USA: The state of homelessness

According to HUD's Annual Homelessness Report, there's been a 12 percent increase in the number of individuals experiencing homelessness on a single night in the United States in 2023 compared to the previous year, 2022. This is highest number of people reported to be experiencing homelessness on a single night since 2007 when reporting began.

The report, which is conducted every year, provides a glimpse into the number of individuals in shelters, temporary housing and unsheltered settings. More than 650,000 people were found to be experiencing homelessness on a single night in January 2023. Six in 10 people experienced homelessness in shelters while the remaining experienced unsheltered homelessness.

Demographics of Homelessness in 2023

In 2023, the report shows that people who identify as Black or Indigenous continue to be overrepresented among the population experiencing homelessness. Of the total number of those experiencing homelessness in the US, 37 percent identified as Black, African American, or African. Additionally, those who identified as Indigenous had the largest percentage increase in sheltered homelessness by 18 percent or 1,631 more people.

Of those experiencing homelessness, 72 percent experienced homelessness in households without children. More than 34,700 unaccompanied youth under the age of 25 were found to experiencing homelessness as well (a 15 percent increase from 2022). Veterans experiencing homelessness saw a 7 percent increase raising the total to 35,574 in 2023.

Continuums of Care (CoC)

According to data received from 381 CoCs, more than 52 percent of all people experiencing homelessness in the United States were located in the top 50 largest cities. This is 50,277 more people than 2022. While this may be the most notable increase, homelessness increased across all geographic categories in 2023.

The rise in homelessness also meant a rise in bed inventory. Between 2022 to 2023, bed inventory increased for those currently experiencing homelessness by 7 percent and for those formerly experiencing homelessness by 6 percent. This inventory increased across all rapid rehousing, permanent supportive housing and other permanent housing programs.

Download the full report from the HUD website