The Skagit County housing market continues to avoid the widespread mortgage defaults plaguing other U.S. real estate markets, according to figures released last week by a national foreclosure data firm.

Home foreclosure filings fell 23 percent in May compared to one year ago, with 36 filings recorded, according to Irvine, Calif.-based Realty-Trac Inc.

Skagit County has the 13th highest foreclosure rate in the state, with one in every 1,316 homes in some state of foreclosure proceedings.

Statewide, one in every 1,081 homes was in foreclosure, which was 27th highest in the nation.

The nation’s most troubled housing markets, like Nevada, showed one in every 118 homes in foreclosure, according to the report. Nevada has had the country’ highest foreclosure rate for 17 straight months.

Nationally, foreclosures were up 48 percent in May from the previous year, with one in every 483 homes in foreclosure proceedings. That’s the nation’s highest foreclosure rate since RealtyTrac began issuing its report in 2005.

The nation’s rise in foreclosures stems mostly from the subprime mortgage market’s collapse. Most of those mortgages featured adjustable interest rates and were made to borrowers with poor credit. Borrowers have subsequently been defaulting as the mortgages reset to higher interest rates.

These loans weren’t as prevalent in Washington, and the state’s foreclosure rate has remained in check.

Foreclosure filings include default notices, auction sales notices and bank repossessions.

Homeowners facing foreclosure sometimes catch up on delinquent mortgage payments and don’t lose their homes. RealtyTrac does not track the number of homeowners who ultimately lose their homes.

* Josh Lintereur can be reached at 360-416-2141 or at .