Almost a quarter of homeowners in Polk County owe more money on their mortgage than their home is worth, according to a report released today by real estate website Zillow. 

Nationally, 33 percent of homeowners are “underwater.”

Greater Des Moines area fares a little better, with 23 percent of homeowners underwater in Polk County and 22 percent in Dallas County. In the U.S., “underwater” homeowners collectively owe $1.2 trillion more than their homes are worth, according to Zillow. Despite owing more than the property is worth, “underwater” homeowners are generally financially stable, Zillow reported.

About 90 percent of them make their loan payments on time. An economist with Zillow said in a release the problem homeowners face is that they will lose money if they try to sell their home, but with home prices rising, the trend is expected to reverse as the housing market comes back. To see the full report, click here.