The eviction tracking system developed by the Eviction Lab reveals a sobering picture of housing instability across America. As of April 1, 2026, over 288,000 eviction filings have been recorded in the past 12 months across monitored states and cities, with significant regional variations that highlight where renters face the greatest risk. This comprehensive analysis examines the current eviction landscape, state-by-state trends, and what these numbers mean for housing policy and tenant protections.
Understanding the Eviction Crisis
The Eviction Lab, a research initiative based at Princeton University, has developed the first nationwide database of evictions in the United States, tracking filings, rates, and trends since 2018. Their Eviction Tracking
Evictions represent one of the most severe consequences of housing instability, disproportionately affecting low-income renters and communities of color. The ability to track these filings in real-time allows stakeholders to identify emerging hotspots and respond with targeted interventions. The Eviction Lab's interactive maps, rankings, and reports have become essential tools for understanding where the housing crisis is most acute.
Why Eviction Tracking Matters
Real-time eviction data serves as an early warning system for housing crises. By monitoring filing patterns, researchers and policymakers can identify trends before they become widespread emergencies. This proactive approach enables communities to allocate resources more effectively and implement prevention strategies before families lose their homes.
Current Eviction Trends and Statistics
The latest data paints a concerning picture of eviction activity across the nation. In the 12 months leading up to April 1, 2026, over 288,000 eviction filings were recorded across the Eviction Lab's tracked locations. This represents a significant volume of housing instability affecting millions of renters and their families.
The 2025 average eviction filing rate across all tracked sites stood at 7.9%, meaning that landlords filed roughly one eviction case for every 13 renter households in 2025, according to Eviction Lab researchers. This statistic underscores the widespread nature of eviction risk in America's rental market. When extrapolated across the entire nation, these rates suggest that eviction remains a persistent threat to housing security.
Comparison to Historical Baselines
Comparison to baseline years from 2023-2024 reveals important trends. Some areas have seen increases in eviction activity, while others have experienced decreases, suggesting that local policies, economic conditions, and housing market dynamics play crucial roles in determining eviction rates. This variation underscores the importance of understanding local context when addressing the eviction crisis.
State-by-State Analysis
Three states stand out in the Eviction Lab's tracking data for their high volume of filings:
Pennsylvania: 108,620 Filings
Pennsylvania leads with 108,620 eviction filings in the past 12 months, representing the highest number among tracked states. This substantial volume indicates significant housing instability across the state, from major cities like Philadelphia to smaller communities. The state's large renter population and diverse housing markets contribute to this high filing volume.
Indiana: 70,881 Filings
Indiana follows with 70,881 eviction filings, placing it second among tracked states. This figure suggests that a considerable portion of Indiana's renter population faces eviction risk. The state's rental market dynamics and tenant protection policies influence these filing patterns.
Connecticut: 16,975 Filings
Connecticut recorded 16,975 eviction filings in the same period. While lower in absolute numbers compared to Pennsylvania and Indiana, this still represents a meaningful proportion of Connecticut's rental market. The Connecticut Open Data Portal provides weekly updates on eviction metrics sourced from the Eviction Lab, allowing residents and policymakers to monitor trends closely.
Understanding State Variations
These three states provide a snapshot of regional variation in eviction activity. The differences in filing volumes reflect various factors including state-level tenant protections, local economic conditions, rental market dynamics, and the effectiveness of eviction prevention programs. States with stronger tenant protections may see lower filing rates, while states with fewer protections may experience higher volumes.
Regional Hotspots and Disparities
Beyond state-level data, the Eviction Lab tracks specific cities and counties where eviction activity is particularly concentrated. These regional hotspots reveal where the housing crisis is most acute and where intervention is most urgently needed.
Travis County, Texas: A Growing Crisis
Travis County, Texas, which encompasses Austin, experienced a notable 30% increase in eviction filings in 2025 compared to the 2023-2024 baseline. This significant jump suggests rapidly changing housing market conditions in the Austin area, potentially driven by population growth, rising rents, and increased demand for housing. The surge in filings indicates that existing eviction prevention resources may be insufficient to meet current demand.
Atlanta: High Volume, Below-Average Rate
Atlanta presents a different picture, with 144,000 eviction filings recorded in 2025. Despite this large absolute number, Atlanta's filing rate was 4% below the average across all tracked locations, indicating that while evictions are common, they occur at a slightly lower rate than in other major metropolitan areas. This suggests that Atlanta's large renter population experiences evictions at a somewhat lower rate than the national average for tracked cities.
Houston: Modest Improvement
The Houston area recorded 77,000 eviction filings in 2025, representing a 4% decrease from the baseline average. This modest decline suggests that some areas may be experiencing slight improvements in eviction prevention or rental market stabilization. However, the continued high volume of filings indicates that housing instability remains a significant challenge.
What Regional Variations Tell Us
These regional variations highlight the importance of localized approaches to addressing the eviction crisis. What works in one community may not be effective in another, and understanding local conditions is essential for developing targeted solutions. Communities experiencing rapid increases in eviction filings, like Austin, may need emergency interventions, while areas with declining rates can build on existing successful programs.
Implications for Housing Policy
The Eviction Lab's data has significant implications for housing policy at all levels of government. The persistent high volume of eviction filings demonstrates that current protections and prevention programs are insufficient to address the scale of the problem.
Identifying Priority Areas for Intervention
Policymakers can use this data to identify where interventions are most needed. States and cities with the highest eviction rates should prioritize funding for rental assistance programs, legal aid for tenants, and eviction prevention services. The data also supports the case for stronger tenant protections, including just-cause eviction requirements and extended notice periods. Communities experiencing rapid increases in filings, like Travis County, should consider emergency measures to prevent a housing crisis.
Addressing Equity and Disparities
The disparities revealed in the data underscore the need for equity-focused policies. Evictions disproportionately affect low-income renters and communities of color, and policies must be designed to protect these vulnerable populations. This might include targeted rental assistance, community-based legal services, and policies that address systemic housing discrimination. The Eviction Lab's data helps identify where these disparities are most pronounced.
Supporting Advocacy and Community Action
For advocates and community organizations, the Eviction Lab's tracking system provides evidence to support policy campaigns and funding requests. Real-time data on eviction trends can demonstrate the urgency of the housing crisis and the need for increased resources. Organizations can use the Eviction Lab's rankings and interactive maps to engage policymakers and the public in addressing the crisis.
Developing Evidence-Based Solutions
The comprehensive nature of the Eviction Lab's data enables the development of evidence-based solutions. By understanding which areas have the highest filing rates, which are experiencing rapid increases, and which have successfully reduced evictions, policymakers can identify best practices and scale successful interventions. The data also helps researchers evaluate the effectiveness of specific policies and programs.
FAQs
What is the eviction tracking system?
The eviction tracking system is a tool developed by the Eviction Lab to monitor eviction filings across the United States in real-time, providing valuable data for policymakers and advocates.
Why is eviction tracking important?
Eviction tracking is crucial because it helps identify trends and hotspots, allowing for timely interventions to prevent widespread housing crises.
How can policymakers use eviction data?
Policymakers can use eviction data to prioritize areas for intervention, allocate resources effectively, and develop policies that protect vulnerable renters.
The Bottom Line
The Eviction Lab's April 2026 update reveals a housing landscape marked by persistent instability and significant regional variation. With over 288,000 eviction filings in the past 12 months and an average filing rate of 7.9% across tracked locations, eviction remains a critical threat to housing security for millions of American renters. The data highlights both the scale of the problem and the specific locations where intervention is most urgent.
Pennsylvania's 108,620 filings, Indiana's 70,881, and Connecticut's 16,975 demonstrate the widespread nature of the crisis across different regions. Meanwhile, hotspots like Austin show rapidly worsening conditions that demand immediate attention. As policymakers, advocates, and community leaders work to address the housing crisis, the Eviction Lab's comprehensive tracking system provides essential evidence for informed decision-making and targeted action. Access to real-time eviction data empowers communities to respond quickly to emerging crises and implement evidence-based solutions that protect renters and promote housing stability.
