Are Michigan foreclosures on the rise? Data based on the first half of 2025 says they are. Michigan foreclosures are pretty much concentrated in Southeast Michigan. This area is home to Detroit and roughly half the state’s population. Thus, they make up the highest foreclosure volumes. With that said, Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb lead the pack. However, there aqre some rural spots showing upticks in foreclosures too. Here’s the rundown, ranked by estimated total filings and rates (one foreclosure per X housing units). Note: Exact 2025 year-end numbers might shift. However, these are the standouts from reports like Safeguard Properties’ April 2025 analysis and ongoing trends.
1. Wayne County (Including Detroit)
Why it’s topping the list:
Wayne County, home to Detroit, has been the epicenter of Michigan’s foreclosures for years. Therefore, 2025 is no exception. It reported the highest number of filings. This is caused by urban economic pressures like job shifts and high property taxes. In the first half of 2025 alone, Michigan as a whole had over 1,200 completed REOs. Wayne accounted for a big chunk of that.
Key stats:
So far there have been 300-400 estimated mortgage foreclosure filings for the year. This is a with a rate of about one per 2,500-3,000 housing units. That’s higher than the state average of one per 3,958 in April 2025.
What’s driving it:
Persistent challenges in Detroit’s core including bank repossessions. Projections for 2026 suggest a drop. However, this will probably change.
Fun fact for context:
Detroit had a notable spike in REOs. This signals opportunities for investors in fix-and-flip deals. That is assuming the property hasn’t fallen into the hands of squating drug addicts or dealers. REsimpli’s 2025 stats says Detroit fix and flip deals usually average an ROI of $40,000.
2. Oakland County
Spotlight on the trends:
Just north of Wayne County, Oakland County is the wealthiest county in Michigan. Yet, it comes in strong as the second-highest. It’s got a mix of affluent hit by affordability issues. Thus, this leads to more default notices and auctions.
Key stats:
So far, nearly 200-300 were filed in the first half of 2025. This rates around one per 3,000-4,000 units. This county often mirrors Wayne’s patterns. However, with slightly lower volumes due to stronger local economies in some parts.
Driving factors:
Oakland County homeowners also face higher borrowing costs and financial strains. Reports from SoFi’s state rankings note Michigan’s overall 25th place nationally. However, Oakland pushes the needle in metro areas.
Interesting angle:
Investors are eyeing this area for its potential in foreclosure auctions. REsimpli data calls Oakland County the top lead source for revenue with an average of $34,358 per deal.
3. Macomb County
The “wave” that’s making waves:
Macomb County has been in the headlines for a so-called “foreclosure wave” in November 2025. Cities like Eastpointe and Mount Clemens are hotspots with higher rates per household.
Key stats:
Roughly 150-250 filings projected for 2025, with some months showing one per 2,000-3,000 units. Thus, putting Macomb County in the top tier. A YouTube breakdown and Facebook report highlight five “danger zones” here, including Eastpointe with elevated rates.
What’s behind it:
Macomb County faces economic pressures in working-class suburbs. In addition, it has had an 18-20% year-over-year uptick in starts nationally that’s echoed locally. ATTOM’s mid-year report notes increases in completions, and Macomb fits that bill.
4. Genesee County (Including Flint)
Rising in the ranks:
While not as dominant as the southeast trio, Genesee County has seen steady foreclosure activity. Namely, in areas like Flint that has been dealing 40 years of decline.
Key stats:
Genesee County had an estimated 100-150 filings in 2025. This rates around one per 4,000-5,000 units. It climbed in projections due to rural and northern county upticks mentioned in Equity Edge’s 2025-2026 outlook.
Driving elements:
Lingering effects from the decimated auto industry and water crises have hurt Genesee County. Nationally, foreclosure timelines averaged 815 days in Q3 2024 (up 6% from 2023). Michigan’s non-judicial process with a 6-month post foreclosure redemption period mirrors this national slow burn.
Deeper dive:
This county often shows up in historical data for higher REO rates. Thus, Genesee County has become a hot spot for bargain hunters.
5. Kent County (Including Grand Rapids)
Rounding out the top:
Kent County, with Grand Rapids as its hub, edges into the top five due to growing metro pressures. It’s not as intense as the metro-Detroit area but filings have ticked up in 2025.
Key stats:
Kent County has seen about 80-120 estimated filings with a rate of one per 5,000-6,000 units. It’s part of the broader trend where Michigan saw a 5.8% increase in first-half 2025 activity compared to 2024.
Key influences:
Affordability challenges in growing cities, plus national factors like household debt hitting $16.9 trillion (with mortgages at 71%).
Something to note:
Prevention efforts are helping keep numbers down in Michigan compared to peaks in 2023. Michigan had 12,490 total foreclosures in 2023.
Broader Trends In Michigan Foreclosures and What to Watch in Michigan
Michigan’s overall foreclosure rate improved in 2025. Foreclosures dropped to about one per 3,871-4,000 units statewide. However, it’s still above pre-pandemic lows. Completed foreclosures (REOs) were a highlight. Michigan ranked in the top five states for these in the first half of 2025. Over homeowners had their properties repossessed. That’s up from previous years.
Year-over-year changes:
Filings down 10-19% from 2024 in some months, but starts (new processes) up 7-20% nationally, per REsimpli’s comprehensive stats.
Process breakdown:
- Delinquency kicks off after missed payments.
- Notice and Sheriff’s Sale after ~120 days.
- Six-month redemption period (sometimes a year).
- Eviction if unredeemed.
Economic backdrop:
Homeowner equity is a massive $35 trillion nationwide. This is acting as a buffer. However, states like Illinois and Florida show how regional pressures vary. Michigan’s not in the worst, but counties like Wayne keep it relevant.
Projections for 2026:
Expect around 950 filings statewide—a further dip if trends hold, thanks to support policies.
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