District of Columbia Financial Distress Profile
Composite distress data for 1 counties, updated quarterly from federal sources. Household debt, delinquency, foreclosure law, and county-level distress scores compared to national averages.
· Data from NY Fed, CFPB, BLS, US Courts, Q4 2025
Behind on your mortgage in District of Columbia? See your options under District of Columbia law →
District of Columbia ranks #3 nationally for household financial distress. County Distress Index details are listed separately for its 1 counties. The national State Distress Index average is 50.0.
How Does District of Columbia Compare to the National Average?
District of Columbia is above the national average on 4 of 5 key household distress metrics. Credit card delinquency stands at 11.2% (below the 12.4% national rate), auto loan delinquency at 13.6%, and total debt per capita at $102,400.
Since 2019, credit card delinquency in District of Columbia has risen 4.6pp and total household debt has grown 15.8%. Multiple indicators place District of Columbia among the higher-distress states nationally.
Key Statistics at a Glance
State Distress Index: District of Columbia
Domain Breakdown
The national American Distress Index reads 44.6 (Typical). On average, its inputs sit higher than in 45% of their own quarterly histories since 2005. District of Columbia's State Distress Index of 75.9 (Most distressed fifth) is computed from 4 equal-weighted domains covering delinquency, default and legal signals, labor, and the safety-net buffer.
District of Columbia vs. National Average
Delinquency rates measure the share of loan accounts 30 or more days past due. Higher rates signal greater household financial stress. Debt and balance figures are per capita, adjusted for state population.
Download all states (CSV)District of Columbia vs. National: 5 Key Metrics (Q4 2025)
Source: NY Fed Consumer Credit Panel / Equifax, Q4 2025.
Similar States by Distress Level
States ranked closest to District of Columbia (#3) on the State Distress Index. Peer comparison reveals whether distress patterns are regional or structural.
| State | SDI Score | Quintile | Highest Domain |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | 75.9 | Most distressed fifth | Labor |
| Nevada | 85.4 | Most distressed fifth | Labor |
| Louisiana | 84.5 | Most distressed fifth | Delinquency |
| New Mexico | 73.9 | Most distressed fifth | Safety Net & Buffer |
Change Since 2019
Pre-pandemic 2019 values provide a baseline for how distress has evolved. Credit card and auto loan delinquency have risen sharply in most states since pandemic-era forbearance protections expired.
| Metric | 2019 | 2025 | Change | Nat'l 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Card Delinquency | 6.5% | 11.2% | +4.6pp | 12.4% |
| Auto Loan Delinquency | 9.8% | 13.6% | +3.8pp | 5.2% |
| Mortgage Delinquency | 0.75% | 1.01% | +0.3pp | 0.94% |
| Total Debt per Capita | $88,450 | $102,400 | +15.8% | $63,200 |
| CC Balance per Capita | $4,420 | $5,500 | +24.4% | $4,350 |
District of Columbia Foreclosure Law Summary
Understanding your state's foreclosure process is critical if you fall behind on mortgage payments. District of Columbia primarily uses non-judicial foreclosure.
DC uses non-judicial foreclosure by power of sale under DC Code § 42-815 et seq. The deed of trust conveys legal title to a trustee who holds the power of sale. Since the 2011 Saving D.C.
Full District of Columbia foreclosure law guide →Compressed Timeline, Higher Risk
With 4 of 5 tracked metrics above national averages and non-judicial foreclosure, District of Columbia homeowners face a compressed timeline if they fall behind. In non-judicial states, the bank can move from missed payment to sale in as little as 60 to 120 days — leaving less room to negotiate loss mitigation or find legal help. District of Columbia's State Distress Index score of 75.9 (Most distressed fifth) reflects this combination of higher delinquency and limited procedural protection.
Distress by County
The County Distress Index scores every county in District of Columbia on a 0-100 scale using five equal-weighted domains: delinquency, default and legal, debt burden, labor, and safety net and buffer. District of Columbia's 1 counties average 60.3 — above the national county mean of 50.0.
Distress Fifth Distribution
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Most Distressed Counties
| County | Score | Distress Fifth | Top Driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | 60.3 | Second-most distressed fifth | Labor |
District of Columbia ranks #1008 most distressed nationally out of 3,144 counties.
Least Distressed Counties
| County | Score | Distress Fifth | Top Domain |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | 60.3 | Second-most distressed fifth | Labor |
The gap between District of Columbia's most and least distressed counties is 0.0 points — District of Columbia (60.3, Second-most distressed fifth) vs. District of Columbia (60.3, Second-most distressed fifth).
Explore all 1 District of Columbia counties →CFPB Mortgage Complaints in District of Columbia
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has received 2,308 mortgage complaints from District of Columbia since 2012 — 339.9 per 100,000 residents, above the national rate of 129.3 per 100K. District of Columbia ranks #1 of 51 jurisdictions for complaint density.
| Year | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Complaints | 149 | 169 | 114 | 133 | 144 | 107 |
Source: CFPB Consumer Complaint Database. Filed a mortgage complaint? Search the complaint database.
Bankruptcy Filings: District of Columbia
Bankruptcy filings reflect the downstream consequence of sustained financial distress — when households exhaust savings, fall behind on debt, and run out of alternatives. District of Columbia's filing rate is below the national average.
Source: U.S. Courts, Administrative Office. Table F-2: Cases Commenced by Chapter. Per-capita rates use 2024 Census population estimates.
Credit Distress: District of Columbia
The Philadelphia Fed Consumer Credit Explorer tracks credit health metrics from Equifax data. 8.2% of District of Columbia residents have debt in collections — below the national rate of 13.9%. 18.7% have subprime credit scores (below 620), and 38.7% are credit-constrained.
Source: Philadelphia Fed Consumer Credit Explorer. Data from NY Fed Consumer Credit Panel / Equifax. 2025 Q1.
Economic Context: District of Columbia
SNAP enrollment and unemployment rates provide upstream context for household debt distress. Higher food assistance enrollment signals that more families are struggling with basic expenses, while elevated unemployment directly reduces income available for debt service.
Sources: USDA Food and Nutrition Service, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics. Population: U.S. Census Bureau 2024 estimates.
Safety Net Strength: District of Columbia
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. District of Columbia scores 55.8 out of 100 (Moderate), ranking #16 of 51 jurisdictions.
Component Breakdown
Sources: Kaiser Family Foundation (Medicaid, 2024), USDA FNS (SNAP, 2025), U.S. Treasury HAF program status, state foreclosure statutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the credit card delinquency rate in District of Columbia?
The credit card delinquency rate in District of Columbia is 11.2% as of Q4 2025, ranking #28 among all states and DC. The national average is 12.4%. This rate has risen from 6.5% in 2019.
How does District of Columbia's household debt compare to the national average?
District of Columbia residents carry $102,400 in total debt per capita, above the national average of $63,200. Debt per capita has grown 15.8% since 2019. District of Columbia ranks #1 nationally for total household debt per capita.
What is the auto loan delinquency rate in District of Columbia?
Auto loan delinquency in District of Columbia stands at 13.6% as of Q4 2025, above the national rate of 5.2%. This ranks #1 nationally. The rate has risen from 9.8% in 2019.
What type of foreclosure process does District of Columbia use?
District of Columbia primarily uses non-judicial foreclosure. This allows lenders to foreclose without court proceedings, resulting in a faster process. See our full District of Columbia foreclosure law guide for timelines, protections, and legal resources.
Is District of Columbia above or below the national average for financial distress?
District of Columbia scores 75.9 on the State Distress Index (Most distressed fifth), ranking #3 of 51 jurisdictions. That is 25.9 points above the national state average of 50.0. This composite score is built from 4 domains: delinquency, default and legal, labor, and safety net and buffer. Separately, the national American Distress Index reads 44.6 (Typical) for the country over time. On average, its inputs sit higher than in 45% of their own quarterly histories since 2005.
How many CFPB mortgage complaints have been filed in District of Columbia?
The CFPB has received 2,308 mortgage complaints from District of Columbia since 2012, a rate of 339.9 per 100,000 residents. This ranks #1 of 51 jurisdictions. The national average is 129.3 per 100K. Companies responded to 98.6% of District of Columbia complaints within the required timeframe.
What is the bankruptcy filing rate in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia had 618 bankruptcy filings in the 12-month period ending Dec 2025, a rate of 91.0 per 100,000 residents — below the national rate of 169.1 per 100K. This ranks #40 of 51 jurisdictions. Chapter 7 filings account for 64.6% and Chapter 13 for 21.5%. Filings changed +40.8% year-over-year.
What percentage of people in District of Columbia have debt in collections?
8.2% of individuals in District of Columbia have debt in collections, below the national rate of 13.9%. This ranks #49 of 51 jurisdictions. Additionally, 18.7% of District of Columbia residents have subprime credit scores (below 620), compared to 16.9% nationally. Data from the Philadelphia Fed Consumer Credit Explorer (NY Fed / Equifax).
What is the SNAP enrollment rate in District of Columbia?
134,209 residents of District of Columbia receive SNAP benefits, an enrollment rate of 19.8% — above the national rate of 11.2%. This ranks #2 of 51 jurisdictions. SNAP participation has changed -4.4% year-over-year. The pre-pandemic rate was 16.1%.
How strong is District of Columbia's financial safety net?
District of Columbia scores 55.8 out of 100 on the Safety Net Index, ranking #16 of 51 jurisdictions (Moderate). The score combines Medicaid coverage (25.8% enrollment rate, expansion state), SNAP enrollment (19.8%), Homeowner Assistance Fund status (unknown), and foreclosure legal protections. The national average is 48.1.
Which District of Columbia counties have the highest financial distress?
District of Columbia is the most distressed county in District of Columbia with a County Distress Index score of 60.3 (Second-most distressed fifth), ranking #1008 nationally out of 3,144 counties. round out the top distressed counties. District of Columbia is the least distressed at 60.3 (Second-most distressed fifth). See all 1 counties at /counties/district-of-columbia/.
How long can foreclosure take in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia uses non-judicial foreclosure, which allows lenders to foreclose without court proceedings. Timeline varies by county and complexity. Homeowners have a right to cure: Up to 5 business days before the commencement of bidding at the trustee's sale. …. The homestead exemption is No fixed dollar cap — protects the debto.... Full details at /help/foreclosure/district-of-columbia/.
Where does District of Columbia rank for financial distress?
District of Columbia scores 75.9 on the State Distress Index (Most distressed fifth), ranking #3 of 51 jurisdictions. 4 of 5 key metrics exceed national averages. The highest SDI domain is Labor. County Distress Index details are listed separately by county. The safety net ranks #16 (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. Updated quarterly.
American Distress Index
Composite index tracking U.S. household financial distress across five equal-weighted domains. National score as of the latest available quarter.
District of Columbia Foreclosure Statutes
State foreclosure law data compiled from primary statutory sources and validated against legal databases. Last verified 2026-03-14.
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 (2025), U.S. Treasury HAF program status, and state foreclosure legal protections.