Eviction filings in Maricopa County have spiked to their highest April numbers in over two decades, a chilling reality check for numerous residents across the Valley. The Maricopa Justice Courts reported a staggering 6,788 eviction filings in April alone, as noted by ABC15. This uptick in eviction cases has brought the total number of filings for the first four months of the year to a level unseen since 2000.

The increase, which 12 News points out at 9% from the previous month, is consistent with the county's annual trend that sees a rise in eviction filings during the summer. But the steep climb this year brings the total number of evictions filed in 2024 to 27,906, placing a substantial burden on households struggling to keep a roof over their heads.

Not all neighborhoods are impacted equally by this disturbing trend. Data reveals that of the valley's justice courts, five in particular have borne the brunt with nearly five thousand evictions filed in three central West Valley courts, and two others around Ahwatukee and Chandler experiencing just over three thousand combined, as reported by ABC15.

However, it's not all grim news, as the average judgment for eviction filings, which peaked in 2022 at $3,453.80, has somewhat decreased to $3,184.87 this year. Although the reprieve is modest, and still, nearly $850 above what it was over the past decade, showing a challenging economic landscape awaits many upon eviction, according to figures from ABC15.

Experts and advocates continue to monitor these developments closely as they probe for solutions and seek to offer support to those facing the daunting prospect of eviction. The recent data amplifies the urgent need for comprehensive approaches to housing stability as Maricopa County grapples with an ever-growing housing crisis.