Wisconsin Financial Distress Profile
Household debt and delinquency, bankruptcy filings, unemployment, foreclosure law and county distress scores for Wisconsin and its 72 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 Wisconsin? See your options under Wisconsin law →
Wisconsin ranks #44 of 51 jurisdictions on the State Distress Index, in the least distressed fifth: its score of 14 means it is more distressed than 14% of the 50 states and D.C.. County Distress Index details are listed separately for its 72 counties.
How Does Wisconsin Compare With the U.S.?
Wisconsin 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 8.0%, 4.4 percentage points below the U.S. 12.4%; total debt per adult with a credit file is $49,210, $13,990 below the U.S. $63,200.
Credit card delinquency in Wisconsin is up 2.5 percentage points from 5.5% in Q4 2019, and total debt per adult with a credit file is 17.8% higher than in Q4 2019.
Key Statistics at a Glance
State Distress Index: Wisconsin
Movement since 2006
Since 2006, Wisconsin has eased from the 38th-most distressed jurisdiction to the 44th-most distressed, as of 2025 Q1. Its State Distress Index score fell from 26 to 14 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. Wisconsin's State Distress Index of 14 (very low state distress) is computed from 4 equal-weighted domains covering delinquency, default and legal signals, housing-basis debt burden, and labor.
Wisconsin 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)Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin (#44) 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 | 5.5% | 8.0% | +2.5 percentage points | 12.4% |
| Auto Loan Delinquency | 2.7% | 3.6% | +0.9 percentage points | 5.2% |
| Mortgage Delinquency | 0.62% | 0.47% | −0.15 percentage points | 0.94% |
| Total Debt per Adult With a Credit File | $41,760 | $49,210 | +17.8% | $63,200 |
| Card Balance per Adult With a Credit File | $2,770 | $3,400 | +22.7% | $4,350 |
Wisconsin Foreclosure Law Summary
If you fall behind on mortgage payments, the steps and deadlines depend on state law. Wisconsin mainly uses judicial foreclosure, which goes through the courts.
Wisconsin is a judicial foreclosure state — all residential mortgage foreclosures must proceed through circuit court under Wis. Stat. § 846.01 et seq. There is no non-judicial 'foreclosure by advertisement' procedure available for standard residentia…
- Paying to stop the foreclosure: In a foreclosure for missed installments where other installments are still to come, the case is dismissed if the borrower pays into court, before judgment, the principal and interest due, with costs (Wis. Stat. § 846.05). If the borrower pays those amounts after judgment, proceedings on the judgment are stayed, though the court can enforce the judgment if a later payment is missed. In any case, the borrower can redeem after judgment by paying the full judgment amount, with interest and costs, at any time before the court confirms the sale (§ 846.13).
- Post-sale redemption: The mortgagor can redeem at any time before confirmation of the sale, even after the sheriff's sale (Security State Bank v. Sechen, 2005 WI App 253), by paying the full judgment amount with interest and costs (Wis. Stat. § 846.13). After judgment, for an owner-occupied home of one to four units, the sale can't be held until 6 months after the judgment if the mortgage was signed on or after April 27, 2016, or 12 months if it was signed earlier (§ 846.10(2)). Shorter waits apply if the mortgage allows the lender to waive a deficiency judgment and it does so (3 months after judgment for a mortgage signed on or after April 27, 2016, or 6 months for an older one, § 846.101), if the court finds the property abandoned (any time after 5 weeks, § 846.102), or if the parties agree by a filed stipulation to an earlier sale (§ 846.10(2)(b)). If the borrower redeems, the judgment is discharged and the foreclosure ends.
How Wisconsin Sits Among the States
Wisconsin's credit card delinquency rate is 8.0%, 4.4 percentage points below the U.S. 12.4%, and ranks #51 of 51. 0 of 5 NY Fed household debt measures are above the U.S. figure, and the State Distress Index reads 14 (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 Wisconsin on a 0-100 scale using five equal-weighted domains: delinquency, default and legal, debt burden, labor, and safety net and buffer. Wisconsin's 72 counties average 16.6: on average, Wisconsin's counties are more distressed than 16% of U.S. counties. Across all 3,144 counties the average is 50.0, the middle of the scale.
Score Label Distribution
Loading interactive map…
Most Distressed Counties
| County | Score | Score Label | Top Driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| Menominee County | 96 | extreme county distress | Delinquency |
| Milwaukee County | 77 | high county distress | Default & Legal |
| Rusk County | 47 | moderate-low county distress | Labor |
| Adams County | 46 | moderate-low county distress | Labor |
| Forest County | 42 | moderate-low county distress | Labor |
Least Distressed Counties
| County | Score | Score Label | Top Domain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calumet County | 0 | exceptionally low county distress | Debt Burden (housing basis) |
| Ozaukee County | 0 | exceptionally low county distress | Debt Burden (housing basis) |
| Kewaunee County | 1 | exceptionally low county distress | Debt Burden (housing basis) |
| Green County | 1 | exceptionally low county distress | Default & Legal |
| Iowa County | 1 | exceptionally low county distress | Debt Burden (housing basis) |
The most distressed county in Wisconsin is Menominee County (96, extreme county distress); the least distressed is Calumet County (0, exceptionally low county distress).
Explore all 72 Wisconsin counties →CFPB Mortgage Complaints in Wisconsin
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has received 4,649 mortgage complaints from Wisconsin since 2012, 78.9 per 100,000 residents, 56.1 below the U.S. rate of 135. Wisconsin ranks #36 of 51 on complaints per resident.
| Year | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Complaints | 258 | 257 | 264 | 250 | 199 | 241 |
Source: CFPB Consumer Complaint Database. Filed a mortgage complaint? Search the complaint database.
Bankruptcy Filings: Wisconsin
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. Wisconsin's rate of 172.6 is 3.5 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: Wisconsin
The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia's Consumer Credit Explorer reports credit health from NY Fed / Equifax credit records. 10.2% of people with a credit file in Wisconsin have debt in collections, 3.7 percentage points below the U.S. average of 13.9%. 11.6% have subprime credit scores (below 620), and 30.0% 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: Wisconsin
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: Wisconsin
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. Wisconsin scores 38.2 out of 100 (Weak), ranking #35 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 Wisconsin?
The credit card delinquency rate in Wisconsin is 8.0% as of Q4 2025, ranking #51 among the 51 states and DC, 4.4 percentage points below the U.S. 12.4%. It is up 2.5 percentage points from 5.5% in Q4 2019.
How does Wisconsin's household debt compare with the U.S.?
The NY Fed reports a $49,210 total debt balance per adult with a credit file in Wisconsin, $13,990 below the U.S. $63,200 on the same basis. That is 17.8% higher than in Q4 2019. Wisconsin ranks #40 on that basis.
What is the auto loan delinquency rate in Wisconsin?
Auto loan delinquency in Wisconsin is 3.6% as of Q4 2025, 1.6 percentage points below the U.S. 5.2%. This ranks #36 of 51. The rate is up from 2.7% in Q4 2019.
What type of foreclosure process does Wisconsin use?
Wisconsin mainly uses judicial foreclosure, which goes through the courts. See our Wisconsin foreclosure guide for the timeline, homeowner protections and where to get free help.
What is Wisconsin's State Distress Index score?
Wisconsin scores 14 on the State Distress Index (very low state distress), which means it is more distressed than 14% of the 50 states and D.C.. It ranks #44 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 Wisconsin?
The CFPB has received 4,649 mortgage complaints from Wisconsin since 2012, 78.9 per 100,000 residents, 56.1 below the U.S. rate of 135. That ranks #36 of 51. Companies responded to 98.8% of Wisconsin complaints on time.
What is the bankruptcy filing rate in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin had 10,171 bankruptcy filings in the 12-month period ending Dec 2025, 172.6 per 100,000 residents, 3.5 above the U.S. rate of 169.1. This ranks #21 of 51. Chapter 7 filings account for 64.5% and Chapter 13 for 34.9%. That is 7.5% more filings than in 2024.
What percentage of people in Wisconsin have debt in collections?
10.2% of people with a credit file in Wisconsin have debt in collections, 3.7 percentage points below the U.S. average of 13.9%. This ranks #37 of 51. 11.6% have subprime credit scores (below 620), 5.3 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 Wisconsin?
653,066 residents of Wisconsin received SNAP benefits in June 2026, an enrollment rate of 11.0%, 0.2 percentage points above the U.S. rate of 10.8%. This ranks #19 of 51. That is 5% fewer people than in June 2025. The rate is 0.9 percentage points above the October 2019 to February 2020 average.
How strong is Wisconsin's financial safety net?
Wisconsin scores 38.2 out of 100 on the Safety Net Index, ranking #35 of 51 (Weak). The score combines Medicaid coverage (16.8% enrollment rate, non-expansion state), SNAP enrollment (11%), and foreclosure legal protections. That is below the state average of 43.6.
Which Wisconsin counties have the highest financial distress?
Menominee County is the most distressed county in Wisconsin with a County Distress Index score of 96 · extreme county distress. Milwaukee County (77 · high county distress), Rusk County (47 · moderate-low county distress), Adams County (46 · moderate-low county distress) are next. Calumet County is the least distressed at 0 · exceptionally low county distress. See all 72 counties at /counties/wisconsin/.
How long can foreclosure take in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin mainly uses judicial foreclosure, which goes through the courts. The timeline varies by county and case. Paying to stop the foreclosure: In a foreclosure for missed installments where other installments are still to come, the case is dismissed if the borrower pays into court, before judgment, the principal and interest due, with costs (Wis. Stat. § 846.05). If the borrower pays those amounts after judgment, proceedings on the judgment are stayed, though the court can enforce the judgment if a later payment is missed. In any case, the borrower can redeem after judgment by paying the full judgment amount, with interest and costs, at any time before the court confirms the sale (§ 846.13). Homestead exemption: $75,000. Full details at /help/foreclosure/wisconsin/.
Where does Wisconsin rank for financial distress?
Wisconsin scores 14 on the State Distress Index (very low state distress), which means it is more distressed than 14% of the 50 states and D.C.. It ranks #44 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 #35 (Weak), a state that has not expanded Medicaid.
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.
Wisconsin 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.