Connecticut Financial Distress Profile
Household debt and delinquency, bankruptcy filings, unemployment, foreclosure law and county distress scores for Connecticut and its 9 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 Connecticut? See your options under Connecticut law →
Connecticut ranks #12 of 51 jurisdictions on the State Distress Index, in the second-most distressed fifth: its score of 78 means it is more distressed than 78% of the 50 states and D.C..
How Does Connecticut Compare With the U.S.?
Connecticut is above the U.S. figure on 3 of 5 household debt measures from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for Q4 2025: mortgage delinquency (0.97%), total debt per adult with a credit file ($67,530) and credit card balance per adult with a credit file ($4,960). Credit card delinquency is 10.5%, 1.9 percentage points below the U.S. 12.4%; total debt per adult with a credit file is $67,530, $4,330 above the U.S. $63,200.
Credit card delinquency in Connecticut is up 3.4 percentage points from 7.1% in Q4 2019, and total debt per adult with a credit file is 12.9% higher than in Q4 2019.
Key Statistics at a Glance
State Distress Index: Connecticut
Movement since 2006
Since 2006, Connecticut has climbed from the 37th-most distressed jurisdiction to the 26th-most distressed, as of 2025 Q1. Its State Distress Index score rose from 28 to 50 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. Connecticut's State Distress Index of 78 (high state distress) is computed from 4 equal-weighted domains covering delinquency, default and legal signals, housing-basis debt burden, and labor.
Connecticut 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)Connecticut 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 Connecticut (#12) on the State Distress Index, with the domain that scores highest in each.
| State | SDI Score | Score Label | Highest Domain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | 78 | high state distress | Labor |
| California | 82 | very high state distress | Debt Burden (housing basis) |
| New Mexico | 80 | very high state distress | Labor |
| Arizona | 76 | high state distress | Labor |
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 | 7.1% | 10.5% | +3.4 percentage points | 12.4% |
| Auto Loan Delinquency | 3.1% | 3.1% | No change | 5.2% |
| Mortgage Delinquency | 1.77% | 0.97% | −0.8 percentage points | 0.94% |
| Total Debt per Adult With a Credit File | $59,840 | $67,530 | +12.9% | $63,200 |
| Card Balance per Adult With a Credit File | $4,020 | $4,960 | +23.4% | $4,350 |
Connecticut Foreclosure Law Summary
If you fall behind on mortgage payments, the steps and deadlines depend on state law. Connecticut mainly uses strict foreclosure, in which a court transfers the title to the lender.
Connecticut uses a judicial foreclosure system built around strict foreclosure. Connecticut's primary mechanism is 'strict foreclosure' — a court-supervised process in which the court does not order a public auction, but instead sets a series of 'law…
- Paying to stop the foreclosure: In strict foreclosure, the borrower may cure the default (pay all past-due amounts plus fees to bring the loan current) at any time before the foreclosure judgment is entered, by agreement with the servicer. After judgment, paying the entire debt (full redemption) on or before the law day stops the foreclosure. Before title becomes absolute, the court can also open and modify a strict-foreclosure judgment on a written motion, for cause shown and at its discretion; for a short time after that, the judgment can be opened only if every party who appeared agrees (CGS § 49-15). During the mediation process, cure and reinstatement can be negotiated as a formal loss mitigation outcome. Any reinstatement is by agreement with the servicer; the foreclosure mediation program can address reinstatement of the mortgage (CGS § 49-31m).
- Post-sale redemption: Connecticut's redemption right is built into the strict foreclosure process itself — it is exercised before title is lost, not after. In strict foreclosure, the court sets a series of 'law days': the owner's law day comes first, and law days for later encumbrancers follow in the inverse order of their priorities. On their law day, each party must either pay off the entire debt (redeem) or their interest in the property is extinguished (forfeited). If no party redeems on their law day, title automatically vests in the first mortgagee. Law days are not extended automatically; before title becomes absolute, the court can open and modify a strict-foreclosure judgment on a written motion, for cause shown (CGS § 49-15). In foreclosure by sale (Connecticut's alternative auction mechanism), the property can still be redeemed after the auction, at any time before the court approves the sale (CGS § 49-25).
How Connecticut Sits Among the States
Connecticut's credit card delinquency rate is 10.5%, 1.9 percentage points below the U.S. 12.4%, and ranks #32 of 51. 3 of 5 NY Fed household debt measures are above the U.S. figure, and the State Distress Index reads 78 (high state distress). The Household Debt by State roundup covers all 51 jurisdictions.
Distress by County
The County Distress Index scores every county in Connecticut on a 0-100 scale using five equal-weighted domains: delinquency, default and legal, debt burden, labor, and safety net and buffer. Connecticut's 9 counties average 39.6: on average, Connecticut's counties are more distressed than 39% of U.S. counties. Across all 3,144 counties the average is 50.0, the middle of the scale.
Score Label Distribution
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Most Distressed Counties
| County | Score | Score Label | Top Driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naugatuck Valley Planning Region | 59 | moderate county distress | Debt Burden (housing basis) |
| South Central Connecticut Planning Region | 55 | moderate county distress | Debt Burden (housing basis) |
| Greater Bridgeport Planning Region | 49 | moderate-low county distress | Debt Burden (housing basis) |
| Capitol Planning Region | 48 | moderate-low county distress | Debt Burden (housing basis) |
| Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region | 37 | low-moderate county distress | Debt Burden (housing basis) |
Least Distressed Counties
| County | Score | Score Label | Top Domain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region | 18 | very low county distress | Debt Burden (housing basis) |
| Northwest Hills Planning Region | 27 | low county distress | Debt Burden (housing basis) |
| Western Connecticut Planning Region | 27 | low county distress | Debt Burden (housing basis) |
| Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region | 33 | low-moderate county distress | Labor |
| Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region | 37 | low-moderate county distress | Debt Burden (housing basis) |
The most distressed county in Connecticut is Naugatuck Valley Planning Region (59, moderate county distress); the least distressed is Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region (18, very low county distress).
Explore all 9 Connecticut counties →CFPB Mortgage Complaints in Connecticut
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has received 5,882 mortgage complaints from Connecticut since 2012, 162.6 per 100,000 residents, 27.6 above the U.S. rate of 135. Connecticut ranks #11 of 51 on complaints per resident.
| Year | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Complaints | 383 | 374 | 355 | 296 | 257 | 288 |
Source: CFPB Consumer Complaint Database. Filed a mortgage complaint? Search the complaint database.
Bankruptcy Filings: Connecticut
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. Connecticut's rate of 101.5 is 67.6 below 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: Connecticut
The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia's Consumer Credit Explorer reports credit health from NY Fed / Equifax credit records. 11.1% of people with a credit file in Connecticut have debt in collections, 2.8 percentage points below the U.S. average of 13.9%. 14.2% have subprime credit scores (below 620), and 34.1% 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: Connecticut
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: Connecticut
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. Connecticut scores 50.1 out of 100 (Moderate), ranking #15 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 Connecticut?
The credit card delinquency rate in Connecticut is 10.5% as of Q4 2025, ranking #32 among the 51 states and DC, 1.9 percentage points below the U.S. 12.4%. It is up 3.4 percentage points from 7.1% in Q4 2019.
How does Connecticut's household debt compare with the U.S.?
The NY Fed reports a $67,530 total debt balance per adult with a credit file in Connecticut, $4,330 above the U.S. $63,200 on the same basis. That is 12.9% higher than in Q4 2019. Connecticut ranks #16 on that basis.
What is the auto loan delinquency rate in Connecticut?
Auto loan delinquency in Connecticut is 3.1% as of Q4 2025, 2.1 percentage points below the U.S. 5.2%. This ranks #43 of 51. The rate is the same as in Q4 2019.
What type of foreclosure process does Connecticut use?
Connecticut mainly uses strict foreclosure, in which a court transfers the title to the lender. See our Connecticut foreclosure guide for the timeline, homeowner protections and where to get free help.
What is Connecticut's State Distress Index score?
Connecticut scores 78 on the State Distress Index (high state distress), which means it is more distressed than 78% of the 50 states and D.C.. It ranks #12 of 51 jurisdictions, in the second-most distressed 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 Connecticut?
The CFPB has received 5,882 mortgage complaints from Connecticut since 2012, 162.6 per 100,000 residents, 27.6 above the U.S. rate of 135. That ranks #11 of 51. Companies responded to 98.5% of Connecticut complaints on time.
What is the bankruptcy filing rate in Connecticut?
Connecticut had 3,671 bankruptcy filings in the 12-month period ending Dec 2025, 101.5 per 100,000 residents, 67.6 below the U.S. rate of 169.1. This ranks #35 of 51. Chapter 7 filings account for 83.7% and Chapter 13 for 15.6%. That is 12.2% more filings than in 2024.
What percentage of people in Connecticut have debt in collections?
11.1% of people with a credit file in Connecticut have debt in collections, 2.8 percentage points below the U.S. average of 13.9%. This ranks #32 of 51. 14.2% have subprime credit scores (below 620), 2.7 percentage points below 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 Connecticut?
304,528 residents of Connecticut received SNAP benefits in June 2026, an enrollment rate of 8.4%, 2.4 percentage points below the U.S. rate of 10.8%. This ranks #35 of 51. That is 15.8% fewer people than in June 2025. The rate is 1.6 percentage points below the October 2019 to February 2020 average.
How strong is Connecticut's financial safety net?
Connecticut scores 50.1 out of 100 on the Safety Net Index, ranking #15 of 51 (Moderate). The score combines Medicaid coverage (21.8% enrollment rate, expansion state), SNAP enrollment (8.4%), and foreclosure legal protections. That is above the state average of 43.6.
Which Connecticut counties have the highest financial distress?
Naugatuck Valley Planning Region is the most distressed county in Connecticut with a County Distress Index score of 59 · moderate county distress. South Central Connecticut Planning Region (55 · moderate county distress), Greater Bridgeport Planning Region (49 · moderate-low county distress), Capitol Planning Region (48 · moderate-low county distress) are next. Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region is the least distressed at 18 · very low county distress. See all 9 counties at /counties/connecticut/.
How long can foreclosure take in Connecticut?
Connecticut mainly uses strict foreclosure, in which a court transfers the title to the lender. In Connecticut, foreclosures that finished in the second quarter of 2026 took an average of 1,626 days from the start of the foreclosure process to completion, according to ATTOM. Individual cases vary with cure periods, mediation, postponements, court backlogs and bankruptcy filings. Paying to stop the foreclosure: In strict foreclosure, the borrower may cure the default (pay all past-due amounts plus fees to bring the loan current) at any time before the foreclosure judgment is entered, by agreement with the servicer. After judgment, paying the entire debt (full redemption) on or before the law day stops the foreclosure. Before title becomes absolute, the court can also open and modify a strict-foreclosure judgment on a written motion, for cause shown and at its discretion; for a short time after that, the judgment can be opened only if every party who appeared agrees (CGS § 49-15). During the mediation process, cure and reinstatement can be negotiated as a formal loss mitigation outcome. Any reinstatement is by agreement with the servicer; the foreclosure mediation program can address reinstatement of the mortgage (CGS § 49-31m). Homestead exemption: $250,000. Full details at /help/foreclosure/connecticut/.
Where does Connecticut rank for financial distress?
Connecticut scores 78 on the State Distress Index (high state distress), which means it is more distressed than 78% of the 50 states and D.C.. It ranks #12 of 51 jurisdictions, in the second-most distressed 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 Labor. County Distress Index details are listed separately by county. The safety net ranks #15 (Moderate).
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.
Connecticut 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.