(IRVINE, CA) -- Foreclosure filings in North Carolina dropped 1.9 percent in February compared to the same month last year. But February in filings in the Tar Heel State were up 1.35 percent from the previous month.

The latest figures from RealtyTrac show that Mecklenburg, Forsyth, Guilford and Wake counties continue to lead the state in foreclosures.  The national February foreclosure rate was down 14 percent when compared to January, a 36-month low.

North Carolina ranked 33rd in the nation for the number of foreclosure actions in February. Nevada remained as the state with the most foreclosures.