Foreclosure filings rose in Whatcom County last month, but are still below the state and national rate.

There were 59 foreclosure filings in June, up from 40 in May, according to RealtyTrac, a company that tracks foreclosure filings across the country. A foreclosure filing includes default notices, auction sale notices and bank repossessions.

The number of filings in June means there was one filing for every 1,446 homes in Whatcom County. The state rate was one filing for every 984 homes, while the national rate was one filing for every 501 homes.

The June filing total also is higher than June 2007, when there were 33 filings.

Across the country, filings decreased 3 percent in June compared to May, but were still up 53 percent year-overyear. Nevada, California and Arizona continue to have the highest foreclosure rates, with Washington ranking 22nd in the U.S.

California and Florida cities accounted for nine out of the top 10 metropolitan foreclosure rates. Stockton, Calif., had the highest rate among metro areas, with one filing for every 72 households.

For more information about the report or RealtyTrac, visit www.realtytrac.com. Send your business news to business@bellinghamherald.com or mail it to Business Notebook, 1155 N. State St., Bellingham, WA, 98227.