GITNUXREPORT 2025

Homeless Women Statistics

Homeless women face trauma, violence, health issues, and barriers to shelter.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Women experiencing homelessness are less likely to have access to healthcare services, including reproductive health care

Statistic 2

Homeless women are less likely than men to receive government assistance programs, due to various barriers

Statistic 3

Homeless women with mental health issues are less likely to access mental health services, creating a barrier to recovery

Statistic 4

Only around 33% of homeless women have access to permanent housing solutions, leaving many in temporary or unstable conditions

Statistic 5

Many homeless women lack access to reproductive health services, leading to higher rates of untreated health issues

Statistic 6

Access to stable housing significantly reduces the risk of re-homelessness among women, with permanent housing solutions being most effective

Statistic 7

Women experiencing homelessness are less likely to have legal identity documents, which creates barriers to accessing services

Statistic 8

Homeless women aged 30-50 often face compounded health issues, including reproductive and chronic illnesses, due to neglect and lack of access

Statistic 9

Access to mental health care among homeless women remains inadequate, with less than 20% receiving needed services

Statistic 10

Many homeless women are not aware of available social services and programs, due to lack of outreach and information barriers

Statistic 11

Approximately 25% of homeless women have children with them

Statistic 12

About 50% of women experiencing homelessness report having been separated from their children

Statistic 13

The presence of children increases the complexity of homelessness among women, often leading to prolonged stays in shelters

Statistic 14

Female-headed households are more likely to experience homelessness and housing instability, especially without adequate support systems

Statistic 15

Children of homeless women are at increased risk of developmental delays and health issues, impacting their long-term wellbeing

Statistic 16

Homeless women with children are at increased risk of eviction and housing loss, perpetuating cycles of homelessness

Statistic 17

Women make up approximately 39% of the homeless population in the United States

Statistic 18

Homeless women are more likely than men to experience mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety

Statistic 19

About 34% of homeless women are under the age of 30

Statistic 20

The median age of homeless women is 45 years old

Statistic 21

Women represent about 38% of the chronically homeless population

Statistic 22

About 12% of homeless women are veterans

Statistic 23

Around 40% of homeless women have struggled with substance abuse issues

Statistic 24

Approximately 60% of homeless women have a disability

Statistic 25

Homeless women with children are twice as likely to face discrimination than single women

Statistic 26

The unemployment rate among homeless women is significantly higher than the national average, at around 30%

Statistic 27

Rental affordability is a major barrier for homeless women, with many unable to secure housing due to high costs

Statistic 28

Approximately 15% of homeless women are pregnant at the time of homelessness

Statistic 29

Women account for about 45% of those living in emergency shelters nationwide

Statistic 30

The rate of homelessness among women with a history of incarceration is significantly higher than the general homeless female population

Statistic 31

About 30% of homeless women experience chronic homelessness, often due to complex issues like mental health and substance abuse

Statistic 32

The incidence of homelessness among immigrant women is rising, with language barriers and lack of employment opportunities as contributing factors

Statistic 33

The gender gap in homelessness is widening in many urban areas, with an increase of up to 10% over the last five years among women

Statistic 34

Women experiencing homelessness are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, with increased barriers to shelter and healthcare

Statistic 35

Many homeless women face barriers to employment, including lack of transportation, childcare, and discrimination, which sustain homelessness

Statistic 36

Homeless women are at higher risk of hypertension, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses due to chronic stress and inadequate healthcare

Statistic 37

The rate of substance use among homeless women is significantly higher than the general population, complicating recovery efforts

Statistic 38

Homeless women are disproportionately affected by mental health problems, with depression rates exceeding 40% in some studies

Statistic 39

Homeless women are more likely than men to experience food insecurity, affecting overall health

Statistic 40

About 59% of homeless women are victims of domestic violence

Statistic 41

Nearly 70% of homeless women have experienced trauma or abuse

Statistic 42

Women experiencing homelessness are less likely to access shelters than men due to safety concerns

Statistic 43

Domestic violence is the primary cause of women becoming homeless, accounting for approximately 50% of cases

Statistic 44

Homeless women are more likely to have experienced childhood abuse than homeless men

Statistic 45

Women experiencing homelessness are more likely to report experiencing sexual violence and exploitation

Statistic 46

Nearly 55% of homeless women have experienced at least one episode of homelessness during their lifetime

Statistic 47

Approximately 20% of homeless women have been victims of human trafficking, according to recent studies

Statistic 48

Homeless women face a higher risk of victimization compared to homeless men, including assault and theft

Statistic 49

Women experiencing homelessness are more likely to face legal issues such as evictions and fines, exacerbating their vulnerability

Statistic 50

Homeless women aged 51-60 have the highest rates of mental health issues, often linked to trauma

Statistic 51

Women with histories of sexual violence report higher instances of homelessness, underscoring the need for trauma-informed services

Statistic 52

Homeless women are less likely than men to stay in transitional housing long-term, due to safety concerns

Statistic 53

Housing instability causes many homeless women to repeatedly cycle through shelters, with an average stay of less than 30 days

Statistic 54

Accusations of gender-based violence and harassment are prevalent in shelters, affecting women’s willingness to seek help

Statistic 55

Homeless women are more likely to experience co-occurring issues such as mental health, addiction, and violence, requiring integrated services

Statistic 56

Homeless women with limited education levels are more vulnerable to exploitation and violence

Statistic 57

Gender-specific services have been shown to improve outcomes for homeless women, including safety and housing stability

Statistic 58

Homeless women report higher levels of stigma and social exclusion, hindering access to support systems

Statistic 59

Many homeless women experience difficulty maintaining employment due to health and safety concerns, leading to persistent homelessness

Statistic 60

Women who have experienced incarceration are more likely to become homeless after release, often due to lack of support

Statistic 61

The incidence of violence against homeless women in shelters is a serious concern, with reports of assault and harassment

Statistic 62

A significant proportion of homeless women are survivors of intimate partner violence, often unaware of available support resources

Statistic 63

Many homeless women avoid shelters due to concerns about safety and privacy, opting instead for sleeping outdoors or in cars

Statistic 64

The majority of homeless women live in urban rather than rural areas, with urban homelessness rising rapidly

Statistic 65

The proportion of homeless women in rural areas is rising, though data lags, making targeted interventions challenging

Slide 1 of 65

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Key Highlights

Women make up approximately 39% of the homeless population in the United States
About 59% of homeless women are victims of domestic violence
Nearly 70% of homeless women have experienced trauma or abuse
Approximately 25% of homeless women have children with them
Homeless women are more likely than men to experience mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety
About 34% of homeless women are under the age of 30
The median age of homeless women is 45 years old
Women experiencing homelessness are less likely to access shelters than men due to safety concerns
Domestic violence is the primary cause of women becoming homeless, accounting for approximately 50% of cases
Women represent about 38% of the chronically homeless population
About 12% of homeless women are veterans
Homeless women are more likely to have experienced childhood abuse than homeless men
Around 40% of homeless women have struggled with substance abuse issues

Homeless women, constituting nearly 40% of the nation’s homeless population, face a relentless cycle of trauma, danger, and invisibility, highlighting a pressing need for targeted support and systemic change.

Access to Healthcare and Services

Women experiencing homelessness are less likely to have access to healthcare services, including reproductive health care
Homeless women are less likely than men to receive government assistance programs, due to various barriers
Homeless women with mental health issues are less likely to access mental health services, creating a barrier to recovery
Only around 33% of homeless women have access to permanent housing solutions, leaving many in temporary or unstable conditions
Many homeless women lack access to reproductive health services, leading to higher rates of untreated health issues
Access to stable housing significantly reduces the risk of re-homelessness among women, with permanent housing solutions being most effective
Women experiencing homelessness are less likely to have legal identity documents, which creates barriers to accessing services
Homeless women aged 30-50 often face compounded health issues, including reproductive and chronic illnesses, due to neglect and lack of access
Access to mental health care among homeless women remains inadequate, with less than 20% receiving needed services
Many homeless women are not aware of available social services and programs, due to lack of outreach and information barriers

Access to Healthcare and Services Interpretation

Homeless women face a perilous cycle of neglect and barriers—from insufficient access to healthcare and mental health services to limited legal documentation—highlighting the urgent need for targeted, comprehensive interventions that recognize and address their unique vulnerabilities.

Children and Family Dynamics

Approximately 25% of homeless women have children with them
About 50% of women experiencing homelessness report having been separated from their children
The presence of children increases the complexity of homelessness among women, often leading to prolonged stays in shelters
Female-headed households are more likely to experience homelessness and housing instability, especially without adequate support systems
Children of homeless women are at increased risk of developmental delays and health issues, impacting their long-term wellbeing
Homeless women with children are at increased risk of eviction and housing loss, perpetuating cycles of homelessness

Children and Family Dynamics Interpretation

With one in four homeless women bringing children into the chaos and half feeling the pain of separation, it's clear that homelessness not only strips women of shelter but also dims the future for their children, revealing a pressing need for systemic support to break this heartbreaking cycle.

Demographics and Population Characteristics

Women make up approximately 39% of the homeless population in the United States
Homeless women are more likely than men to experience mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety
About 34% of homeless women are under the age of 30
The median age of homeless women is 45 years old
Women represent about 38% of the chronically homeless population
About 12% of homeless women are veterans
Around 40% of homeless women have struggled with substance abuse issues
Approximately 60% of homeless women have a disability
Homeless women with children are twice as likely to face discrimination than single women
The unemployment rate among homeless women is significantly higher than the national average, at around 30%
Rental affordability is a major barrier for homeless women, with many unable to secure housing due to high costs
Approximately 15% of homeless women are pregnant at the time of homelessness
Women account for about 45% of those living in emergency shelters nationwide
The rate of homelessness among women with a history of incarceration is significantly higher than the general homeless female population
About 30% of homeless women experience chronic homelessness, often due to complex issues like mental health and substance abuse
The incidence of homelessness among immigrant women is rising, with language barriers and lack of employment opportunities as contributing factors
The gender gap in homelessness is widening in many urban areas, with an increase of up to 10% over the last five years among women
Women experiencing homelessness are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, with increased barriers to shelter and healthcare
Many homeless women face barriers to employment, including lack of transportation, childcare, and discrimination, which sustain homelessness
Homeless women are at higher risk of hypertension, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses due to chronic stress and inadequate healthcare
The rate of substance use among homeless women is significantly higher than the general population, complicating recovery efforts
Homeless women are disproportionately affected by mental health problems, with depression rates exceeding 40% in some studies
Homeless women are more likely than men to experience food insecurity, affecting overall health

Demographics and Population Characteristics Interpretation

Homeless women, representing nearly 40% of the U.S. homeless population, face a constellation of challenges—from mental health crises and chronic illnesses to systemic discrimination and soaring unemployment—that collectively underscore the urgent need for targeted, compassionate solutions to break the cycle of vulnerability and invisibility.

Experiences and Victimization

About 59% of homeless women are victims of domestic violence
Nearly 70% of homeless women have experienced trauma or abuse
Women experiencing homelessness are less likely to access shelters than men due to safety concerns
Domestic violence is the primary cause of women becoming homeless, accounting for approximately 50% of cases
Homeless women are more likely to have experienced childhood abuse than homeless men
Women experiencing homelessness are more likely to report experiencing sexual violence and exploitation
Nearly 55% of homeless women have experienced at least one episode of homelessness during their lifetime
Approximately 20% of homeless women have been victims of human trafficking, according to recent studies
Homeless women face a higher risk of victimization compared to homeless men, including assault and theft
Women experiencing homelessness are more likely to face legal issues such as evictions and fines, exacerbating their vulnerability
Homeless women aged 51-60 have the highest rates of mental health issues, often linked to trauma
Women with histories of sexual violence report higher instances of homelessness, underscoring the need for trauma-informed services
Homeless women are less likely than men to stay in transitional housing long-term, due to safety concerns
Housing instability causes many homeless women to repeatedly cycle through shelters, with an average stay of less than 30 days
Accusations of gender-based violence and harassment are prevalent in shelters, affecting women’s willingness to seek help
Homeless women are more likely to experience co-occurring issues such as mental health, addiction, and violence, requiring integrated services
Homeless women with limited education levels are more vulnerable to exploitation and violence
Gender-specific services have been shown to improve outcomes for homeless women, including safety and housing stability
Homeless women report higher levels of stigma and social exclusion, hindering access to support systems
Many homeless women experience difficulty maintaining employment due to health and safety concerns, leading to persistent homelessness
Women who have experienced incarceration are more likely to become homeless after release, often due to lack of support
The incidence of violence against homeless women in shelters is a serious concern, with reports of assault and harassment
A significant proportion of homeless women are survivors of intimate partner violence, often unaware of available support resources
Many homeless women avoid shelters due to concerns about safety and privacy, opting instead for sleeping outdoors or in cars

Experiences and Victimization Interpretation

Homeless women, bearing the scars of trauma and violence—often fueling their plight—remain trapped in a cycle of vulnerability and stigma, highlighting an urgent need for specialized, trauma-informed support systems that prioritize safety and empowerment.

Geographical and Regional Factors

The majority of homeless women live in urban rather than rural areas, with urban homelessness rising rapidly
The proportion of homeless women in rural areas is rising, though data lags, making targeted interventions challenging

Geographical and Regional Factors Interpretation

While the surge of homeless women in cities underscores a pressing urban crisis, the creeping rise in rural homelessness—hidden in the data—reminds us that solutions must be as expansive and nuanced as the problem itself.