Nebraska Financial Distress Profile
Household debt and delinquency, bankruptcy filings, unemployment, foreclosure law and county distress scores for Nebraska and its 93 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 Nebraska? See your options under Nebraska law →
Nebraska ranks #46 of 51 jurisdictions on the State Distress Index, in the least distressed fifth: its score of 10 means it is more distressed than 10% of the 50 states and D.C..
How Does Nebraska Compare With the U.S.?
Nebraska 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 $49,530, $13,670 below the U.S. $63,200.
Credit card delinquency in Nebraska is up 3.1 percentage points from 6.7% in Q4 2019, and total debt per adult with a credit file is 19% higher than in Q4 2019.
Key Statistics at a Glance
State Distress Index: Nebraska
Movement since 2006
Since 2006, Nebraska has held near the same place: the 47th-most distressed jurisdiction then, the 48th-most distressed, as of 2025 Q1. Its State Distress Index score was little changed, 8 then and 6 now.
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. Nebraska's State Distress Index of 10 (very low state distress) is computed from 4 equal-weighted domains covering delinquency, default and legal signals, housing-basis debt burden, and labor.
Nebraska 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)Nebraska 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 Nebraska (#46) 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 | 6.7% | 9.8% | +3.1 percentage points | 12.4% |
| Auto Loan Delinquency | 2.8% | 3.3% | +0.5 percentage points | 5.2% |
| Mortgage Delinquency | 0.51% | 0.65% | +0.14 percentage points | 0.94% |
| Total Debt per Adult With a Credit File | $41,610 | $49,530 | +19% | $63,200 |
| Card Balance per Adult With a Credit File | $3,000 | $3,650 | +21.7% | $4,350 |
Nebraska Foreclosure Law Summary
If you fall behind on mortgage payments, the steps and deadlines depend on state law. Nebraska mainly uses non-judicial foreclosure, which a lender can carry out without going to court.
Nebraska has two foreclosure tracks: (1) non-judicial foreclosure by trustee's sale under the Nebraska Trust Deeds Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1001 to § 76-1018), for deeds of trust with a power of sale — the faster track; and (2) judicial foreclosure …
- Paying to stop the foreclosure: Within one month after the Notice of Default is filed for record with the register of deeds, or two months for property used in farming operations outside any incorporated city or village. You can cure the default by paying the entire amount then due (not counting principal that would not be due had no default occurred), plus costs and trustee's fees actually incurred, within this period.
- Post-sale redemption: In a judicial foreclosure, the owner can redeem at any time before confirmation of the sale by the court; after a trustee's sale (the non-judicial route), there is no right of redemption. The trustee's deed conveys the property to the buyer without right of redemption (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1010); in a judicial foreclosure, redemption is available until the court confirms the sale (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-1530).
How Nebraska Sits Among the States
Nebraska'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 10 (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 Nebraska on a 0-100 scale using five equal-weighted domains: delinquency, default and legal, debt burden, labor, and safety net and buffer. Nebraska's 93 counties average 15.2: on average, Nebraska's counties are more distressed than 15% 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Johnson County | 46 | moderate-low county distress | Delinquency |
| Thurston County | 45 | moderate-low county distress | Delinquency |
| Scotts Bluff County | 41 | moderate-low county distress | Delinquency |
| Hall County | 39 | low-moderate county distress | Safety Net & Buffer |
| Douglas County | 36 | low-moderate county distress | Debt Burden (housing basis) |
Least Distressed Counties
| County | Score | Score Label | Top Domain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar County | 0 | exceptionally low county distress | Safety Net & Buffer |
| Hamilton County | 0 | exceptionally low county distress | Default & Legal |
| Boone County | 0 | exceptionally low county distress | Default & Legal |
| Clay County | 1 | exceptionally low county distress | Safety Net & Buffer |
| Holt County | 1 | exceptionally low county distress | Safety Net & Buffer |
The most distressed county in Nebraska is Johnson County (46, moderate-low county distress); the least distressed is Cedar County (0, exceptionally low county distress).
Explore all 93 Nebraska counties →CFPB Mortgage Complaints in Nebraska
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has received 1,231 mortgage complaints from Nebraska since 2012, 62.2 per 100,000 residents, 72.8 below the U.S. rate of 135. Nebraska ranks #45 of 51 on complaints per resident.
| Year | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Complaints | 74 | 87 | 58 | 65 | 70 | 79 |
Source: CFPB Consumer Complaint Database. Filed a mortgage complaint? Search the complaint database.
Bankruptcy Filings: Nebraska
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. Nebraska's rate of 141.3 is 27.8 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: Nebraska
The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia's Consumer Credit Explorer reports credit health from NY Fed / Equifax credit records. 10.7% of people with a credit file in Nebraska have debt in collections, 3.2 percentage points below the U.S. average of 13.9%. 12.6% have subprime credit scores (below 620), and 32.2% 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: Nebraska
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: Nebraska
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. Nebraska scores 33 out of 100 (Weak), ranking #39 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 Nebraska?
The credit card delinquency rate in Nebraska 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 3.1 percentage points from 6.7% in Q4 2019.
How does Nebraska's household debt compare with the U.S.?
The NY Fed reports a $49,530 total debt balance per adult with a credit file in Nebraska, $13,670 below the U.S. $63,200 on the same basis. That is 19% higher than in Q4 2019. Nebraska ranks #36 on that basis.
What is the auto loan delinquency rate in Nebraska?
Auto loan delinquency in Nebraska is 3.3% as of Q4 2025, 1.9 percentage points below the U.S. 5.2%. This ranks #41 of 51. The rate is up from 2.8% in Q4 2019.
What type of foreclosure process does Nebraska use?
Nebraska mainly uses non-judicial foreclosure, which a lender can carry out without going to court. See our Nebraska foreclosure guide for the timeline, homeowner protections and where to get free help.
What is Nebraska's State Distress Index score?
Nebraska scores 10 on the State Distress Index (very low state distress), which means it is more distressed than 10% of the 50 states and D.C.. It ranks #46 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 Nebraska?
The CFPB has received 1,231 mortgage complaints from Nebraska since 2012, 62.2 per 100,000 residents, 72.8 below the U.S. rate of 135. That ranks #45 of 51. Companies responded to 98.4% of Nebraska complaints on time.
What is the bankruptcy filing rate in Nebraska?
Nebraska had 2,796 bankruptcy filings in the 12-month period ending Dec 2025, 141.3 per 100,000 residents, 27.8 below the U.S. rate of 169.1. This ranks #27 of 51. Chapter 7 filings account for 65.2% and Chapter 13 for 33.7%. That is 15.7% more filings than in 2024.
What percentage of people in Nebraska have debt in collections?
10.7% of people with a credit file in Nebraska have debt in collections, 3.2 percentage points below the U.S. average of 13.9%. This ranks #34 of 51. 12.6% have subprime credit scores (below 620), 4.3 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 Nebraska?
124,299 residents of Nebraska received SNAP benefits in June 2026, an enrollment rate of 6.2%, 4.6 percentage points below the U.S. rate of 10.8%. This ranks #45 of 51. That is 17% fewer people than in June 2025. The rate is 1.6 percentage points below the October 2019 to February 2020 average.
How strong is Nebraska's financial safety net?
Nebraska scores 33 out of 100 on the Safety Net Index, ranking #39 of 51 (Weak). The score combines Medicaid coverage (15.5% enrollment rate, expansion state), SNAP enrollment (6.2%), and foreclosure legal protections. That is below the state average of 43.6.
Which Nebraska counties have the highest financial distress?
Johnson County is the most distressed county in Nebraska with a County Distress Index score of 46 · moderate-low county distress. Thurston County (45 · moderate-low county distress), Scotts Bluff County (41 · moderate-low county distress), Hall County (39 · low-moderate county distress) are next. Cedar County is the least distressed at 0 · exceptionally low county distress. See all 93 counties at /counties/nebraska/.
How long can foreclosure take in Nebraska?
Nebraska 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: Within one month after the Notice of Default is filed for record with the register of deeds, or two months for property used in farming operations outside any incorporated city or village. You can cure the default by paying the entire amount then due (not counting principal that would not be due had no default occurred), plus costs and trustee's fees actually incurred, within this period. Homestead exemption: $120,000. Protects a homestead of up to $120,000 in value (the house you live in and its land: up to 160 acres outside a city or village, or up to two lots inside one) from judgment liens and forced sale. Does NOT stop mortgage or deed of trust foreclosure. Full details at /help/foreclosure/nebraska/.
Where does Nebraska rank for financial distress?
Nebraska scores 10 on the State Distress Index (very low state distress), which means it is more distressed than 10% of the 50 states and D.C.. It ranks #46 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 Default & Legal. County Distress Index details are listed separately by county. The safety net ranks #39 (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.
Nebraska 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.