How Many Homeless People Are There in the U.S? Up 18.1% with Over 771,800

Jenny Lee December 28, 2024 | 10:47

Homelessness in the United States has reached a staggering new high in 2024, with over 771,800 individuals living without stable housing.

This figure, representing an 18.1% increase from 2023, reflects the growing economic and social challenges faced by millions of Americans. The crisis demands urgent attention as rising rents, stagnant wages, and systemic issues in affordable housing continue to push families, individuals, and vulnerable populations into homelessness.

US homelessness up 18.1% in 2024

The Numbers Behind the Crisis

In 2023, approximately 650,000 people were counted as homeless. The sharp increase in 2024 marks the largest single-year growth in homelessness in over a decade. To put it in perspective, homelessness has surged by over 33% since 2022, when the count was around 580,000 individuals. These annual statistics are collected by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through a nationwide count conducted each January, which includes individuals living in shelters, transitional housing, or unsheltered on the streets.

Key Drivers of the Homelessness Surge

The 2024 homelessness crisis is driven by a confluence of economic pressures, housing shortages, and demographic trends. These factors include:

Skyrocketing Rents and Housing Shortages

The availability of affordable housing continues to be a major issue. For every 100 extremely low-income renters, only 37 affordable units are available nationwide. This deficit forces many families to spend more than half of their income on rent, leaving them vulnerable to eviction. Rising construction costs and zoning restrictions further exacerbate the problem, as new housing developments fail to meet growing demand.
Economic Instability

While inflation has slowed in recent months, the lingering effects of price increases on essential goods, combined with stagnant wages, have created a financial burden for low- and middle-income households. Families who were already living paycheck to paycheck have been pushed into homelessness as they struggle to balance rent payments with other basic necessities like food and healthcare.
Natural Disasters and Climate Change

Natural disasters have significantly contributed to the rise in homelessness. For example, the devastating wildfires in Maui in 2023 displaced thousands of residents, many of whom remain homeless. Similarly, hurricanes and floods across the U.S. have destroyed homes and disrupted lives, leaving vulnerable populations without shelter.
Systemic Inequality

Marginalized groups, including racial minorities, are disproportionately affected by homelessness. Black Americans, who make up just 12% of the U.S. population, account for over 32% of the homeless population. This disparity highlights ongoing racial inequities in housing, employment, and social services.
Challenges Faced by Asylum Seekers

Cities like New York have reported a significant influx of asylum seekers into their shelter systems. These individuals, often fleeing violence or economic hardship in their home countries, face unique barriers to finding housing and employment, further straining local resources.

A Closer Look at Affected Demographics

The homelessness crisis impacts various groups differently:

Families with Children

Families experiencing homelessness increased by 39% in 2024. Many of these families struggle with unaffordable rents, low wages, and childcare costs. Homelessness among children disrupts education and creates long-term challenges for their development and well-being.
Veterans

Amid the overall increase, one bright spot is the decline in veteran homelessness. Thanks to targeted federal programs, such as housing vouchers and support services, veteran homelessness dropped by 7.6%, reaching its lowest recorded level at just under 33,000 individuals.
Individuals with Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorders

Mental health issues and substance abuse continue to be significant factors in homelessness. A lack of accessible treatment and support services often leaves these individuals without the resources needed to stabilize their lives.

Geographical Variations in Homelessness

Homelessness is not evenly distributed across the United States. States like California and New York bear the brunt of the crisis:

California

With over 187,000 homeless individuals, California accounts for nearly 24% of the nation’s homeless population. High housing costs and a lack of affordable options in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco have driven these numbers.
New York

New York reported more than 158,000 homeless individuals, with many concentrated in New York City. The city’s shelter system has been overwhelmed by rising homelessness and an influx of asylum seekers.
Other Regions

States with lower populations, such as Wyoming and North Dakota, report smaller numbers of homeless individuals, but these regions often lack the infrastructure and services to support those experiencing homelessness.

Policy Responses and Challenges

Efforts to address homelessness in the U.S. have been varied and met with mixed success. The federal government, state agencies, and nonprofit organizations continue to pursue initiatives aimed at reducing homelessness, but significant barriers remain.

Housing First Initiatives

Programs that prioritize placing individuals in permanent housing before addressing other issues, such as employment or substance use, have shown success in reducing homelessness. However, scaling these programs to meet national needs requires substantial funding and coordination.
Affordable Housing Development

Expanding affordable housing is a critical component of long-term solutions. Federal and state governments have increased funding for housing projects, but the pace of development lags behind the demand.
Mental Health and Addiction Services

The integration of mental health care and addiction treatment into homelessness services is essential for addressing the root causes of chronic homelessness. However, limited funding and workforce shortages hinder progress.
Encampment Policies

A 2024 Supreme Court ruling allowing cities to ban homeless encampments has led to a patchwork of responses. Some cities have dismantled encampments, citing public health concerns, while others worry about the human rights implications of such actions.

The Path Forward

The unprecedented rise in homelessness in 2024 serves as a wake-up call for policymakers, communities, and organizations across the U.S. Addressing this crisis requires a multifaceted approach that combines affordable housing development, economic support for low-income families, mental health care, and equitable access to resources.

Innovative solutions, such as modular housing and public-private partnerships, could play a crucial role in tackling the issue. Additionally, continued advocacy for systemic changes in zoning laws and rental assistance programs is necessary to create lasting impacts.

Conclusion

Homelessness in the U.S. has reached a critical juncture in 2024, with more than 771,800 individuals lacking stable housing. This crisis reflects deeper societal challenges that must be addressed with urgency and compassion. While progress has been made for certain groups, such as veterans, the overall rise in homelessness highlights the need for comprehensive, coordinated efforts at all levels of government and society. Only through sustained commitment and innovative solutions can the U.S. hope to reverse this alarming trend and ensure that every individual has a place to call home.

Top 10 States with the Highest Homeless Rates in the U.S

Over fifty thousand people are homeless in the United States. These people sleep in unsuitable locations for human habitation or live in transitional housing or ...