Rising prices and a general economic malaise are hitting home — literally — in Ohio, as a new report shows foreclosure activity is increasing in the state.

Realtor.com says the Buckeye State has a foreclosure filing rate higher than the national average — one for every 2,787 housing units. That is sixth on the list — just ahead of New Jersey, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. The national average is one in every 3,701 housing units entering foreclosure proceedings.

The report shows elevated foreclosure activity particularly in Cuyahoga, Highland, Jefferson and Lake counties.

“Cost of living and insurance has gotten significantly more expensive overall on top of the stress of housing values in some areas, which is making it harder for people to continue to afford these homes,” real estate broker Cara Ameer told Realtor.com.

Back in 2021, 8.4% of Ohio mortgage holders were spending at least half their income on housing, the Enquirer reported. Meanwhile, homeownership and home sales have declined since those early pandemic years.

We are not in housing-crisis-level numbers just yet, but the signs are not encouraging in Ohio. Foreclosure pressure is just one worry in a state where food insecurity is also increasing and now gas prices are shooting through the roof.

The data only adds to the sense of urgency economic development officials and lawmakers MUST feel in attracting more quality jobs, and improving the landscape for accessible, affordable housing.

Ohioans are struggling. Too many are reaching the point where they can no longer keep their heads above water and are losing their homes. Elected officials and bureaucrats owe it to those folks to do all it takes to reverse the trend.