According to a midyear report issued by RealtyTrac on Thursday, during the first half of 2009, the list of US metropolitan areas - having a population of 200,000 people or more - with the highest number of foreclosures was largely dominated by Sun Belt cities.

The report showed that as many as 29 out of the top 30 positions, in terms of highest foreclosure rates, were held by cities in four states, namely - Florida, California, Nevada and Arizona! The only 'outsider' city in the top 30 with biggest foreclosure problems was Greeley, Colorado.

The top slot pertaining to maximum foreclosures during the first six months of 2009 was held by Florida - which accounted for 35 of the first 50 metro areas with highest foreclosure rates.

Specifically speaking, Las Vegas, California, saw the maximum number of foreclosures, with a whopping 1 in every 13 homes being in trouble. In the second place was Cape Coral-Ft. Myers, Florida, with 1 in 14 homes facing foreclosure, followed by Merced, with 1 in 15 homes in trouble!

As per the RealtyTrac's countrywide statistics, the year thus far saw a whopping 1.5 million foreclosure filings, or one in every 84 homes; thereby marking a 9.46 percent increase in foreclosure filings from the earlier six month-period; and 14.66 percent more from the foreclosure numbers during the first half of 2008.