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Oregon Today
By the People, for the People
Map Shows States With Highest 'Zombie Foreclosure' Rates
Abandoned foreclosed homes remain an issue in some states despite overall decline.
Published on Feb. 25, 2026
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According to a recent report from real estate analytics firm ATTOM, 3.3% of foreclosed properties in the U.S. are abandoned before the foreclosure process is completed, a phenomenon known as "zombie foreclosures." While the overall share of zombie foreclosures is declining, some states are still seeing significant numbers of these abandoned properties across their housing markets.
Why it matters
The prevalence of zombie foreclosures is seen as an indicator of broader economic pressures in certain regions, with factors like weak home equity and declining property values leading some borrowers to abandon their homes during the foreclosure process. High zombie foreclosure rates can negatively impact surrounding neighborhoods and the overall housing market.
The details
According to ATTOM's analysis, the number of zombie properties fell in 28 states and Washington, D.C. in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the previous quarter. However, some states saw significant increases, including Maryland (46% increase), South Carolina (34% increase), Oklahoma (26% increase), California (15% increase), and Nevada (12% increase). South Dakota had the highest rate of zombie foreclosures at 18% of total foreclosures, over five times the nationwide average. Other states with high zombie foreclosure rates include Kansas (10.6%), Iowa (7%), Missouri (6.9%), Oregon (6.7%), and New Mexico (6.5%).
- In the first quarter of 2026, 3.3% of foreclosed properties in the U.S. were abandoned before the foreclosure process was completed.
- The number of zombie properties fell in 28 states and Washington, D.C. in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the previous quarter.
The players
ATTOM
A real estate analytics firm that released a report on the prevalence of "zombie foreclosures" across the United States.
Rob Barber
The CEO of ATTOM, who commented on the report's findings.
What they’re saying
“It will come as no surprise to anyone shopping for a home that vacancy rates remain low. That is one reason home prices have continued to rise despite ongoing affordability challenges. It is also encouraging for both neighborhoods and the broader market that even among properties in foreclosure, vacancy rates remain relatively low.”
— Rob Barber, CEO of ATTOM
The takeaway
While the overall share of abandoned, foreclosed homes, known as "zombie foreclosures," is declining nationwide, some states continue to grapple with significant numbers of these properties, which can negatively impact surrounding neighborhoods and the broader housing market. The prevalence of zombie foreclosures is linked to economic pressures like weak home equity and declining property values in certain regions.
