PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Along with grass seed, hazelnuts and Christmas trees, Oregon is becoming a national leader of another kind.
The rate at which Oregonians are falling into foreclosure unexpectedly jumped 20 percent in the first quarter, making Oregon No. 3 in the country.
The Beaver State still ranks far behind longtime foreclosure champs Nevada and Florida. But the rate of increase in Oregon has put it in the top five.
Oregon’s foreclosure hot spots are Crook, Descutes, Jefferson, Josephine, Jackson, Klamath, Yamhill, Columbia and Curry counties.