Maine Financial Distress Profile
Household debt and delinquency, bankruptcy filings, unemployment, foreclosure law and county distress scores for Maine and its 16 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 Maine? See your options under Maine law →
Maine ranks #43 of 51 jurisdictions on the State Distress Index, in the least distressed fifth: its score of 16 means it is more distressed than 16% of the 50 states and D.C..
How Does Maine Compare With the U.S.?
Maine is above the U.S. figure on 0 of 5 household debt measures from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for Q4 2025. Credit card delinquency is 9.8%, 2.6 percentage points below the U.S. 12.4%; total debt per adult with a credit file is $53,360, $9,840 below the U.S. $63,200.
Credit card delinquency in Maine is up 3.6 percentage points from 6.2% in Q4 2019, and total debt per adult with a credit file is 22% higher than in Q4 2019.
Key Statistics at a Glance
State Distress Index: Maine
Movement since 2006
Since 2006, Maine has eased from the 39th-most distressed jurisdiction to the 42nd-most distressed, as of 2025 Q1. Its State Distress Index score fell from 24 to 18 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. Maine's State Distress Index of 16 (very low state distress) is computed from 4 equal-weighted domains covering delinquency, default and legal signals, housing-basis debt burden, and labor.
Maine 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)Maine 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 Maine (#43) on the State Distress Index, with the domain that scores highest in each.
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 | 6.2% | 9.8% | +3.6 percentage points | 12.4% |
| Auto Loan Delinquency | 3.1% | 3.1% | No change | 5.2% |
| Mortgage Delinquency | 1.54% | 0.84% | −0.7 percentage points | 0.94% |
| Total Debt per Adult With a Credit File | $43,740 | $53,360 | +22% | $63,200 |
| Card Balance per Adult With a Credit File | $2,960 | $3,760 | +27% | $4,350 |
Maine Foreclosure Law Summary
If you fall behind on mortgage payments, the steps and deadlines depend on state law. Maine mainly uses judicial foreclosure, which goes through the courts.
Maine is primarily a judicial foreclosure state. Foreclosure is typically accomplished by civil action in court under 14 M.R.S.A. § 6321 et seq. Non-judicial foreclosure by power of sale is available under 14 M.R.S.A.
- Paying to stop the foreclosure: At least 35 days after the lender's cure notice is given (14 M.R.S.A. § 6111), if the mortgage is on your primary residence and secures a personal, family or household loan. You can cure the default by paying the amounts due without acceleration, including reasonable interest, late charges and reasonable attorney's fees. This must happen before the date specified in the notice.
How Maine Sits Among the States
Maine's credit card delinquency rate is 9.8%, 2.6 percentage points below the U.S. 12.4%, and ranks #38 of 51. 0 of 5 NY Fed household debt measures are above the U.S. figure, and the State Distress Index reads 16 (very low state distress). The Household Debt by State roundup covers all 51 jurisdictions.
Distress by County
The County Distress Index scores every county in Maine on a 0-100 scale using five equal-weighted domains: delinquency, default and legal, debt burden, labor, and safety net and buffer. Maine's 16 counties average 34.0: on average, Maine's counties are more distressed than 33% 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington County | 58 | moderate county distress | Labor |
| Somerset County | 56 | moderate county distress | Labor |
| Aroostook County | 52 | moderate county distress | Debt Burden (housing basis) |
| Piscataquis County | 52 | moderate county distress | Labor |
| Androscoggin County | 47 | moderate-low county distress | Debt Burden (housing basis) |
Least Distressed Counties
| County | Score | Score Label | Top Domain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cumberland County | 8 | exceptionally low county distress | Debt Burden (housing basis) |
| Lincoln County | 9 | exceptionally low county distress | Safety Net & Buffer |
| Sagadahoc County | 11 | very low county distress | Debt Burden (housing basis) |
| York County | 13 | very low county distress | Debt Burden (housing basis) |
| Knox County | 15 | very low county distress | Debt Burden (housing basis) |
The most distressed county in Maine is Washington County (58, moderate county distress); the least distressed is Cumberland County (8, exceptionally low county distress).
Explore all 16 Maine counties →CFPB Mortgage Complaints in Maine
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has received 1,438 mortgage complaints from Maine since 2012, 103.0 per 100,000 residents, 32 below the U.S. rate of 135. Maine ranks #27 of 51 on complaints per resident.
| Year | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Complaints | 68 | 77 | 70 | 52 | 73 | 77 |
Source: CFPB Consumer Complaint Database. Filed a mortgage complaint? Search the complaint database.
Bankruptcy Filings: Maine
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. Maine's rate of 42.6 is 126.5 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: Maine
The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia's Consumer Credit Explorer reports credit health from NY Fed / Equifax credit records. 12.2% of people with a credit file in Maine have debt in collections, 1.7 percentage points below the U.S. average of 13.9%. 11.8% have subprime credit scores (below 620), and 31.3% 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: Maine
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: Maine
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. Maine scores 55.3 out of 100 (Moderate), ranking #8 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 Maine?
The credit card delinquency rate in Maine is 9.8% as of Q4 2025, ranking #38 among the 51 states and DC, 2.6 percentage points below the U.S. 12.4%. It is up 3.6 percentage points from 6.2% in Q4 2019.
How does Maine's household debt compare with the U.S.?
The NY Fed reports a $53,360 total debt balance per adult with a credit file in Maine, $9,840 below the U.S. $63,200 on the same basis. That is 22% higher than in Q4 2019. Maine ranks #31 on that basis.
What is the auto loan delinquency rate in Maine?
Auto loan delinquency in Maine 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 Maine use?
Maine mainly uses judicial foreclosure, which goes through the courts. See our Maine foreclosure guide for the timeline, homeowner protections and where to get free help.
What is Maine's State Distress Index score?
Maine scores 16 on the State Distress Index (very low state distress), which means it is more distressed than 16% of the 50 states and D.C.. It ranks #43 of 51 jurisdictions, in the least 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 Maine?
The CFPB has received 1,438 mortgage complaints from Maine since 2012, 103.0 per 100,000 residents, 32 below the U.S. rate of 135. That ranks #27 of 51. Companies responded to 98.5% of Maine complaints on time.
What is the bankruptcy filing rate in Maine?
Maine had 595 bankruptcy filings in the 12-month period ending Dec 2025, 42.6 per 100,000 residents, 126.5 below the U.S. rate of 169.1. This ranks #50 of 51. Chapter 7 filings account for 75.6% and Chapter 13 for 20%. That is 6.1% more filings than in 2024.
What percentage of people in Maine have debt in collections?
12.2% of people with a credit file in Maine have debt in collections, 1.7 percentage points below the U.S. average of 13.9%. This ranks #26 of 51. 11.8% have subprime credit scores (below 620), 5.1 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 Maine?
148,906 residents of Maine received SNAP benefits in June 2026, an enrollment rate of 10.6%, 0.2 percentage points below the U.S. rate of 10.8%. This ranks #22 of 51. That is 8.7% fewer people than in June 2025. The rate is 0.4 percentage points below the October 2019 to February 2020 average.
How strong is Maine's financial safety net?
Maine scores 55.3 out of 100 on the Safety Net Index, ranking #8 of 51 (Moderate). The score combines Medicaid coverage (19.9% enrollment rate, expansion state), SNAP enrollment (10.6%), and foreclosure legal protections. That is above the state average of 43.6.
Which Maine counties have the highest financial distress?
Washington County is the most distressed county in Maine with a County Distress Index score of 58 · moderate county distress. Somerset County (56 · moderate county distress), Aroostook County (52 · moderate county distress), Piscataquis County (52 · moderate county distress) are next. Cumberland County is the least distressed at 8 · exceptionally low county distress. See all 16 counties at /counties/maine/.
How long can foreclosure take in Maine?
Maine mainly uses judicial foreclosure, which goes through the courts. The timeline varies by county and case. Paying to stop the foreclosure: At least 35 days after the lender's cure notice is given (14 M.R.S.A. § 6111), if the mortgage is on your primary residence and secures a personal, family or household loan. You can cure the default by paying the amounts due without acceleration, including reasonable interest, late charges and reasonable attorney's fees. This must happen before the date specified in the notice. Homestead exemption: $94,300. Increased to $188,550 if minor dependents live with you, or if you or a dependent are age 60 or older or physically or mentally disabled (amounts as adjusted October 24, 2024; joint ownership can lower the amount, and the amount that applies is the one in effect when the creditor's lien was recorded). Protects equity in your primary residence from judgment creditors. Does NOT stop mortgage foreclosure. Full details at /help/foreclosure/maine/.
Where does Maine rank for financial distress?
Maine scores 16 on the State Distress Index (very low state distress), which means it is more distressed than 16% of the 50 states and D.C.. It ranks #43 of 51 jurisdictions, in the least distressed fifth. 0 of 5 NY Fed household debt measures are above the U.S. figure. The State Distress Index domain with the highest score is Debt Burden (housing basis). County Distress Index details are listed separately by county. The safety net ranks #8 (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.
Maine 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.