In 2024, American households continue to struggle with increasing debt, facing challenges in keeping up with daily expenses like mortgages, rent, and bills. Factors contributing to this crisis include high inflation, stagnant wages, and an uncertain post-pandemic economy. Many individuals are forced to prioritize payments, leading to missed deadlines, fees, and potential repossession or eviction. Chattooga County is above the state and national average in the number of residents with debts in collections.

In August 2024, approximately 28% of Americans have at least one debt in collections, meaning roughly one in four people are currently in debt collection status, with medical debt the largest category of debt in collections. Georgia ranks 9th in the nation for residents in medical debt collections. This information is based on data from CallMiner, a company specializing in debt collection industry analysis.

That number is even higher in Chattooga County where 37% of residents had debt in collections in August, with a median debt of $1,519. Additionally, 14% have medical debt in collections. Only 3% of student loan holders are in default, while the auto/retail loan and credit card debt delinquency rates are 8% and 10%, respectively.