Use Our Data

Data Downloads

All downloads are CSV format, generated at build time from the same data that powers the site. Updated automatically when new data arrives.

JSON API

Static JSON endpoints generated at build time. No authentication required. CORS headers allow cross-origin requests from any domain.

Current American Distress Index score, band, rank in its own published history, domain scores, member percentiles, and full quarterly history back to 2005-Q1.

{
  "meta": {
    "description": "American Distress Index...",
    "attribution": "American Default Research (americandefault.org)"
  },
  "current": {
    "quarter": "2026-Q2",
    "score": 46.99,
    "band": 3,
    "band_label": "Typical",
    "rank_in_history": {
      "percent_of_quarters_below": 44.7,
      "reading": "The composite itself sits higher than 44% of all published quarters since 2005"
    },
    "domains": {
          "delinquency": {
                "score": 61.56,
                "members_present": 4
          },
          "default_legal": {
                "score": 44.85,
                "members_present": 2
          },
          "debt_burden": {
                "score": 21.51,
                "members_present": 1
          },
          "labor": {
                "score": 16.44,
                "members_present": 2
          },
          "safety_net_buffer": {
                "score": 90.59,
                "members_present": 1
          }
    }
  },
  "history": [ ... ]
}

All 121 registered data series with current or explicitly last-verified values, data status, trend direction, units, source, last updated date, and page URL.

Full time series for a single indicator. Includes all historical data points, metadata, and editorial context.

Replace {slug} with any indicator's URL slug. Find all slugs in the indicators index or on the indicators catalog page.

MCP for AI Agents

For Claude, ChatGPT, Cursor, and other Model Context Protocol agents — connect directly to American Default's data via the native MCP endpoint at mcp.americandefault.org/mcp. Five read-only tools (indicators, county scorecards, the American Distress Index composite, search, cross-correlations). Anonymous tier on by default at 10 calls per minute, no signup required.

Connection details, tool reference, and example code →

Embeddable Charts

Every indicator has a standalone embeddable chart. Drop the iframe into any CMS, blog post, or news article. Charts are responsive, load from CDN, and render with no external dependencies.

The embed URL pattern is /embed/{slug}/. Every indicator page has a one-click "Embed" button that generates the snippet.

All 121 indicators have embed pages. Browse the full list at Indicators.

Cite This Data

Select any indicator to generate a formatted citation. Every indicator also has downloadable BibTeX and RIS files for import into reference managers (Zotero, Mendeley, EndNote, etc.).

For bulk citations, download the American Distress Index BibTeX or use the individual indicator .bib/.ris files. The "Cite" button on every indicator page also provides formatted citations.

Pre-Built Story Angles

Each angle below comes with original analysis, supporting data, and embeddable charts. Use as a starting point for your own reporting. For county-level data packages, see our county story kits — pre-built story packages for all 3,144 U.S. counties.

Attribution & Citation

How to cite

Rules of use

• The American Distress Index score, domain analysis, and all editorial content are original work by American Default Research
• Underlying raw data comes from federal sources — cite the original agency when referencing specific government statistics
• Index readings describe current conditions only. Reporting should not frame them as predictions
• All data is free to use. No permission required beyond attribution. No commercial restrictions
• Charts, embeds, and API data may be used in any publication or platform

Questions about appropriate citation? Email press@americandefault.org.

About the Project

Media Contact

We welcome press inquiries. Available for interviews, data commentary, background briefings, and custom data pulls for your reporting.

Key Pages