Residents of majority-black Prince George's County are much more likely to be saddled with high-interest home loans

This places them at greater risk of financial distress and foreclosure. About 43% of Prince George's County residents who refinanced their homes in 2005 received high-cost loans, compared with 24% of homeowners region-wide, according to Federal Reserve data. Similarly, 43% of people buying homes in the county in 2005 financed their purchases with high-cost loans, compared with 20% regionally. People pay more for loans if they have poor credit, large student loans or want to make a lower down payment. Overspending or paying bills late can also hurt people's credit. Prince George's County has the highest foreclosure levels in Maryland. In addition, Prince George's public schools remain among the worst-performing in Maryland, and the number of homicides, robberies and car thefts rank near the top in the state.