Michigan Financial Distress Profile
Household debt and delinquency, bankruptcy filings, unemployment, foreclosure law and county distress scores for Michigan and its 83 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 Michigan? See your options under Michigan law →
Michigan ranks #5 of 51 jurisdictions on the State Distress Index, in the most distressed fifth: its score of 92 means it is more distressed than 92% of the 50 states and D.C.. County Distress Index details are listed separately for its 83 counties.
How Does Michigan Compare With the U.S.?
Michigan is above the U.S. figure on 1 of 5 household debt measures from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for Q4 2025: auto loan delinquency (6.3%). Credit card delinquency is 11.3%, 1.1 percentage points below the U.S. 12.4%; total debt per adult with a credit file is $48,050, $15,150 below the U.S. $63,200.
Credit card delinquency in Michigan is up 4.4 percentage points from 6.9% in Q4 2019, and total debt per adult with a credit file is 19.6% higher than in Q4 2019.
Key Statistics at a Glance
State Distress Index: Michigan
Movement since 2006
Since 2006, Michigan has eased from the 2nd-most distressed jurisdiction to the 6th-most distressed, as of 2025 Q1. Its State Distress Index score fell from 98 to 90 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. Michigan's State Distress Index of 92 (extreme state distress) is computed from 4 equal-weighted domains covering delinquency, default and legal signals, housing-basis debt burden, and labor.
Michigan 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)Michigan 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 Michigan (#5) on the State Distress Index, with the domain that scores highest in each.
| State | SDI Score | Score Label | Highest Domain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 92 | extreme state distress | Labor |
| Florida | 96 | extreme state distress | Debt Burden (housing basis) |
| Texas | 94 | extreme state distress | Delinquency |
| Mississippi | 90 | extreme state distress | Delinquency |
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 | 6.9% | 11.3% | +4.4 percentage points | 12.4% |
| Auto Loan Delinquency | 5.3% | 6.3% | +1 percentage point | 5.2% |
| Mortgage Delinquency | 0.68% | 0.86% | +0.18 percentage points | 0.94% |
| Total Debt per Adult With a Credit File | $40,160 | $48,050 | +19.6% | $63,200 |
| Card Balance per Adult With a Credit File | $2,860 | $3,670 | +28.3% | $4,350 |
Michigan Foreclosure Law Summary
If you fall behind on mortgage payments, the steps and deadlines depend on state law. Michigan mainly uses non-judicial foreclosure, which a lender can carry out without going to court.
Michigan uses non-judicial foreclosure by advertisement (power of sale) as the primary method under MCL 600.3201 et seq.: a mortgage that contains a power of sale can be foreclosed by advertisement, without court action.
- Post-sale redemption: 6 months after the sheriff's sale for a home of up to 4 units if the amount claimed due at the date of the notice of foreclosure was more than 66-2/3% of the original debt; otherwise 1 year. Shorter periods apply if the property is abandoned under the statute's inspection and notice rules: 1 month (MCL 600.3241), or 30 days or, if later, until the homeowner's 15-day window to say in writing that the home is not abandoned ends (MCL 600.3241a). Agricultural property has 1 year. During the redemption period, the former owner may remain in possession.
- predatory lending
- foreclosure rescue fraud
How Michigan Sits Among the States
Michigan's credit card delinquency rate is 11.3%, 1.1 percentage points below the U.S. 12.4%, and ranks #27 of 51. 1 of 5 NY Fed household debt measures are above the U.S. figure, and the State Distress Index reads 92 (extreme state distress). The Household Debt by State roundup covers all 51 jurisdictions.
Distress by County
The County Distress Index scores every county in Michigan on a 0-100 scale using five equal-weighted domains: delinquency, default and legal, debt burden, labor, and safety net and buffer. Michigan's 83 counties average 48.2: on average, Michigan's counties are more distressed than 48% 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wayne County | 98 | extreme county distress | Debt Burden (housing basis) |
| Clare County | 90 | extreme county distress | Labor |
| Genesee County | 88 | very high county distress | Default & Legal |
| Saginaw County | 83 | very high county distress | Debt Burden (housing basis) |
| Oscoda County | 83 | very high county distress | Labor |
Wayne County ranks #50 most distressed nationally out of 3,144 counties.
Least Distressed Counties
| County | Score | Score Label | Top Domain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leelanau County | 6 | exceptionally low county distress | Labor |
| Livingston County | 6 | exceptionally low county distress | Debt Burden (housing basis) |
| Clinton County | 12 | very low county distress | Debt Burden (housing basis) |
| Ottawa County | 13 | very low county distress | Debt Burden (housing basis) |
| Grand Traverse County | 16 | very low county distress | Debt Burden (housing basis) |
The most distressed county in Michigan is Wayne County (98, extreme county distress); the least distressed is Leelanau County (6, exceptionally low county distress).
Explore all 83 Michigan counties →CFPB Mortgage Complaints in Michigan
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has received 11,635 mortgage complaints from Michigan since 2012, 115.9 per 100,000 residents, 19.1 below the U.S. rate of 135. Michigan ranks #22 of 51 on complaints per resident.
| Year | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Complaints | 495 | 553 | 527 | 512 | 533 | 564 |
Source: CFPB Consumer Complaint Database. Filed a mortgage complaint? Search the complaint database.
Bankruptcy Filings: Michigan
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. Michigan's rate of 221.9 is 52.8 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: Michigan
The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia's Consumer Credit Explorer reports credit health from NY Fed / Equifax credit records. 13.0% of people with a credit file in Michigan have debt in collections, 0.9 percentage points below the U.S. average of 13.9%. 16.2% have subprime credit scores (below 620), and 36.8% 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: Michigan
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: Michigan
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. Michigan scores 49.4 out of 100 (Weak), ranking #16 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 Michigan?
The credit card delinquency rate in Michigan is 11.3% as of Q4 2025, ranking #27 among the 51 states and DC, 1.1 percentage points below the U.S. 12.4%. It is up 4.4 percentage points from 6.9% in Q4 2019.
How does Michigan's household debt compare with the U.S.?
The NY Fed reports a $48,050 total debt balance per adult with a credit file in Michigan, $15,150 below the U.S. $63,200 on the same basis. That is 19.6% higher than in Q4 2019. Michigan ranks #43 on that basis.
What is the auto loan delinquency rate in Michigan?
Auto loan delinquency in Michigan is 6.3% as of Q4 2025, 1.1 percentage points above the U.S. 5.2%. This ranks #6 of 51. The rate is up from 5.3% in Q4 2019.
What type of foreclosure process does Michigan use?
Michigan mainly uses non-judicial foreclosure, which a lender can carry out without going to court. See our Michigan foreclosure guide for the timeline, homeowner protections and where to get free help.
What is Michigan's State Distress Index score?
Michigan scores 92 on the State Distress Index (extreme state distress), which means it is more distressed than 92% of the 50 states and D.C.. It ranks #5 of 51 jurisdictions, in the 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 Michigan?
The CFPB has received 11,635 mortgage complaints from Michigan since 2012, 115.9 per 100,000 residents, 19.1 below the U.S. rate of 135. That ranks #22 of 51. Companies responded to 98.3% of Michigan complaints on time.
What is the bankruptcy filing rate in Michigan?
Michigan had 22,269 bankruptcy filings in the 12-month period ending Dec 2025, 221.9 per 100,000 residents, 52.8 above the U.S. rate of 169.1. This ranks #12 of 51. Chapter 7 filings account for 67.6% and Chapter 13 for 32%. That is 10.2% more filings than in 2024.
What percentage of people in Michigan have debt in collections?
13.0% of people with a credit file in Michigan have debt in collections, 0.9 percentage points below the U.S. average of 13.9%. This ranks #24 of 51. 16.2% have subprime credit scores (below 620), 0.7 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 Michigan?
1,328,896 residents of Michigan received SNAP benefits in June 2026, an enrollment rate of 13.3%, 2.5 percentage points above the U.S. rate of 10.8%. This ranks #8 of 51. That is 9.9% fewer people than in June 2025. The rate is 1.7 percentage points above the October 2019 to February 2020 average.
How strong is Michigan's financial safety net?
Michigan scores 49.4 out of 100 on the Safety Net Index, ranking #16 of 51 (Weak). The score combines Medicaid coverage (22.3% enrollment rate, expansion state), SNAP enrollment (13.3%), and foreclosure legal protections. That is above the state average of 43.6.
Which Michigan counties have the highest financial distress?
Wayne County is the most distressed county in Michigan with a County Distress Index score of 98 · extreme county distress, ranking #50 nationally out of 3,144 counties. Clare County (90 · extreme county distress), Genesee County (88 · very high county distress), Saginaw County (83 · very high county distress) are next. Leelanau County is the least distressed at 6 · exceptionally low county distress. See all 83 counties at /counties/michigan/.
How long can foreclosure take in Michigan?
Michigan mainly uses non-judicial foreclosure, which a lender can carry out without going to court. The timeline varies by county and case. Homestead exemption: $51,150, or $76,725 if the debtor or a dependent of the debtor is at least 65 years old or disabled when the bankruptcy petition is filed. Michigan Treasury's January 30, 2026 notice makes these adjusted limits applicable to cases filed on or after April 1, 2026. Full details at /help/foreclosure/michigan/.
Where does Michigan rank for financial distress?
Michigan scores 92 on the State Distress Index (extreme state distress), which means it is more distressed than 92% of the 50 states and D.C.. It ranks #5 of 51 jurisdictions, in the most distressed fifth. 1 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 #16 (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.
Michigan 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.