Number Of Homeless In U.S.: Trends & Top States (2025)

How Many Homeless People are in America?

Homelessness affects hundreds of thousands of people in the U.S. every year. Data collected from 2007 to 2024 shows varying numbers, with the highest recorded in 2024 for homelessness in the U.S. The lowest reported number during this period was 550,000 in 2016. The data from the past years provides a clearer picture of how this issue has evolved:

• 2007-2011: The numbers decreased slightly but remained over 620,000.
• 2012-2016: A steady decline was noted.
• 2017-2019: Minor fluctuations occurred, with numbers staying around 550,000.
• 2020-2024: A significant uptick in homelessness was observed, culminating in over 771,000 in 2024.

Which State Has the Most Homeless?

Homelessness affects every state in the U.S., but the impact varies significantly by region. According to data, California and New York have the highest number of homeless individuals, with an estimated 187,000 people experiencing homelessness in California and 158,000 in New York. This is far ahead of the next highest states, like Washington and Florida, which each have over 31,000. These numbers highlight the importance of localized solutions tailored to each state’s unique challenges.

This chart visualizes the stark differences in homelessness rates across states, offering valuable insights into regional disparities.

Analyzing Recent Trends of How Many Homeless in America 2024

The rise of the number of homeless in the U.S. in 2024 is worrying, as the count reached 771,000. Economic troubles, housing problems, and not enough support services are making things worse. This shows we urgently need to find solutions from both the government and other groups to tackle the root causes.

Homelessness trends reflect deeper systemic issues such as skyrocketing housing costs, wage stagnation, and insufficient mental health services. In 2024, rising rents in major cities and a lack of affordable housing projects exacerbated the crisis. Studies show that nearly half of all homeless individuals cited financial insecurity as a primary factor. This reinforces the need for policies that focus on economic stability and affordable housing.

What’s Being Done?

There are efforts to fight homelessness, like government funding, shelter programs, and plans for more affordable housing. But the increasing numbers show we need to do more and find better overall strategies to combat how many homeless people in America count.

While federal and state funding initiatives aim to reduce homelessness, the pace of implementation often lags behind the growing need. Programs like Housing First, which prioritize permanent housing over temporary solutions, have shown promise in reducing long-term homelessness. Expanding these programs nationwide could provide a more sustainable path to addressing the crisis.

How Can You Help to Reduce the Number of Homeless in the U.S.?

Understanding the problem is the first step to solving it. By knowing how many people are homeless and what causes it, we can push for better policies and support that truly help. Volunteering at shelters or donating to organizations that help the homeless can also make a big difference.

Supporting community initiatives can create lasting change. For example, advocating for local housing projects or participating in fundraising events for shelters helps expand resources where they are needed most. Small contributions, like donating winter clothing or hygiene supplies, can also make a tangible impact on individuals experiencing homelessness.

Conclusion

The question, "How many homeless in America?" reveals a troubling reality faced by too many people. The trends show that while there have been periods of improvement, recent years have seen a rise in homelessness. This underscores the need for continued efforts and new solutions to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to lead a stable and dignified life.