The Most Distressed ZIP Codes in America — 2026 Public-Record Report
DLRadar scores all 33,643 U.S. ZIP codes from 0 to 100 for property distress, built entirely from public records. The national average is 22/100, but distress concentrates: 88 ZIP codes score 50 or higher. Here are the most distressed ZIP codes and states in America for 2026.
- America's most distressed ZIP code is 33950 (Florida) at 66/100.
- DLRadar scores 33,643 U.S. ZIP codes; the national average is 22/100 and 88 score 50 or higher.
- Florida is the most distressed state, averaging 36/100 across 1,013 ZIP codes.
- The most distressed states cluster in the South and coasts: Florida, Hawaii, South Carolina, North Carolina, Louisiana, Washington.
Data: DLRadar public-record property-distress index, refreshed monthly. Free to cite with attribution to DLRadar (dlradar.com) — a link back is appreciated.
| Rank | State | Avg distress | ZIPs scored |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Florida | 36/100 | 1,013 |
| 2 | Hawaii | 34/100 | 97 |
| 3 | South Carolina | 31/100 | 424 |
| 4 | North Carolina | 30/100 | 853 |
| 5 | Louisiana | 30/100 | 539 |
| 6 | Washington | 28/100 | 605 |
| 7 | Arizona | 28/100 | 417 |
| 8 | California | 27/100 | 1,802 |
| 9 | Texas | 26/100 | 1,989 |
| 10 | Alabama | 26/100 | 656 |
| 11 | New Jersey | 26/100 | 598 |
| 12 | Rhode Island | 26/100 | 81 |
Most distressed states by average ZIP distress (0-100, 2026)
How U.S. ZIP-level distress is scored
Every U.S. ZIP carries a 0-100 composite built from three axes — market stress (price pressure), structural risk (climate, insurance, institutional exposure) and distress activity (foreclosure filings, mortgage delinquency, tax liens). It is deterministic and public-record-sourced — the same formula in every ZIP, so states and ZIPs are directly comparable.
The geography of American distress
Distress skews coastal and southern, led by Florida at 36/100. Hurricane and flood exposure feeding an insurance crisis, price dislocation in Gulf and Southeast markets, and elevated foreclosure and tax-lien activity stack on top of one another. The single most distressed ZIP nationwide, 33950 in Florida, hits 66/100 — far above the 22/100 national average.
From a distressed ZIP to a distressed property
Each ZIP score is a starting point. A DLRadar plan unlocks the actual distressed parcels inside each ZIP with all 12 property-distress categories scored — mortgage, tax-lien, vacancy, code-violation, probate and more. Start with the highest-composite states and ZIPs above.
See the distressed properties behind the data in America
Browse the full America distress data free, or start a 60-minute exploration to unlock the scored distressed properties inside each ZIP — no card charged today.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the most distressed ZIP code in America?
ZIP 33950 in Florida scores 66/100, the highest composite property distress in the country. Recomputed monthly from public records.
Which state has the most distressed real estate?
Florida leads at 36/100 average ZIP distress across 1,013 ZIP codes — the highest state average, driven by insurance, climate and foreclosure pressure.
Is the ZIP distress data free to use?
The ZIP and state rankings are free to browse and cite with attribution to DLRadar. Property-level detail unlocks with a plan — a 60-minute free exploration, no card charged.
Related
DLRadar scores property distress from public records by deterministic formulas — not investment, legal, or financial advice. Figures refresh monthly from the live index.