 counties.
How Does Arkansas Compare With the U.S.?
Arkansas is above the U.S. figure on 3 of 5 household debt measures from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for Q4 2025: credit card delinquency (13.8%), auto loan delinquency (5.6%) and mortgage delinquency (1.08%). Credit card delinquency is 13.8%, 1.4 percentage points above the U.S. 12.4%; total debt per adult with a credit file is $43,090, $20,110 below the U.S. $63,200.
Credit card delinquency in Arkansas is up 4.1 percentage points from 9.7% in Q4 2019, and total debt per adult with a credit file is 26.9% higher than in Q4 2019.
Key Statistics at a Glance
State Distress Index: Arkansas
Movement since 2006
Since 2006, Arkansas has eased from the 11th-most distressed jurisdiction to the 20th-most distressed, as of 2025 Q1. Its State Distress Index score fell from 80 to 62 over the same span.
Quarter-aligned back-series. Each quarter re-ranks all 51 jurisdictions on that quarter's own data, so a state's position here can sit several spots from the current reading above, which uses each input's latest value.
Domain Breakdown
The national American Distress Index reads 47.0 (Typical). The composite itself sits higher than 44% of all published quarters since 2005. Arkansas's State Distress Index of 54 (moderate state distress) is computed from 4 equal-weighted domains covering delinquency, default and legal signals, housing-basis debt burden, and labor.
Arkansas and the U.S.
Delinquency rates measure balances 90 or more days past due as a share of total balances in each loan category. Higher rates signal greater household financial stress. Debt and balance figures are per adult with a credit file, not per resident.
Download all states (CSV)Arkansas and the U.S.: 5 Household Debt Measures (Q4 2025)
Source: NY Fed Consumer Credit Panel / Equifax, Q4 2025.
Similar States by Distress Level
The states ranked closest to Arkansas (#24) on the State Distress Index, with the domain that scores highest in each.
| State | SDI Score | Score Label | Highest Domain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | 54 | moderate state distress | Default & Legal |
| New Jersey | 58 | moderate state distress | Debt Burden (housing basis) |
| West Virginia | 56 | moderate state distress | Delinquency |
| Pennsylvania | 52 | moderate state distress | Debt Burden (housing basis) |
Change Since 2019
Q4 2019, the last fourth quarter before the pandemic, is the baseline. Credit card delinquency is higher than in Q4 2019 in 51 of 51 jurisdictions, and auto loan delinquency is higher in 33.
| Metric | Q4 2019 | Q4 2025 | Change | U.S. Q4 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Card Delinquency | 9.7% | 13.8% | +4.1 percentage points | 12.4% |
| Auto Loan Delinquency | 5.5% | 5.6% | +0.1 percentage points | 5.2% |
| Mortgage Delinquency | 0.96% | 1.08% | +0.12 percentage points | 0.94% |
| Total Debt per Adult With a Credit File | $33,950 | $43,090 | +26.9% | $63,200 |
| Card Balance per Adult With a Credit File | $2,530 | $3,310 | +30.8% | $4,350 |
Arkansas Foreclosure Law Summary
If you fall behind on mortgage payments, the steps and deadlines depend on state law. Arkansas mainly uses non-judicial foreclosure, which a lender can carry out without going to court.
Arkansas has two foreclosure tracks: (1) Non-judicial trustee's sale under A.C.A. § 18-50-101 et seq. (Act 53 of 1987) — used for trust deeds with a power of sale clause and for recorded mortgages, in which state law implies a power of sale.
- Paying to stop the foreclosure: Under the non-judicial track, the borrower can cure the default and stop the foreclosure at any time after the Notice of Default is recorded and before the trustee's sale, by paying the entire amount then due, including costs and expenses actually incurred and trustee's and attorney's fees, but not principal that is due only because the loan was accelerated. Federal CFPB rules provide additional cure opportunities before the notice of default is issued.
- Post-sale redemption: No post-sale redemption after a statutory (non-judicial) sale; after a court-ordered (judicial) foreclosure sale, the borrower can redeem within one year unless the mortgage or deed of trust waived that right.
Non-Judicial Foreclosure and Above-U.S. Delinquency
3 of 5 NY Fed household debt measures in Arkansas are above the U.S. figure, and the state mainly uses non-judicial foreclosure, which a lender can carry out without going to court. A HUD-approved housing counselor can explain the options at no cost; the Arkansas foreclosure guide lists the steps and deadlines.
Distress by County
The County Distress Index scores every county in Arkansas on a 0-100 scale using five equal-weighted domains: delinquency, default and legal, debt burden, labor, and safety net and buffer. Arkansas's 75 counties average 78.3: on average, Arkansas's counties are more distressed than 78% of U.S. counties. Across all 3,144 counties the average is 50.0, the middle of the scale.
Score Label Distribution
Loading interactive map…
Most Distressed Counties
| County | Score | Score Label | Top Driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phillips County | 99 | extreme county distress | Delinquency |
| Crittenden County | 99 | extreme county distress | Delinquency |
| St. Francis County | 99 | extreme county distress | Delinquency |
| Desha County | 98 | extreme county distress | Default & Legal |
| Lee County | 98 | extreme county distress | Labor |
Phillips County ranks #12 most distressed nationally out of 3,144 counties.
Least Distressed Counties
| County | Score | Score Label | Top Domain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benton County | 16 | very low county distress | Default & Legal |
| Saline County | 31 | low-moderate county distress | Default & Legal |
| Washington County | 42 | moderate-low county distress | Delinquency |
| Lonoke County | 52 | moderate county distress | Default & Legal |
| Newton County | 53 | moderate county distress | Safety Net & Buffer |
The most distressed county in Arkansas is Phillips County (99, extreme county distress); the least distressed is Benton County (16, very low county distress).
Explore all 75 Arkansas counties →CFPB Mortgage Complaints in Arkansas
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has received 1,916 mortgage complaints from Arkansas since 2012, 62.5 per 100,000 residents, 72.5 below the U.S. rate of 135. Arkansas ranks #44 of 51 on complaints per resident.
| Year | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Complaints | 104 | 119 | 114 | 108 | 114 | 150 |
Source: CFPB Consumer Complaint Database. Filed a mortgage complaint? Search the complaint database.
Bankruptcy Filings: Arkansas
The filing rate is bankruptcy cases filed in a year, from the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, per 100,000 residents. It does not identify household causes, motives, assets, income, or case outcomes. Arkansas's rate of 228.1 is 59 above the U.S. rate of 169.1.
Source: U.S. Courts, Administrative Office. Table F-2: Cases Commenced by Chapter. Per-capita rates use 2024 U.S. Census Bureau population estimates.
Credit Distress: Arkansas
The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia's Consumer Credit Explorer reports credit health from NY Fed / Equifax credit records. 18.3% of people with a credit file in Arkansas have debt in collections, 4.4 percentage points above the U.S. average of 13.9%. 21.2% have subprime credit scores (below 620), and 46.1% are credit-constrained.
Source: Philadelphia Fed Consumer Credit Explorer. Data from NY Fed Consumer Credit Panel / Equifax. Q1 2025. The U.S. average is weighted by state population (our calculation).
Economic Context: Arkansas
SNAP enrollment and unemployment give context for the debt figures above. The unemployment rate measures joblessness among people in the labor force. SNAP enrollment reflects each state's program rules and reach as well as need, which is why it is not part of the State Distress Index.
Sources: U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics. Population: U.S. Census Bureau 2024 estimates.
Safety Net Strength: Arkansas
The Safety Net Index measures how much support infrastructure is available to households in financial distress — combining healthcare coverage, food assistance, emergency housing funds, and legal protections. Arkansas scores 44 out of 100 (Weak), ranking #23 of 51 jurisdictions.
Component Breakdown
Sources: Kaiser Family Foundation (Medicaid, 2024), USDA FNS (SNAP, June 2026), state foreclosure statutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the credit card delinquency rate in Arkansas?
The credit card delinquency rate in Arkansas is 13.8% as of Q4 2025, ranking #6 among the 51 states and DC, 1.4 percentage points above the U.S. 12.4%. It is up 4.1 percentage points from 9.7% in Q4 2019.
How does Arkansas's household debt compare with the U.S.?
The NY Fed reports a $43,090 total debt balance per adult with a credit file in Arkansas, $20,110 below the U.S. $63,200 on the same basis. That is 26.9% higher than in Q4 2019. Arkansas ranks #49 on that basis.
What is the auto loan delinquency rate in Arkansas?
Auto loan delinquency in Arkansas is 5.6% as of Q4 2025, 0.4 percentage points above the U.S. 5.2%. This ranks #16 of 51. The rate is up from 5.5% in Q4 2019.
What type of foreclosure process does Arkansas use?
Arkansas mainly uses non-judicial foreclosure, which a lender can carry out without going to court. See our Arkansas foreclosure guide for the timeline, homeowner protections and where to get free help.
What is Arkansas's State Distress Index score?
Arkansas scores 54 on the State Distress Index (moderate state distress), which means it is more distressed than 54% of the 50 states and D.C.. It ranks #24 of 51 jurisdictions, in the middle fifth. The score is built from 4 equal-weighted domains: delinquency, default and legal, debt burden on a housing basis, and labor. It ranks states against each other at one time. Separately, the national American Distress Index reads 47.0 (Typical) for the country over time. The composite itself sits higher than 44% of all published quarters since 2005.
How many CFPB mortgage complaints have been filed in Arkansas?
The CFPB has received 1,916 mortgage complaints from Arkansas since 2012, 62.5 per 100,000 residents, 72.5 below the U.S. rate of 135. That ranks #44 of 51. Companies responded to 98.4% of Arkansas complaints on time.
What is the bankruptcy filing rate in Arkansas?
Arkansas had 6,997 bankruptcy filings in the 12-month period ending Dec 2025, 228.1 per 100,000 residents, 59 above the U.S. rate of 169.1. This ranks #9 of 51. Chapter 7 filings account for 42.9% and Chapter 13 for 55.8%. That is 6.5% more filings than in 2024.
What percentage of people in Arkansas have debt in collections?
18.3% of people with a credit file in Arkansas have debt in collections, 4.4 percentage points above the U.S. average of 13.9%. This ranks #7 of 51. 21.2% have subprime credit scores (below 620), 4.3 percentage points above the U.S. average of 16.9%. Data from the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia Consumer Credit Explorer (NY Fed / Equifax), Q1 2025.
What is the SNAP enrollment rate in Arkansas?
219,739 residents of Arkansas received SNAP benefits in June 2026, an enrollment rate of 7.2%, 3.6 percentage points below the U.S. rate of 10.8%. This ranks #41 of 51. That is 8.9% fewer people than in June 2025. The rate is 4.1 percentage points below the October 2019 to February 2020 average.
How strong is Arkansas's financial safety net?
Arkansas scores 44 out of 100 on the Safety Net Index, ranking #23 of 51 (Weak). The score combines Medicaid coverage (24.4% enrollment rate, expansion state), SNAP enrollment (7.2%), and foreclosure legal protections. That is above the state average of 43.6.
Which Arkansas counties have the highest financial distress?
Phillips County is the most distressed county in Arkansas with a County Distress Index score of 99 · extreme county distress, ranking #12 nationally out of 3,144 counties. Crittenden County (99 · extreme county distress), St. Francis County (99 · extreme county distress), Desha County (98 · extreme county distress) are next. Benton County is the least distressed at 16 · very low county distress. See all 75 counties at /counties/arkansas/.
How long can foreclosure take in Arkansas?
Arkansas mainly uses non-judicial foreclosure, which a lender can carry out without going to court. The timeline varies by county and case. Paying to stop the foreclosure: Under the non-judicial track, the borrower can cure the default and stop the foreclosure at any time after the Notice of Default is recorded and before the trustee's sale, by paying the entire amount then due, including costs and expenses actually incurred and trustee's and attorney's fees, but not principal that is due only because the loan was accelerated. Federal CFPB rules provide additional cure opportunities before the notice of default is issued. Homestead exemption: Unlimited in value for the core homestead of a resident who is married or the head of a family: up to 80 acres outside a city or town, or a quarter acre inside one, is protected regardless of value. A larger homestead (up to 160 acres outside a city or town, or one acre inside one) is protected only up to $2,500 in value. The homestead exemption protects against most unsecured creditors and general judgment liens but does NOT bar a mortgage lender or trust deed beneficiary from foreclosing its lien on the homestead property. Full details at /help/foreclosure/arkansas/.
Where does Arkansas rank for financial distress?
Arkansas scores 54 on the State Distress Index (moderate state distress), which means it is more distressed than 54% of the 50 states and D.C.. It ranks #24 of 51 jurisdictions, in the middle fifth. 3 of 5 NY Fed household debt measures are above the U.S. figure. The State Distress Index domain with the highest score is Default & Legal. County Distress Index details are listed separately by county. The safety net ranks #23 (Weak).
Data Sources
NY Fed Consumer Credit Panel
State-level household debt and delinquency statistics from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, based on Equifax credit bureau data. Published once a year with fourth-quarter figures.
American Distress Index
Composite index tracking U.S. household financial distress across five equal-weighted domains. National score as of the latest available quarter.
Arkansas Foreclosure Statutes
State foreclosure law data compiled from primary statutory sources and validated against legal databases. Last verified 2026-03-10.
CFPB Complaint Database
Mortgage complaints filed with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, 2012–present. Density calculated using 2024 Census population estimates.
USDA SNAP State Activity
Monthly SNAP participation by state from the USDA Food and Nutrition Service. Enrollment rates computed against 2024 Census population estimates.
U.S. Bankruptcy Courts
Annual bankruptcy filings by chapter and district from the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. Per-capita rates computed against 2024 Census population estimates.
Philadelphia Fed Consumer Credit Explorer
Quarterly credit health metrics (collections, subprime share, delinquency, credit-constrained rates) from Equifax via the NY Fed Consumer Credit Panel.
Safety Net Index
Composite score from KFF Medicaid enrollment (2024), USDA SNAP participation (latest month), and state foreclosure legal protections.