Maine Financial Distress Profile
Composite distress data for 16 counties, updated quarterly from federal sources. Household debt, delinquency, foreclosure law, and county-level distress scores compared to national averages.
· Data from NY Fed, CFPB, BLS, US Courts, Q4 2025
Behind on your mortgage in Maine? See your options under Maine law →
Maine ranks #45 nationally for household financial distress. The national State Distress Index average is 50.0.
How Does Maine Compare to the National Average?
Maine is above the national average on 0 of 5 key household distress metrics. Credit card delinquency stands at 9.8% (below the 12.4% national rate), auto loan delinquency at 3.1%, and total debt per capita at $53,360.
Since 2019, credit card delinquency in Maine has risen 3.6pp and total household debt has grown 22.0%. Most metrics remain below the national baseline.
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 composite State Distress Index score fell from 34.3 to 24.8 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 43.8 (Typical). On average, its inputs sit higher than in 44% of their own quarterly histories. Maine's State Distress Index of 23.5 (low state distress) is computed from 4 equal-weighted domains covering delinquency, default and legal signals, housing-basis debt burden, and labor.
Maine vs. National Average
Delinquency rates measure the share of loan accounts 30 or more days past due. Higher rates signal greater household financial stress. Debt and balance figures are per capita, adjusted for state population.
Download all states (CSV)Maine vs. National: 5 Key Metrics (Q4 2025)
Source: NY Fed Consumer Credit Panel / Equifax, Q4 2025.
Similar States by Distress Level
States ranked closest to Maine (#45) on the State Distress Index. Peer comparison reveals whether distress patterns are regional or structural.
Change Since 2019
Pre-pandemic 2019 values provide a baseline for how distress has evolved. Credit card and auto loan delinquency have risen sharply in most states since pandemic-era forbearance protections expired.
| Metric | 2019 | 2025 | Change | Nat'l 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Card Delinquency | 6.2% | 9.8% | +3.6pp | 12.4% |
| Auto Loan Delinquency | 3.1% | 3.1% | -0.1pp | 5.2% |
| Mortgage Delinquency | 1.54% | 0.84% | -0.7pp | 0.94% |
| Total Debt per Capita | $43,740 | $53,360 | +22.0% | $63,200 |
| CC Balance per Capita | $2,960 | $3,760 | +27.0% | $4,350 |
Maine Foreclosure Law Summary
Understanding your state's foreclosure process is critical if you fall behind on mortgage payments. Maine primarily uses judicial foreclosure.
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 technically available under 14 M.R.S.A. § 6203 et seq.
- Post-sale redemption: 90 days after judicial foreclosure sale (14 M.R.S.A. § 6322). The borrower gener…
State-Level Divergence
National averages mask wide variation across states. Maine's credit card delinquency of 9.8% falls below the national 12.4%, but other metrics tell a more nuanced story. The state's Distress Index reads 23.5 (low state distress). The Household Debt by State roundup tracks 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 39.9 — below the national county mean of 50.0.
Score Label Distribution
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Most Distressed Counties
| County | Score | Score Label | Top Driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington County | 57.5 | moderate county distress | Debt Burden (housing basis) |
| Piscataquis County | 56.3 | moderate county distress | Labor |
| Aroostook County | 52.4 | moderate county distress | Labor |
| Somerset County | 51.6 | moderate county distress | Debt Burden (housing basis) |
| Androscoggin County | 47.8 | moderate-low county distress | Debt Burden (housing basis) |
Washington County ranks #1186 most distressed nationally out of 3,144 counties.
Least Distressed Counties
| County | Score | Score Label | Top Domain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cumberland County | 22.8 | low county distress | Debt Burden (housing basis) |
| Sagadahoc County | 24.3 | low county distress | Debt Burden (housing basis) |
| Lincoln County | 25.3 | low county distress | Debt Burden (housing basis) |
| York County | 26.3 | low county distress | Debt Burden (housing basis) |
| Knox County | 28.3 | low county distress | Debt Burden (housing basis) |
The gap between Maine's most and least distressed counties is 34.7 points — Washington County (57.5, moderate county distress) vs. Cumberland County (22.8, low county distress). That spread reveals two very different economic realities within the same state.
Explore all 16 Maine counties →CFPB Mortgage Complaints in Maine
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has received 1,418 mortgage complaints from Maine since 2012 — 101.6 per 100,000 residents, below the national rate of 133.2 per 100K. Maine ranks #27 of 51 jurisdictions for complaint density.
| 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 Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts filing rate reports annual cases per resident. It does not identify household causes, motives, assets, income, or case outcomes. Maine's filing rate is below the national average.
Source: U.S. Courts, Administrative Office. Table F-2: Cases Commenced by Chapter. Per-capita rates use 2024 Census population estimates.
Credit Distress: Maine
The Philadelphia Fed Consumer Credit Explorer tracks credit health metrics from Equifax data. 12.2% of Maine residents have debt in collections — below the national rate 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. 2025 Q1.
Economic Context: Maine
SNAP enrollment and unemployment rates provide upstream context for household debt distress. Higher food assistance enrollment signals that more families are struggling with basic expenses, while elevated unemployment directly reduces income available for debt service.
Sources: USDA 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 51.5 out of 100 (Moderate), ranking #22 of 51 jurisdictions.
Component Breakdown
Sources: Kaiser Family Foundation (Medicaid, 2024), USDA FNS (SNAP, 2025), U.S. Treasury HAF program status, 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 #39 among all states and DC. The national average is 12.4%. This rate has risen from 6.2% in 2019.
How does Maine's household debt compare to the national average?
Maine residents carry $53,360 in total debt per capita, below the national average of $63,200. Debt per capita has grown 22.0% since 2019. Maine ranks #31 nationally for total household debt per capita.
What is the auto loan delinquency rate in Maine?
Auto loan delinquency in Maine stands at 3.1% as of Q4 2025, below the national rate of 5.2%. This ranks #43 nationally. The rate was 3.1% in 2019.
What type of foreclosure process does Maine use?
Maine primarily uses judicial foreclosure. This means foreclosures must go through the court system, giving homeowners more time and procedural protections. See our full Maine foreclosure law guide for timelines, protections, and legal resources.
Is Maine above or below the national average for financial distress?
Maine scores 23.5 on the State Distress Index (low state distress), ranking #45 of 51 jurisdictions. That is 26.5 points below the national state average of 50.0. This composite score is built from 4 domains: delinquency, default and legal, debt burden on a housing basis, and labor. Separately, the national American Distress Index reads 43.8 (Typical) for the country over time. On average, its inputs sit higher than in 44% of their own quarterly histories.
How many CFPB mortgage complaints have been filed in Maine?
The CFPB has received 1,418 mortgage complaints from Maine since 2012, a rate of 101.6 per 100,000 residents. This ranks #27 of 51 jurisdictions. The national average is 133.2 per 100K. Companies responded to 98.4% of Maine complaints within the required timeframe.
What is the bankruptcy filing rate in Maine?
Maine had 595 bankruptcy filings in the 12-month period ending Dec 2025, a rate of 42.6 per 100,000 residents — below the national rate of 169.1 per 100K. This ranks #50 of 51 jurisdictions. Chapter 7 filings account for 75.6% and Chapter 13 for 20%. Filings changed +6.1% year-over-year.
What percentage of people in Maine have debt in collections?
12.2% of individuals in Maine have debt in collections, below the national rate of 13.9%. This ranks #26 of 51 jurisdictions. Additionally, 11.8% of Maine residents have subprime credit scores (below 620), compared to 16.9% nationally. Data from the Philadelphia Fed Consumer Credit Explorer (NY Fed / Equifax).
What is the SNAP enrollment rate in Maine?
150,743 residents of Maine receive SNAP benefits, an enrollment rate of 10.7% — below the national rate of 10.9%. This ranks #23 of 51 jurisdictions. SNAP participation has changed -7.9% year-over-year. The pre-pandemic rate was 11.0%.
How strong is Maine's financial safety net?
Maine scores 51.5 out of 100 on the Safety Net Index, ranking #22 of 51 jurisdictions (Moderate). The score combines Medicaid coverage (19.9% enrollment rate, expansion state), SNAP enrollment (10.7%), Homeowner Assistance Fund status (winding down), and foreclosure legal protections. The national average is 47.8.
Which Maine counties have the highest financial distress?
Washington County is the most distressed county in Maine with a County Distress Index score of 57.5 · moderate county distress, ranking #1186 nationally out of 3,144 counties. Piscataquis County (56.3 · moderate county distress), Aroostook County (52.4 · moderate county distress), Somerset County (51.6 · moderate county distress) round out the top distressed counties. Cumberland County is the least distressed at 22.8 · low county distress. See all 16 counties at /counties/maine/.
How long can foreclosure take in Maine?
Maine uses judicial foreclosure, meaning every foreclosure goes through the court system. In Maine, the bank can foreclose in roughly 270–450 days from first missed payment to sale — though individual cases vary with cure periods, mediation, postponements, court backlogs, and bankruptcy filings. Homeowners have a right to cure: At least 35 days from the lender's cure notice (14 M.R.S.A. § 6111). You can cur…. The homestead exemption is $47,500. Full details at /help/foreclosure/maine/.
Where does Maine rank for financial distress?
Maine scores 23.5 on the State Distress Index (low state distress), ranking #45 of 51 jurisdictions. Most metrics fall below national averages. The highest SDI domain is Debt Burden (housing basis). County Distress Index details are listed separately by county. The safety net ranks #22 (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. Updated quarterly.
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 (2025), U.S. Treasury HAF program status, and state foreclosure legal protections.