Mississippi Financial Distress Profile
Composite distress data for 82 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 Mississippi? See your options under Mississippi law →
Mississippi ranks #5 nationally for household financial distress. County Distress Index details are listed separately for its 82 counties. The national State Distress Index average is 50.0.
How Does Mississippi Compare to the National Average?
Mississippi is above the national average on 3 of 5 key household distress metrics. Credit card delinquency stands at 13.4% (above the 12.4% national rate), auto loan delinquency at 7.7%, and total debt per capita at $41,450.
Since 2019, credit card delinquency in Mississippi has risen 3.9pp and total household debt has grown 25.1%. The state shows a mixed distress picture across different debt categories.
Key Statistics at a Glance
State Distress Index: Mississippi
Movement since 2006
Since 2006, Mississippi has eased from the most distressed jurisdiction to the 4th-most distressed, as of 2025 Q1. Its composite State Distress Index score fell from 89.7 to 75.2 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. Mississippi's State Distress Index of 73.7 (high state distress) is computed from 4 equal-weighted domains covering delinquency, default and legal signals, housing-basis debt burden, and labor.
Mississippi 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)Mississippi 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 Mississippi (#5) on the State Distress Index. Peer comparison reveals whether distress patterns are regional or structural.
| State | SDI Score | Score Label | Highest Domain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | 73.7 | high state distress | Delinquency |
| Florida | 80.1 | very high state distress | Debt Burden (housing basis) |
| South Carolina | 74.9 | high state distress | Delinquency |
| Georgia | 73.0 | high state distress | Default & Legal |
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 | 9.5% | 13.4% | +3.9pp | 12.4% |
| Auto Loan Delinquency | 7.5% | 7.7% | +0.2pp | 5.2% |
| Mortgage Delinquency | 1.60% | 1.71% | +0.1pp | 0.94% |
| Total Debt per Capita | $33,140 | $41,450 | +25.1% | $63,200 |
| CC Balance per Capita | $2,240 | $3,030 | +35.3% | $4,350 |
Mississippi Foreclosure Law Summary
Understanding your state's foreclosure process is critical if you fall behind on mortgage payments. Mississippi primarily uses non-judicial foreclosure.
Mississippi primarily uses non-judicial foreclosure via a power of sale clause in the deed of trust or mortgage instrument. Miss. Code Ann. § 89-1-55 authorizes the trustee (or mortgage holder) to sell the property upon default after required notice.
Full Mississippi foreclosure law guide →Compressed Timeline, Higher Risk
With 3 of 5 tracked metrics above national averages and non-judicial foreclosure, Mississippi homeowners face a compressed timeline if they fall behind. In non-judicial states, the bank can move from missed payment to sale in as little as 60 to 120 days — leaving less room to negotiate loss mitigation or find legal help. Mississippi's State Distress Index score of 73.7 (high state distress) reflects this combination of higher delinquency and limited procedural protection.
Distress by County
The County Distress Index scores every county in Mississippi on a 0-100 scale using five equal-weighted domains: delinquency, default and legal, debt burden, labor, and safety net and buffer. Mississippi's 82 counties average 71.5 — above 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 | 93.1 | extreme county distress | Delinquency |
| Holmes County | 92.7 | extreme county distress | Default & Legal |
| Coahoma County | 92.1 | extreme county distress | Delinquency |
| Leflore County | 91.8 | extreme county distress | Delinquency |
| Noxubee County | 91.0 | extreme county distress | Default & Legal |
Washington County ranks #1 most distressed nationally out of 3,144 counties.
Least Distressed Counties
| County | Score | Score Label | Top Domain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Madison County | 43.0 | moderate-low county distress | Default & Legal |
| Itawamba County | 48.9 | moderate-low county distress | Default & Legal |
| Lafayette County | 49.4 | moderate-low county distress | Debt Burden (housing basis) |
| Lamar County | 49.6 | moderate-low county distress | Delinquency |
| Rankin County | 52.9 | moderate county distress | Delinquency |
The gap between Mississippi's most and least distressed counties is 50.1 points — Washington County (93.1, extreme county distress) vs. Madison County (43.0, moderate-low county distress). That spread reveals two very different economic realities within the same state.
Explore all 82 Mississippi counties →CFPB Mortgage Complaints in Mississippi
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has received 2,003 mortgage complaints from Mississippi since 2012 — 68.1 per 100,000 residents, below the national rate of 133.2 per 100K. Mississippi ranks #41 of 51 jurisdictions for complaint density.
| Year | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Complaints | 80 | 115 | 133 | 118 | 122 | 149 |
Source: CFPB Consumer Complaint Database. Filed a mortgage complaint? Search the complaint database.
Bankruptcy Filings: Mississippi
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. Mississippi's filing rate exceeds 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: Mississippi
The Philadelphia Fed Consumer Credit Explorer tracks credit health metrics from Equifax data. 17.7% of Mississippi residents have debt in collections — above the national rate of 13.9%. 26.9% have subprime credit scores (below 620), and 53.6% are credit-constrained.
Source: Philadelphia Fed Consumer Credit Explorer. Data from NY Fed Consumer Credit Panel / Equifax. 2025 Q1.
Economic Context: Mississippi
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: Mississippi
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. Mississippi scores 38.7 out of 100 (Weak), ranking #39 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 Mississippi?
The credit card delinquency rate in Mississippi is 13.4% as of Q4 2025, ranking #9 among all states and DC. The national average is 12.4%. This rate has risen from 9.5% in 2019.
How does Mississippi's household debt compare to the national average?
Mississippi residents carry $41,450 in total debt per capita, below the national average of $63,200. Debt per capita has grown 25.1% since 2019. Mississippi ranks #50 nationally for total household debt per capita.
What is the auto loan delinquency rate in Mississippi?
Auto loan delinquency in Mississippi stands at 7.7% as of Q4 2025, above the national rate of 5.2%. This ranks #2 nationally. The rate has risen from 7.5% in 2019.
What type of foreclosure process does Mississippi use?
Mississippi primarily uses non-judicial foreclosure. This allows lenders to foreclose without court proceedings, resulting in a faster process. See our full Mississippi foreclosure law guide for timelines, protections, and legal resources.
Is Mississippi above or below the national average for financial distress?
Mississippi scores 73.7 on the State Distress Index (high state distress), ranking #5 of 51 jurisdictions. That is 23.7 points above 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 Mississippi?
The CFPB has received 2,003 mortgage complaints from Mississippi since 2012, a rate of 68.1 per 100,000 residents. This ranks #41 of 51 jurisdictions. The national average is 133.2 per 100K. Companies responded to 98.4% of Mississippi complaints within the required timeframe.
What is the bankruptcy filing rate in Mississippi?
Mississippi had 9,774 bankruptcy filings in the 12-month period ending Dec 2025, a rate of 332.5 per 100,000 residents — above the national rate of 169.1 per 100K. This ranks #2 of 51 jurisdictions. Chapter 7 filings account for 45.8% and Chapter 13 for 53.6%. Filings changed +10.2% year-over-year.
What percentage of people in Mississippi have debt in collections?
17.7% of individuals in Mississippi have debt in collections, above the national rate of 13.9%. This ranks #10 of 51 jurisdictions. Additionally, 26.9% of Mississippi 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 Mississippi?
313,175 residents of Mississippi receive SNAP benefits, an enrollment rate of 10.7% — below the national rate of 10.9%. This ranks #24 of 51 jurisdictions. SNAP participation has changed -12.2% year-over-year. The pre-pandemic rate was 14.7%.
How strong is Mississippi's financial safety net?
Mississippi scores 38.7 out of 100 on the Safety Net Index, ranking #39 of 51 jurisdictions (Weak). The score combines Medicaid coverage (23.1% enrollment rate, non-expansion state), SNAP enrollment (10.7%), Homeowner Assistance Fund status (exhausted), and foreclosure legal protections. The national average is 47.8.
Which Mississippi counties have the highest financial distress?
Washington County is the most distressed county in Mississippi with a County Distress Index score of 93.1 · extreme county distress, ranking #1 nationally out of 3,144 counties. Holmes County (92.7 · extreme county distress), Coahoma County (92.1 · extreme county distress), Leflore County (91.8 · extreme county distress) round out the top distressed counties. Madison County is the least distressed at 43.0 · moderate-low county distress. See all 82 counties at /counties/mississippi/.
How long can foreclosure take in Mississippi?
Mississippi uses non-judicial foreclosure, which allows lenders to foreclose without court proceedings. In Mississippi, the bank can foreclose in roughly 60–90 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: The borrower may cure the default at any time before the actual foreclosure sale…. The homestead exemption is $75,000. Full details at /help/foreclosure/mississippi/.
Where does Mississippi rank for financial distress?
Mississippi scores 73.7 on the State Distress Index (high state distress), ranking #5 of 51 jurisdictions. 3 of 5 key metrics exceed national averages. The highest SDI domain is Delinquency. County Distress Index details are listed separately by county. The safety net ranks #39 (Weak) — non-Medicaid-expansion state.
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.
Mississippi 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.