america is dyingThere were 3,688 foreclosures in Minnesota last month, according to a new report by RealtyTrac. That’s down 11 percent from July, but an increase of 71 percent from a year ago. Minnesota ranks 21st nationally in terms of the percentage of homes currently in foreclosure.

Despite signs that the economy is slowly recovering, foreclosure levels across the country remain at near record levels. Last month default notices, scheduled auctions and bank repossessions were reported on 358,471 properties. That’s less than one percent under the record mark in July, but still 18 percent higher than a year ago.

Nevada continues to lead the nation in foreclosure rates: last month foreclosure filings were made on one in 53 properties in the state. Florida and California had the next highest rates.