GITNUXREPORT 2026

Homeless Population Statistics

Homelessness is a significant global issue, with rising populations in many nations.

Rajesh Patel

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

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

In US, eviction rates contribute to 40% of homeless entries.

Statistic 2

Mental illness affects 20-25% of US homeless population severely.

Statistic 3

Substance use disorders prevalent in 38% of US homeless adults.

Statistic 4

Domestic violence leads to 21% of family homelessness in US.

Statistic 5

Unemployment rate among homeless 45% higher than general pop.

Statistic 6

Poverty threshold crossed by 70% of homeless pre-homelessness.

Statistic 7

Lack of affordable housing cited in 75% of cases globally.

Statistic 8

Foster care exit leads to 20% youth homelessness.

Statistic 9

Incarceration history in 50% of US homeless adults.

Statistic 10

Medical debt contributes to 10-15% homelessness entries.

Statistic 11

In UK, benefit delays cause 25% of homelessness.

Statistic 12

Gambling addiction key factor in 15% Australian homelessness.

Statistic 13

Natural disasters displace 20 million annually, risking homelessness.

Statistic 14

Foreclosure crisis post-2008 increased US homelessness 10%.

Statistic 15

Child welfare involvement in 30% family homeless cases.

Statistic 16

Low wages below living wage for 50% homeless workers.

Statistic 17

Discrimination in housing 20% higher for minorities leading to eviction.

Statistic 18

Pandemic evictions moratorium end spiked 15% homelessness.

Statistic 19

In Canada, addiction primary cause for 35% chronic homeless.

Statistic 20

Family breakdown accounts for 40% single homelessness UK.

Statistic 21

In US, 60% homeless have low credit scores pre-crisis.

Statistic 22

Trauma history in 90% of homeless youth.

Statistic 23

In LA, high rents rose 30% correlating with 50% homeless rise.

Statistic 24

45% of US homeless have untreated mental health issues.

Statistic 25

In the US, 52.7% of homeless people are individuals, 47.3% in families in 2023.

Statistic 26

Black Americans comprise 37% of the homeless population despite being 13% of general population in 2023 US data.

Statistic 27

Hispanic/Latino individuals make up 30% of US homeless in 2023.

Statistic 28

Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders are 40% of homeless in Hawaii despite 10% population share.

Statistic 29

Women represent 59% of homeless in families but 40% overall in US 2023.

Statistic 30

LGBTQ+ youth are 40% of homeless youth in US despite 7-10% of youth population.

Statistic 31

Veterans comprise 11% of US homeless despite 7% of adult population in 2023.

Statistic 32

In UK, 18-24 year olds are 22% of single homeless despite smaller age group.

Statistic 33

In Australia, Indigenous people are 20% of homeless but 3% of population in 2022.

Statistic 34

US seniors over 55 are 34% of homeless population in 2023, up from prior years.

Statistic 35

In Canada, Indigenous people 30-40% of homeless urban populations.

Statistic 36

Domestic violence survivors are 38% of homeless women in US studies.

Statistic 37

In US, 7% of homeless are unaccompanied minors under 18 in 2023.

Statistic 38

Transgender individuals are 2.2 times more likely to experience homelessness in US.

Statistic 39

In NYC, Black residents 31% of homeless despite 24% population.

Statistic 40

Asian Americans underrepresented at 4% of US homeless vs 6% population.

Statistic 41

In LA, Latinos 47% of homeless, mirroring population share.

Statistic 42

US disabled homeless adults 36% have severe mental illness.

Statistic 43

In UK, rough sleepers 80% male.

Statistic 44

Foster care youth 20-25% of US homeless adults history.

Statistic 45

In Australia, 41% of homeless are female.

Statistic 46

US White individuals 49% of homeless but 76% population.

Statistic 47

In Canada, 25% of homeless women are Indigenous.

Statistic 48

Youth 18-24 comprise 13% of US homeless in 2023.

Statistic 49

In US, 25% of homeless have substance use disorder histories.

Statistic 50

In California, 28% of homeless are age 50+.

Statistic 51

In 2023, California had 181,399 homeless, 28% of US total.

Statistic 52

New York state had 156,000 homeless in 2023 shelters.

Statistic 53

Florida's homeless count 25,959 in 2023.

Statistic 54

Washington's homeless population 28,270 in 2023.

Statistic 55

Oregon reported 20,142 homeless in 2023 PIT.

Statistic 56

Massachusetts had 22,518 homeless in 2023.

Statistic 57

Texas homeless 26,773 in 2023.

Statistic 58

Colorado's homeless 15,825 statewide in 2023.

Statistic 59

Arizona 13,865 homeless in 2023.

Statistic 60

Nevada 18,888 homeless, highest per capita in US.

Statistic 61

In UK, London had 10,182 rough sleepers in 2023.

Statistic 62

Manchester UK had 190 rough sleepers in 2023 snapshot.

Statistic 63

Paris France estimates 3,000-5,000 homeless in 2023.

Statistic 64

Berlin Germany 4,000+ homeless in winter 2022/23.

Statistic 65

Sydney Australia 15% of national homeless in 2022.

Statistic 66

Toronto Canada 8,593 sheltered homeless nightly 2022.

Statistic 67

Vancouver Canada over 2,000 unsheltered in 2023.

Statistic 68

Tokyo Japan 80% of national homeless in 2023.

Statistic 69

Mumbai India 100,000+ street homeless estimated.

Statistic 70

Johannesburg South Africa 5,000-10,000 homeless.

Statistic 71

Rio de Janeiro Brazil 20,000 homeless in 2022.

Statistic 72

In US, 26% of homeless adults have HIV/AIDS rates 3x general pop.

Statistic 73

Homeless individuals die 30 years earlier than average lifespan.

Statistic 74

40% of homeless have chronic health conditions untreated.

Statistic 75

Emergency room visits 5x higher for homeless populations.

Statistic 76

Mental health disorders in 75% of homeless in shelters.

Statistic 77

Opioid overdoses 10x higher among homeless.

Statistic 78

50% of homeless children have asthma vs 20% general.

Statistic 79

TB rates 20x higher in homeless shelters.

Statistic 80

In UK, homeless life expectancy 47 years vs 81 national.

Statistic 81

Diabetes prevalence 2x in homeless populations.

Statistic 82

30% homeless veterans have PTSD untreated.

Statistic 83

Dental care access denied to 70% homeless.

Statistic 84

COVID-19 mortality 4x higher for homeless.

Statistic 85

In Australia, 55% homeless report poor mental health.

Statistic 86

Suicide rates 10x higher among homeless youth.

Statistic 87

65% homeless smoke tobacco vs 14% general.

Statistic 88

Hepatitis C infection 40% in homeless vs 1% pop.

Statistic 89

In Canada, 42% homeless have developmental disabilities.

Statistic 90

Hospital stays average 4x longer for homeless patients.

Statistic 91

25% homeless pregnant women lack prenatal care.

Statistic 92

In NYC, 18% homeless have active TB.

Statistic 93

Heart disease 2x prevalent in homeless.

Statistic 94

80% homeless lack primary care physician.

Statistic 95

In 2023, the point-in-time count of homeless individuals in the United States reached 653,104, a 12% increase from 2022.

Statistic 96

Globally, approximately 1.6 billion people live in inadequate housing conditions, with many at risk of homelessness as of 2022.

Statistic 97

In 2022, Australia's homeless population was estimated at 122,494 people, representing 47.3 per 10,000 population.

Statistic 98

The UK's homeless population included 309,000 people in 2022/23, with 145,800 households.

Statistic 99

In Japan, the homeless count dropped to 3,065 in January 2023, the lowest since 1998.

Statistic 100

Canada's homeless population was estimated at 235,000 experiencing homelessness annually in 2021.

Statistic 101

In 2023, New York City sheltered over 100,000 homeless individuals nightly, a record high.

Statistic 102

France reported 300,000 homeless people in 2022, with 250,000 in mainland France.

Statistic 103

Germany's homeless population exceeded 600,000 in 2022 according to BAG W.

Statistic 104

India's urban homeless population was around 1.77 million in 2011 census, likely higher now.

Statistic 105

South Africa's homeless count in major cities reached 100,000 in 2023 estimates.

Statistic 106

Brazil had 281,000 homeless people in 2022 per government census.

Statistic 107

In 2022, Los Angeles County had 75,518 homeless individuals, up 9% from prior year.

Statistic 108

Seattle-King County reported 13,368 homeless in 2023 PIT count.

Statistic 109

From 2019-2023, US sheltered homelessness decreased by 4% while unsheltered rose 35%.

Statistic 110

Europe's homeless population estimated at 5.4 million in 2023 EU data.

Statistic 111

In 2023, Chicago's homeless count was 19,536, a 7% increase.

Statistic 112

Russia's homeless population around 64,000 officially in 2022, but estimates higher.

Statistic 113

Mexico City had over 10,000 homeless in 2022 surveys.

Statistic 114

In 2023, US veteran homelessness was 35,000 on a single night.

Statistic 115

Chronic homelessness in US was 143,361 in 2023, 22% of total.

Statistic 116

Youth homelessness in US affected 34,700 unaccompanied under 25 in 2023.

Statistic 117

From 2007-2023, US overall homelessness decreased 10% but unsheltered rose.

Statistic 118

In 2022, San Francisco had 7,832 homeless in PIT count.

Statistic 119

Global slum population, precursor to homelessness, at 1 billion in 2022.

Statistic 120

In 2023, Denver metro area homeless count was 6,539.

Statistic 121

Sweden's homeless population was 33,000 in 2023.

Statistic 122

In 2022, Phoenix had 6,577 homeless individuals.

Statistic 123

US family homelessness represented 30% of total in 2023.

Statistic 124

In 2023, Boston's homeless population was estimated at 4,000 unsheltered.

Statistic 125

In US, Housing First model reduces health costs 40%.

Statistic 126

HUD funding for homeless assistance $3.2 billion in 2023.

Statistic 127

Continuum of Care grants served 450,000 in US 2023.

Statistic 128

Rapid rehousing exits homelessness in 80% cases within year.

Statistic 129

In Finland, Housing First reduced homelessness 35% since 2008.

Statistic 130

US Emergency Housing Vouchers housed 100,000+ by 2023.

Statistic 131

Supportive services prevent 50% recidivism.

Statistic 132

UK's Rough Sleeping Strategy funded £1 billion 2022-2025.

Statistic 133

Australia’s National Housing and Homelessness Agreement $400M annual.

Statistic 134

Permanent Supportive Housing units 400,000+ US in 2023.

Statistic 135

Youth programs prevented 25,000 from homelessness 2023.

Statistic 136

Eviction prevention grants reduced filings 20% in pilots.

Statistic 137

Canada’s Reaching Home strategy $2.2B over 10 years.

Statistic 138

Veterans Affairs Grant Per Diem funded 50,000 beds.

Statistic 139

Street Outreach reduced rough sleeping 15% in cities.

Statistic 140

Inclusionary zoning added 100,000 affordable units US.

Statistic 141

France’s SAMU Social aided 100,000 homeless yearly.

Statistic 142

Project Homekey California created 15,000 units pandemic.

Statistic 143

Ending Homelessness Act proposes 200,000 new PSH units.

Statistic 144

In NYC, Right to Shelter law serves 100,000 annually.

Statistic 145

HMIS data used by 95% continuums for targeting.

Statistic 146

Bonus funds for 90% reduction goals awarded $100M.

Statistic 147

Family Unification Program reunites 70% within months.

1/147

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Beyond the staggering numbers—from over 650,000 on a single night in the United States to an estimated 1.6 billion living in inadequate housing globally—lies a human crisis of profound inequality, preventable health tragedies, and systemic failures that the following statistics on homelessness make devastatingly clear.

Key Takeaways

In 2023, the point-in-time count of homeless individuals in the United States reached 653,104, a 12% increase from 2022.
Globally, approximately 1.6 billion people live in inadequate housing conditions, with many at risk of homelessness as of 2022.
In 2022, Australia's homeless population was estimated at 122,494 people, representing 47.3 per 10,000 population.
In the US, 52.7% of homeless people are individuals, 47.3% in families in 2023.
Black Americans comprise 37% of the homeless population despite being 13% of general population in 2023 US data.
Hispanic/Latino individuals make up 30% of US homeless in 2023.
In 2023, California had 181,399 homeless, 28% of US total.
New York state had 156,000 homeless in 2023 shelters.
Florida's homeless count 25,959 in 2023.
In US, eviction rates contribute to 40% of homeless entries.
Mental illness affects 20-25% of US homeless population severely.
Substance use disorders prevalent in 38% of US homeless adults.
In US, 26% of homeless adults have HIV/AIDS rates 3x general pop.
Homeless individuals die 30 years earlier than average lifespan.
40% of homeless have chronic health conditions untreated.

Homelessness is a significant global issue, with rising populations in many nations.

Causes and Risk Factors

In US, eviction rates contribute to 40% of homeless entries.
Mental illness affects 20-25% of US homeless population severely.
Substance use disorders prevalent in 38% of US homeless adults.
Domestic violence leads to 21% of family homelessness in US.
Unemployment rate among homeless 45% higher than general pop.
Poverty threshold crossed by 70% of homeless pre-homelessness.
Lack of affordable housing cited in 75% of cases globally.
Foster care exit leads to 20% youth homelessness.
Incarceration history in 50% of US homeless adults.
Medical debt contributes to 10-15% homelessness entries.
In UK, benefit delays cause 25% of homelessness.
Gambling addiction key factor in 15% Australian homelessness.
Natural disasters displace 20 million annually, risking homelessness.
Foreclosure crisis post-2008 increased US homelessness 10%.
Child welfare involvement in 30% family homeless cases.
Low wages below living wage for 50% homeless workers.
Discrimination in housing 20% higher for minorities leading to eviction.
Pandemic evictions moratorium end spiked 15% homelessness.
In Canada, addiction primary cause for 35% chronic homeless.
Family breakdown accounts for 40% single homelessness UK.
In US, 60% homeless have low credit scores pre-crisis.
Trauma history in 90% of homeless youth.
In LA, high rents rose 30% correlating with 50% homeless rise.
45% of US homeless have untreated mental health issues.

Causes and Risk Factors Interpretation

To build a humane society, we must see these statistics not as isolated failures but as a cascade of systemic fractures—where poverty, unaffordable housing, and trauma meet a punitive lack of support for mental health, addiction, and economic survival, shoving people off a cliff our communities helped erode.

Demographic Breakdowns

In the US, 52.7% of homeless people are individuals, 47.3% in families in 2023.
Black Americans comprise 37% of the homeless population despite being 13% of general population in 2023 US data.
Hispanic/Latino individuals make up 30% of US homeless in 2023.
Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders are 40% of homeless in Hawaii despite 10% population share.
Women represent 59% of homeless in families but 40% overall in US 2023.
LGBTQ+ youth are 40% of homeless youth in US despite 7-10% of youth population.
Veterans comprise 11% of US homeless despite 7% of adult population in 2023.
In UK, 18-24 year olds are 22% of single homeless despite smaller age group.
In Australia, Indigenous people are 20% of homeless but 3% of population in 2022.
US seniors over 55 are 34% of homeless population in 2023, up from prior years.
In Canada, Indigenous people 30-40% of homeless urban populations.
Domestic violence survivors are 38% of homeless women in US studies.
In US, 7% of homeless are unaccompanied minors under 18 in 2023.
Transgender individuals are 2.2 times more likely to experience homelessness in US.
In NYC, Black residents 31% of homeless despite 24% population.
Asian Americans underrepresented at 4% of US homeless vs 6% population.
In LA, Latinos 47% of homeless, mirroring population share.
US disabled homeless adults 36% have severe mental illness.
In UK, rough sleepers 80% male.
Foster care youth 20-25% of US homeless adults history.
In Australia, 41% of homeless are female.
US White individuals 49% of homeless but 76% population.
In Canada, 25% of homeless women are Indigenous.
Youth 18-24 comprise 13% of US homeless in 2023.
In US, 25% of homeless have substance use disorder histories.
In California, 28% of homeless are age 50+.

Demographic Breakdowns Interpretation

While these numbers coldly measure the crisis, they hotly spotlight how homelessness is not a random misfortune but a systemic audit, disproportionately punishing those already marginalized by race, identity, age, and trauma.

Geographic Variations

In 2023, California had 181,399 homeless, 28% of US total.
New York state had 156,000 homeless in 2023 shelters.
Florida's homeless count 25,959 in 2023.
Washington's homeless population 28,270 in 2023.
Oregon reported 20,142 homeless in 2023 PIT.
Massachusetts had 22,518 homeless in 2023.
Texas homeless 26,773 in 2023.
Colorado's homeless 15,825 statewide in 2023.
Arizona 13,865 homeless in 2023.
Nevada 18,888 homeless, highest per capita in US.
In UK, London had 10,182 rough sleepers in 2023.
Manchester UK had 190 rough sleepers in 2023 snapshot.
Paris France estimates 3,000-5,000 homeless in 2023.
Berlin Germany 4,000+ homeless in winter 2022/23.
Sydney Australia 15% of national homeless in 2022.
Toronto Canada 8,593 sheltered homeless nightly 2022.
Vancouver Canada over 2,000 unsheltered in 2023.
Tokyo Japan 80% of national homeless in 2023.
Mumbai India 100,000+ street homeless estimated.
Johannesburg South Africa 5,000-10,000 homeless.
Rio de Janeiro Brazil 20,000 homeless in 2022.

Geographic Variations Interpretation

California, in an impressive feat of perverse accounting, manages to shelter one-third of America's unhoused population while other global cities like London and Tokyo wrestle with thousands, reminding us that this crisis is both a local tragedy and a worldwide indictment.

Health Impacts

In US, 26% of homeless adults have HIV/AIDS rates 3x general pop.
Homeless individuals die 30 years earlier than average lifespan.
40% of homeless have chronic health conditions untreated.
Emergency room visits 5x higher for homeless populations.
Mental health disorders in 75% of homeless in shelters.
Opioid overdoses 10x higher among homeless.
50% of homeless children have asthma vs 20% general.
TB rates 20x higher in homeless shelters.
In UK, homeless life expectancy 47 years vs 81 national.
Diabetes prevalence 2x in homeless populations.
30% homeless veterans have PTSD untreated.
Dental care access denied to 70% homeless.
COVID-19 mortality 4x higher for homeless.
In Australia, 55% homeless report poor mental health.
Suicide rates 10x higher among homeless youth.
65% homeless smoke tobacco vs 14% general.
Hepatitis C infection 40% in homeless vs 1% pop.
In Canada, 42% homeless have developmental disabilities.
Hospital stays average 4x longer for homeless patients.
25% homeless pregnant women lack prenatal care.
In NYC, 18% homeless have active TB.
Heart disease 2x prevalent in homeless.
80% homeless lack primary care physician.

Health Impacts Interpretation

Our society’s failure to provide stable housing and basic healthcare is not merely a social oversight; it is a slow-motion massacre playing out in the statistics of untreated illness, rampant despair, and decades of stolen lives.

Overall Numbers and Trends

In 2023, the point-in-time count of homeless individuals in the United States reached 653,104, a 12% increase from 2022.
Globally, approximately 1.6 billion people live in inadequate housing conditions, with many at risk of homelessness as of 2022.
In 2022, Australia's homeless population was estimated at 122,494 people, representing 47.3 per 10,000 population.
The UK's homeless population included 309,000 people in 2022/23, with 145,800 households.
In Japan, the homeless count dropped to 3,065 in January 2023, the lowest since 1998.
Canada's homeless population was estimated at 235,000 experiencing homelessness annually in 2021.
In 2023, New York City sheltered over 100,000 homeless individuals nightly, a record high.
France reported 300,000 homeless people in 2022, with 250,000 in mainland France.
Germany's homeless population exceeded 600,000 in 2022 according to BAG W.
India's urban homeless population was around 1.77 million in 2011 census, likely higher now.
South Africa's homeless count in major cities reached 100,000 in 2023 estimates.
Brazil had 281,000 homeless people in 2022 per government census.
In 2022, Los Angeles County had 75,518 homeless individuals, up 9% from prior year.
Seattle-King County reported 13,368 homeless in 2023 PIT count.
From 2019-2023, US sheltered homelessness decreased by 4% while unsheltered rose 35%.
Europe's homeless population estimated at 5.4 million in 2023 EU data.
In 2023, Chicago's homeless count was 19,536, a 7% increase.
Russia's homeless population around 64,000 officially in 2022, but estimates higher.
Mexico City had over 10,000 homeless in 2022 surveys.
In 2023, US veteran homelessness was 35,000 on a single night.
Chronic homelessness in US was 143,361 in 2023, 22% of total.
Youth homelessness in US affected 34,700 unaccompanied under 25 in 2023.
From 2007-2023, US overall homelessness decreased 10% but unsheltered rose.
In 2022, San Francisco had 7,832 homeless in PIT count.
Global slum population, precursor to homelessness, at 1 billion in 2022.
In 2023, Denver metro area homeless count was 6,539.
Sweden's homeless population was 33,000 in 2023.
In 2022, Phoenix had 6,577 homeless individuals.
US family homelessness represented 30% of total in 2023.
In 2023, Boston's homeless population was estimated at 4,000 unsheltered.

Overall Numbers and Trends Interpretation

While the numbers and trends of homelessness vary dramatically across the globe—from Japan's sharp decline to America's troubling rise—each statistic represents a profound failure of housing security, proving that this crisis is not a natural disaster but a policy choice.

Policy and Interventions

In US, Housing First model reduces health costs 40%.
HUD funding for homeless assistance $3.2 billion in 2023.
Continuum of Care grants served 450,000 in US 2023.
Rapid rehousing exits homelessness in 80% cases within year.
In Finland, Housing First reduced homelessness 35% since 2008.
US Emergency Housing Vouchers housed 100,000+ by 2023.
Supportive services prevent 50% recidivism.
UK's Rough Sleeping Strategy funded £1 billion 2022-2025.
Australia’s National Housing and Homelessness Agreement $400M annual.
Permanent Supportive Housing units 400,000+ US in 2023.
Youth programs prevented 25,000 from homelessness 2023.
Eviction prevention grants reduced filings 20% in pilots.
Canada’s Reaching Home strategy $2.2B over 10 years.
Veterans Affairs Grant Per Diem funded 50,000 beds.
Street Outreach reduced rough sleeping 15% in cities.
Inclusionary zoning added 100,000 affordable units US.
France’s SAMU Social aided 100,000 homeless yearly.
Project Homekey California created 15,000 units pandemic.
Ending Homelessness Act proposes 200,000 new PSH units.
In NYC, Right to Shelter law serves 100,000 annually.
HMIS data used by 95% continuums for targeting.
Bonus funds for 90% reduction goals awarded $100M.
Family Unification Program reunites 70% within months.

Policy and Interventions Interpretation

If we stop seeing housing as a reward and start treating it like the vaccine it is—proven to drastically cut public health costs and prevent homelessness with remarkable efficiency—then the billions we spend on assistance could finally start curing the disease instead of just managing the symptoms.

Sources & References

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