The numbers are expected to rise significantly next month. There are around 772K homeless Americans, which is nearly 230 for every 100,000 Americans, according to the last time a point-in-count assessment done in 2024.
In this visualization, we take a look at the highest homelessness rates by state, measured per 100,000 residents.
The data for this visualization comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, paired with 2024 population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau.
This is important context about U.S. homelessness statistics. The figure of 772K homeless Americans (approximately 230 per 100,000 people) from the 2024 Point-in-Time count provides a baseline, though you note these numbers are expected to increase significantly next month.
A few key points about this data:
About the Point-in-Time Count:
- This is an annual count conducted nationwide, typically in January
- It counts both sheltered and unsheltered homeless individuals on a single night
- The methodology has limitations—it's challenging to count unsheltered populations and likely represents an undercount
State-Level Variation: The per capita rate (per 100,000 residents) is crucial for understanding which states face the most severe challenges relative to their population size. States like California, Vermont, Oregon, and Hawaii have historically shown the highest rates, while rates vary dramatically across different regions.
Why the Expected Increase: The numbers are expected to rise significantly next month. This could be due to:
- Upcoming release of the January 2025 Point-in-Time count
- Economic pressures (housing costs, inflation)
- Expiration of pandemic-era protections and assistance programs
- Seasonal factors affecting the visibility of the homeless population
