US Mortgage Delinquency Rates Hold Steady in April 2026: ICE Report
The U.S. Mortgage market demonstrated resilience in April 2026, maintaining a stable overall delinquency rate of 3.35%. According to the latest data from Intercontinental Exchange, this figure remains unchanged from the previous month and continues to sit 45 basis points below the January 2020 pre-pandemic benchmark.
While the national delinquency rate remains historically low, a year-over-year increase of 13 basis points highlights a growing concentration of risk within later-stage loan defaults. Currently, 577,000 properties are 90 or more days past due, representing a 21% increase from the same period last year.
Market Normalization and Regional Trends
The housing sector is experiencing a period of adjustment as foreclosure activity returns to more traditional levels. April saw 37,000 foreclosure starts, marking the highest monthly count since the pre-pandemic era. Meanwhile, the number of properties in active foreclosure rose to 276,000, a 32% increase compared to one year ago.
Regional disparities remain significant. Mississippi currently leads the nation with an 8.06% non-current rate, followed closely by Louisiana at 7.95%. Conversely, states such as Idaho and Montana report some of the lowest non-current percentages in the country, at 1.94% and 2.06% respectively.
Did You Know? While foreclosure starts are reaching their highest levels since the pre-pandemic period, they remain below historical norms, reflecting a broader trend of market normalization following a decade of historically low activity.
Expert Insight: The rebound in “cure” activity—where borrowers successfully bring their seriously delinquent loans back into good standing—is a critical metric to watch. With over 62,000 borrowers curing their status in both March and April, there is evidence of financial recovery among some households. However, because these cure rates remain 20% below year-ago levels, the long-term sustainability of this trend depends heavily on whether homeowners can continue to manage late-stage payment pressures in an environment of fluctuating mortgage rates.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, the market may see continued pressure on foreclosure inventories if the uptick in serious delinquencies is not offset by sustained cure activity. Because early-stage delinquencies remain below last year’s levels, the majority of homeowners appear to be staying on track with their obligations. However, analysts suggest that monitoring the gap between early-stage stability and late-stage growth will be essential to understanding the direction of the housing market in the coming months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current national mortgage delinquency rate?
As of April 30, 2026, the national delinquency rate for loans 30 or more days past due, but not in foreclosure, is 3.35%.
How has the number of foreclosure starts changed over the last year?
Foreclosure starts have risen by 25.93% year-over-year, with 37,000 starts reported in April 2026.
Which states currently have the highest rates of non-current mortgage loans?
Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Indiana and Arkansas have the highest non-current percentages, ranging from 5.48% to 8.06%.
What factors do you believe will have the greatest impact on mortgage performance for the remainder of the year?