AP Reports Declining Economic Stress

Washington, DC, May 3, 2010--Economic stress declined in March in nearly three-quarters of the nation's 3,141 counties, according to The Associated Press' monthly analysis of conditions around the country.

The gains were due to an improving job market in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast and a steadying of foreclosure rates across the Sun Belt.

In 38 of the 50 states, economic distress fell or was unchanged from February.

The order of the most economically stressed states was unchanged from February: Nevada, a center of the nation's housing boom and bust, again had the highest Stress score, was followed by Michigan, California , Florida and Illinois.