GITNUXREPORT 2026

Homeless People Statistics

Homelessness in America is rising and increasingly impacts children and minorities.

Rajesh Patel

Team Lead & Senior Researcher with over 15 years of experience in market research and data analytics.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

Our Commitment to Accuracy

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Statistic 1

Lack of affordable housing contributes to 70% of new homelessness cases annually.

Statistic 2

Domestic violence is a leading cause, affecting 38% of homeless women.

Statistic 3

Mental illness affects 20-25% of the homeless population as a primary cause.

Statistic 4

Substance use disorders precede homelessness in 38% of cases.

Statistic 5

Unemployment rates among homeless are 5 times higher than national average.

Statistic 6

Evictions rose 20% in 2022, directly leading to increased homelessness.

Statistic 7

Low wages: 52% of homeless workers earn less than $15/hour.

Statistic 8

Foster care exit contributes to 21% of youth homelessness.

Statistic 9

Incarceration release without housing leads to 15% recidivism into homelessness.

Statistic 10

Medical debt and costs cause 10% of family homelessness.

Statistic 11

Natural disasters displace 1.5 million people annually, many into homelessness.

Statistic 12

Gambling addiction affects 10-15% of chronic homeless cases.

Statistic 13

Relationship breakdown causes 25% of homelessness among singles.

Statistic 14

Poor credit and rental history bar 40% from housing markets.

Statistic 15

Child welfare involvement leads to 12% of family homelessness.

Statistic 16

Rising rents (7% annual increase) outpace wages by 3x.

Statistic 17

Foreclosures contributed to 5% increase in homelessness post-2008.

Statistic 18

Addiction recovery failure rates 50% higher without housing stability.

Statistic 19

Military sexual trauma causes 13% of female veteran homelessness.

Statistic 20

Discrimination in housing affects 25% of minority applicants.

Statistic 21

Hospital discharges without housing plans lead to 14% homelessness.

Statistic 22

Extreme poverty (<$2/day) underlies 30% of chronic homelessness.

Statistic 23

Divorce rates 2x higher lead to 18% single adult homelessness.

Statistic 24

Job loss from automation affects 10% of recent homeless.

Statistic 25

66% of homeless cite housing costs as primary cause.

Statistic 26

Trauma history in 90% of homeless youth.

Statistic 27

Pandemic evictions moratorium end spiked 15% homelessness.

Statistic 28

45% of 60-70% of homelessness stems from economic factors like poverty.

Statistic 29

In 2023, there were 653,104 people experiencing homelessness on a single night in the United States, representing a 12% increase from 2022.

Statistic 30

Approximately 22% of the homeless population in the US are children under 18 years old as of the 2023 HUD Point-in-Time count.

Statistic 31

Black Americans make up 37% of the homeless population despite comprising only 13% of the general US population in 2023.

Statistic 32

Veterans account for 11% of the homeless adult population, totaling about 35,000 individuals in 2023.

Statistic 33

In 2023, 59% of homeless people were unsheltered, sleeping in places not meant for human habitation.

Statistic 34

Women represent 40% of the homeless population in the US, with many being domestic violence survivors.

Statistic 35

LGBTQ+ youth are 120% more likely to experience homelessness than their straight peers.

Statistic 36

In California, 28% of the nation's homeless population resides there, totaling 181,399 people in 2023.

Statistic 37

Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders are overrepresented in homelessness at 4 times the general population rate.

Statistic 38

Unaccompanied homeless youth number 4,100 nationally in 2023 PIT counts.

Statistic 39

35% of homeless individuals are age 55 or older in the 2023 HUD report.

Statistic 40

Hispanic/Latino people comprise 31% of the homeless population in the US.

Statistic 41

In New York City, 91,000 people experienced homelessness in shelters in FY2023.

Statistic 42

Chronically homeless individuals make up 23% of the total homeless population.

Statistic 43

Asian Americans experience homelessness at a rate of 1.5 times higher in some urban areas.

Statistic 44

Families with children represent 33% of the homeless population.

Statistic 45

In 2023, 130,000 people experienced homelessness in families with children.

Statistic 46

Single adults without children are 58% of the homeless population.

Statistic 47

Indigenous people are 2.5 times more likely to be homeless than white people.

Statistic 48

In Los Angeles, 75,000 people were homeless in 2023 PIT count.

Statistic 49

7% of homeless people are under 18 and unaccompanied by adults.

Statistic 50

White people make up 49% of the homeless population.

Statistic 51

In Seattle/King County, 13,368 people experienced homelessness in 2023.

Statistic 52

Transgender individuals are 2 times more likely to experience homelessness.

Statistic 53

In 2023, Florida had 25,959 homeless individuals.

Statistic 54

Elderly homeless (65+) number approximately 36,000 nationwide.

Statistic 55

In Washington DC, 5,616 people were homeless in 2023.

Statistic 56

People with disabilities are 30-50% of the homeless population.

Statistic 57

In 2023, Texas reported 26,773 homeless people.

Statistic 58

Foster care youth are 20% more likely to become homeless post-aging out.

Statistic 59

50% of homeless have severe mental illness, exacerbating housing loss.

Statistic 60

Homeless individuals die 30 years earlier than general population average.

Statistic 61

25% of homeless have untreated HIV/AIDS.

Statistic 62

Depression rates 4x higher among homeless (68% vs 17%).

Statistic 63

Only 20% of homeless receive mental health treatment regularly.

Statistic 64

Tuberculosis rates 20x higher in homeless populations.

Statistic 65

40% of homeless report chronic pain without adequate management.

Statistic 66

Suicide rates 3.5x higher among homeless men.

Statistic 67

Dental care access: 70% of homeless have untreated dental issues.

Statistic 68

Diabetes prevalence 2x higher due to poor nutrition and stress.

Statistic 69

33% of homeless youth have PTSD.

Statistic 70

Life expectancy for homeless women is 43 years on average.

Statistic 71

Hypertension affects 50% of homeless adults over 50.

Statistic 72

Only 30% of homeless have health insurance coverage.

Statistic 73

Hepatitis C infection rates 20-40% in homeless.

Statistic 74

60% report food insecurity leading to malnutrition.

Statistic 75

Schizophrenia prevalence 5-10% vs 1% general population.

Statistic 76

Emergency room visits 5x higher for homeless individuals.

Statistic 77

75% of homeless have co-occurring mental health and substance issues.

Statistic 78

Frostbite and exposure injuries affect 10% annually in cold climates.

Statistic 79

Bipolar disorder in 12% of homeless vs 2.8% general.

Statistic 80

Vision problems untreated in 42% due to lack of glasses.

Statistic 81

28% of homeless children have asthma.

Statistic 82

Opioid overdose deaths 10x higher among homeless.

Statistic 83

65% of homeless report physical or sexual assault history impacting health.

Statistic 84

Liver disease mortality 5x higher.

Statistic 85

Anxiety disorders in 50% of homeless population.

Statistic 86

80% lack primary care physician.

Statistic 87

Homeless shelters have 3x COVID-19 outbreak risk.

Statistic 88

55,000 shelter beds available nationwide in 2023.

Statistic 89

Housing First programs house 85% of participants permanently.

Statistic 90

Only 35% of homeless access emergency shelters regularly.

Statistic 91

Rapid rehousing assists 40,000 households annually.

Statistic 92

250,000 meals served daily by soup kitchens nationwide.

Statistic 93

Permanent Supportive Housing serves 300,000 people yearly.

Statistic 94

Street outreach contacts 1 million homeless annually via HUD grants.

Statistic 95

Legal aid prevents 10,000 evictions yearly for at-risk.

Statistic 96

70% of PSH tenants retain housing after 5 years.

Statistic 97

Youth transitional housing beds: only 25,000 nationwide.

Statistic 98

VA homeless programs serve 40,000 veterans annually.

Statistic 99

Food stamp (SNAP) uptake by homeless: only 40% eligible participate.

Statistic 100

Mobile clinics provide care to 500,000 homeless visits/year.

Statistic 101

Case management reaches 200,000 through CoC programs.

Statistic 102

Winter emergency beds add 5,000-10,000 seasonally.

Statistic 103

Harm reduction programs distribute 1 million naloxone doses to homeless.

Statistic 104

Job training programs place 15% of homeless into employment.

Statistic 105

Domestic violence shelters house 50,000 women/children yearly.

Statistic 106

Medicaid expansion covers 60% more homeless post-ACA.

Statistic 107

Peer support programs reduce hospitalization by 50%.

Statistic 108

911 calls from homeless reduced 30% with social services.

Statistic 109

Tiny home villages house 2,000 in 50 communities.

Statistic 110

SSVF vouchers prevent 100,000 veteran homelessness episodes.

Statistic 111

Day centers serve 1,000 daily in major cities for showers/mail.

Statistic 112

Eviction prevention grants save 20,000 households yearly.

Statistic 113

Mental health first aid training reaches 10,000 providers for homeless.

Statistic 114

Homelessness increased 18% from 2022-2023 nationally.

Statistic 115

Unsheltered homelessness rose 7% in 2023 PIT.

Statistic 116

Chronic homelessness up 12% since 2022.

Statistic 117

Family homelessness declined 5% due to prevention.

Statistic 118

Veteran homelessness down 7.5% from 2010 peak.

Statistic 119

Post-COVID, youth homelessness up 15%.

Statistic 120

Western states saw 40% increase 2018-2023.

Statistic 121

Overall homelessness doubled since 2007.

Statistic 122

Sheltered homelessness down 4% in 2023.

Statistic 123

LA homelessness up 9% despite investments.

Statistic 124

NYC shelter population peaked at 100,000+ in 2023.

Statistic 125

National affordable housing shortage: 7 million units.

Statistic 126

Rent burden >50% income for 1 in 4 renters.

Statistic 127

PSH units increased 20% since 2016.

Statistic 128

Eviction filings up 50% post-moratorium.

Statistic 129

Older adult homelessness projected to double by 2030.

Statistic 130

Migrant influx added 10,000 to shelters in 2023.

Statistic 131

Federal funding for homeless up 20% to $3B in 2023.

Statistic 132

Tiny homes expanded to 100 communities since 2020.

Statistic 133

State encampment bans increased 20% in 2023.

Statistic 134

Housing vouchers utilization 90% waitlisted.

Statistic 135

Global homelessness affects 1.6 billion people.

1/135

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Picture a country where over 650,000 faces, from a toddler in a shelter to a veteran on a park bench, are united by a single devastating reality: homelessness in America is not a monolith, but a rapidly growing crisis touching every community.

Key Takeaways

In 2023, there were 653,104 people experiencing homelessness on a single night in the United States, representing a 12% increase from 2022.
Approximately 22% of the homeless population in the US are children under 18 years old as of the 2023 HUD Point-in-Time count.
Black Americans make up 37% of the homeless population despite comprising only 13% of the general US population in 2023.
Lack of affordable housing contributes to 70% of new homelessness cases annually.
Domestic violence is a leading cause, affecting 38% of homeless women.
Mental illness affects 20-25% of the homeless population as a primary cause.
50% of homeless have severe mental illness, exacerbating housing loss.
Homeless individuals die 30 years earlier than general population average.
25% of homeless have untreated HIV/AIDS.
55,000 shelter beds available nationwide in 2023.
Housing First programs house 85% of participants permanently.
Only 35% of homeless access emergency shelters regularly.
Homelessness increased 18% from 2022-2023 nationally.
Unsheltered homelessness rose 7% in 2023 PIT.
Chronic homelessness up 12% since 2022.

Homelessness in America is rising and increasingly impacts children and minorities.

Causes

Lack of affordable housing contributes to 70% of new homelessness cases annually.
Domestic violence is a leading cause, affecting 38% of homeless women.
Mental illness affects 20-25% of the homeless population as a primary cause.
Substance use disorders precede homelessness in 38% of cases.
Unemployment rates among homeless are 5 times higher than national average.
Evictions rose 20% in 2022, directly leading to increased homelessness.
Low wages: 52% of homeless workers earn less than $15/hour.
Foster care exit contributes to 21% of youth homelessness.
Incarceration release without housing leads to 15% recidivism into homelessness.
Medical debt and costs cause 10% of family homelessness.
Natural disasters displace 1.5 million people annually, many into homelessness.
Gambling addiction affects 10-15% of chronic homeless cases.
Relationship breakdown causes 25% of homelessness among singles.
Poor credit and rental history bar 40% from housing markets.
Child welfare involvement leads to 12% of family homelessness.
Rising rents (7% annual increase) outpace wages by 3x.
Foreclosures contributed to 5% increase in homelessness post-2008.
Addiction recovery failure rates 50% higher without housing stability.
Military sexual trauma causes 13% of female veteran homelessness.
Discrimination in housing affects 25% of minority applicants.
Hospital discharges without housing plans lead to 14% homelessness.
Extreme poverty (<$2/day) underlies 30% of chronic homelessness.
Divorce rates 2x higher lead to 18% single adult homelessness.
Job loss from automation affects 10% of recent homeless.
66% of homeless cite housing costs as primary cause.
Trauma history in 90% of homeless youth.
Pandemic evictions moratorium end spiked 15% homelessness.
45% of 60-70% of homelessness stems from economic factors like poverty.

Causes Interpretation

Behind each cold statistic lies a preventable human tragedy, proving that homelessness is less a personal failing and more a systemic design flaw where the rent is too high, the safety nets are too thin, and the dominoes of crisis fall with cruel efficiency.

Demographics

In 2023, there were 653,104 people experiencing homelessness on a single night in the United States, representing a 12% increase from 2022.
Approximately 22% of the homeless population in the US are children under 18 years old as of the 2023 HUD Point-in-Time count.
Black Americans make up 37% of the homeless population despite comprising only 13% of the general US population in 2023.
Veterans account for 11% of the homeless adult population, totaling about 35,000 individuals in 2023.
In 2023, 59% of homeless people were unsheltered, sleeping in places not meant for human habitation.
Women represent 40% of the homeless population in the US, with many being domestic violence survivors.
LGBTQ+ youth are 120% more likely to experience homelessness than their straight peers.
In California, 28% of the nation's homeless population resides there, totaling 181,399 people in 2023.
Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders are overrepresented in homelessness at 4 times the general population rate.
Unaccompanied homeless youth number 4,100 nationally in 2023 PIT counts.
35% of homeless individuals are age 55 or older in the 2023 HUD report.
Hispanic/Latino people comprise 31% of the homeless population in the US.
In New York City, 91,000 people experienced homelessness in shelters in FY2023.
Chronically homeless individuals make up 23% of the total homeless population.
Asian Americans experience homelessness at a rate of 1.5 times higher in some urban areas.
Families with children represent 33% of the homeless population.
In 2023, 130,000 people experienced homelessness in families with children.
Single adults without children are 58% of the homeless population.
Indigenous people are 2.5 times more likely to be homeless than white people.
In Los Angeles, 75,000 people were homeless in 2023 PIT count.
7% of homeless people are under 18 and unaccompanied by adults.
White people make up 49% of the homeless population.
In Seattle/King County, 13,368 people experienced homelessness in 2023.
Transgender individuals are 2 times more likely to experience homelessness.
In 2023, Florida had 25,959 homeless individuals.
Elderly homeless (65+) number approximately 36,000 nationwide.
In Washington DC, 5,616 people were homeless in 2023.
People with disabilities are 30-50% of the homeless population.
In 2023, Texas reported 26,773 homeless people.
Foster care youth are 20% more likely to become homeless post-aging out.

Demographics Interpretation

The statistics paint a devastatingly clear picture: homelessness in America is not a singular crisis but a sprawling national failure, disproportionately punishing our most vulnerable children, veterans, people of color, and survivors, proving that where you sleep should never depend on who you are.

Health

50% of homeless have severe mental illness, exacerbating housing loss.
Homeless individuals die 30 years earlier than general population average.
25% of homeless have untreated HIV/AIDS.
Depression rates 4x higher among homeless (68% vs 17%).
Only 20% of homeless receive mental health treatment regularly.
Tuberculosis rates 20x higher in homeless populations.
40% of homeless report chronic pain without adequate management.
Suicide rates 3.5x higher among homeless men.
Dental care access: 70% of homeless have untreated dental issues.
Diabetes prevalence 2x higher due to poor nutrition and stress.
33% of homeless youth have PTSD.
Life expectancy for homeless women is 43 years on average.
Hypertension affects 50% of homeless adults over 50.
Only 30% of homeless have health insurance coverage.
Hepatitis C infection rates 20-40% in homeless.
60% report food insecurity leading to malnutrition.
Schizophrenia prevalence 5-10% vs 1% general population.
Emergency room visits 5x higher for homeless individuals.
75% of homeless have co-occurring mental health and substance issues.
Frostbite and exposure injuries affect 10% annually in cold climates.
Bipolar disorder in 12% of homeless vs 2.8% general.
Vision problems untreated in 42% due to lack of glasses.
28% of homeless children have asthma.
Opioid overdose deaths 10x higher among homeless.
65% of homeless report physical or sexual assault history impacting health.
Liver disease mortality 5x higher.
Anxiety disorders in 50% of homeless population.
80% lack primary care physician.
Homeless shelters have 3x COVID-19 outbreak risk.

Health Interpretation

We are watching an entire society of people get buried alive, not by snow or earth, but by a grotesquely preventable avalanche of untreated illness, trauma, and systemic neglect.

Services

55,000 shelter beds available nationwide in 2023.
Housing First programs house 85% of participants permanently.
Only 35% of homeless access emergency shelters regularly.
Rapid rehousing assists 40,000 households annually.
250,000 meals served daily by soup kitchens nationwide.
Permanent Supportive Housing serves 300,000 people yearly.
Street outreach contacts 1 million homeless annually via HUD grants.
Legal aid prevents 10,000 evictions yearly for at-risk.
70% of PSH tenants retain housing after 5 years.
Youth transitional housing beds: only 25,000 nationwide.
VA homeless programs serve 40,000 veterans annually.
Food stamp (SNAP) uptake by homeless: only 40% eligible participate.
Mobile clinics provide care to 500,000 homeless visits/year.
Case management reaches 200,000 through CoC programs.
Winter emergency beds add 5,000-10,000 seasonally.
Harm reduction programs distribute 1 million naloxone doses to homeless.
Job training programs place 15% of homeless into employment.
Domestic violence shelters house 50,000 women/children yearly.
Medicaid expansion covers 60% more homeless post-ACA.
Peer support programs reduce hospitalization by 50%.
911 calls from homeless reduced 30% with social services.
Tiny home villages house 2,000 in 50 communities.
SSVF vouchers prevent 100,000 veteran homelessness episodes.
Day centers serve 1,000 daily in major cities for showers/mail.
Eviction prevention grants save 20,000 households yearly.
Mental health first aid training reaches 10,000 providers for homeless.

Services Interpretation

It’s a national game of whack-a-mole where we are brilliant at handing out bandaids and meals, admirably persistent with some permanent solutions, yet perpetually shocked that the mole keeps popping up elsewhere because we’re still playing with far too few hammers.

Trends

Homelessness increased 18% from 2022-2023 nationally.
Unsheltered homelessness rose 7% in 2023 PIT.
Chronic homelessness up 12% since 2022.
Family homelessness declined 5% due to prevention.
Veteran homelessness down 7.5% from 2010 peak.
Post-COVID, youth homelessness up 15%.
Western states saw 40% increase 2018-2023.
Overall homelessness doubled since 2007.
Sheltered homelessness down 4% in 2023.
LA homelessness up 9% despite investments.
NYC shelter population peaked at 100,000+ in 2023.
National affordable housing shortage: 7 million units.
Rent burden >50% income for 1 in 4 renters.
PSH units increased 20% since 2016.
Eviction filings up 50% post-moratorium.
Older adult homelessness projected to double by 2030.
Migrant influx added 10,000 to shelters in 2023.
Federal funding for homeless up 20% to $3B in 2023.
Tiny homes expanded to 100 communities since 2020.
State encampment bans increased 20% in 2023.
Housing vouchers utilization 90% waitlisted.
Global homelessness affects 1.6 billion people.

Trends Interpretation

Despite a welcome decline in veteran and family homelessness, the relentless surge in unsheltered individuals, chronic cases, and youth homelessness, compounded by skyrocketing rents and evictions, paints a grim portrait of a nation where our solutions are being outpaced by a perfect storm of policy failures and economic cruelty.

Sources & References

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