Lisa O
In January 2022, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) reported that approximately 582,462 people were experiencing homelessness on a single night. This number marked a slight increase from previous years, reflecting ongoing challenges in addressing homelessness across the country. Below are 22 U.S. cities with some of the highest homeless populations, highlighting the severity of the issue nationwide.
Eugene, Oregon
Eugene is known for its high homelessness rate, with about 432 homeless people per 100,000 residents. According to the Lane County 2022 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, around 2,690 adults aged 25-64 were experiencing homelessness, and nearly 44% were chronically homeless. Additionally, about 73% of Eugene’s homeless population lives unsheltered, one of the highest rates in the country.
Sacramento, California
Sacramento County’s homeless population increased by 67% between 2019 and 2022, reaching 9,278 people. A significant 72% of these individuals were unsheltered, giving Sacramento one of the highest unsheltered rates in the nation. Chronic homelessness in the area also more than doubled during this period.
(Based on report by Sacramento Steps Forward)
San Diego, California
San Diego County reported a homeless population of 10,264 in 2022, marking a new record. The number of unsheltered individuals rose by 26%, with 5,171 people living without shelter. A particularly concerning trend is the 46% increase in homelessness among seniors, with 29% of the homeless population being 55 or older.
New York City, New York
As of 2022, New York City had the largest homeless population in the U.S., with around 63,000 people living in shelters. In 2019, about 3,600 individuals were unsheltered, using streets or public transit as their primary shelter. New York City consistently ranks as one of the top cities grappling with homelessness due to its dense population and housing challenges.
(Based on a report by Coalition For The Homeless)
Las Vegas, Nevada
Southern Nevada, which includes Las Vegas, estimated that 13,972 people experienced homelessness at some point in 2022. The region’s Black community is disproportionately affected, with 37% of the homeless population identifying as Black, despite making up only 12% of the overall population.
(Based on a report by Nevada Current)
Topeka, Kansas
The 2023 Point-in-Time Homeless Count for Topeka and Shawnee County recorded 537 homeless individuals, a 30% increase from the previous year. The data revealed that 62% of the homeless population in Topeka are men, underscoring the need for increased support and resources.
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles County reported about 397 homeless people per 100,000 residents. In 2022, the county increased its shelter bed capacity by 68%, with 26,245 beds available. Programs have helped over 21,000 people each year find permanent housing since 2020, but the city still faces a massive homelessness crisis.
St. Joseph, Missouri
St. Joseph has a high per capita homelessness rate, with Black residents being disproportionately represented—40% of the homeless population is Black, compared to 14% of the county’s total population. White residents, who make up 79% of the overall population, account for 52% of the homeless population.
(Based on a report by National Heath Care for the Homeless Council)
Denver, Colorado
Denver’s homeless population increased from 5,728 in 2016 to 9,065 in 2023. The number of unsheltered homeless individuals rose by 247% between 2017 and 2023. Additionally, new cases of homelessness and chronic homelessness grew significantly, highlighting the city’s ongoing struggles.
(Based on a report by Common Sense Institute)
Fresno, California
Fresno has one of the highest rates of homelessness in the U.S., with 216 homeless individuals per 100,000 residents. The 2022 PIT count showed that 63% of the homeless population in Fresno and Madera counties were men, and the majority were between 18 and 63 years old.
Colorado Springs, Colorado
The 2022 PIT count in Colorado Springs recorded 1,406 homeless individuals, a decrease from previous years despite the city’s growing population. The proportion of unsheltered homeless dropped from 33.1% in 2018 to 19% in 2022, reflecting the impact of new policies and shelters.
Spokane, Washington
Spokane’s rising homelessness is largely due to the shortage of affordable housing. In 2022, a survey found that 20% of homeless individuals cited the lack of affordable housing as the main reason for their situation. Mental illness and substance abuse also contribute significantly, with 32% of adults reporting serious mental health issues.
Battle Creek, Michigan
Battle Creek saw nearly 1,400 homeless individuals receiving assistance from local shelters in 2022. The city has implemented various initiatives, including fundraising events like the “Roof Sit” to support emergency shelters like Inasmuch House.
(Based on a report by Haven of Rest Ministries)
Stockton, California
Stockton struggles with a high per capita homelessness rate. In 2022, the city had only 1,089 shelter beds available, which was insufficient to meet demand. A new $17 million shelter project, the Pathways Modular Unit, is expected to house a significant portion of the homeless population upon completion .
(Based on a report by Stocktonia)
Tallahassee, Florida
In Tallahassee, the unsheltered homeless population increased by 60% in 2023, reaching 269 individuals. This rise reflects the growing challenges in providing stable housing and shelter for the city’s most vulnerable residents.
(Based on a report by WFSU)
Amarillo, Texas
Amarillo has a chronic homelessness rate of 10.5%, with individuals who have been homeless for over a year or have experienced multiple episodes of homelessness. The city’s efforts to reduce chronic homelessness are ongoing, with significant progress made since 2018, when the rate was over 35%.
(Based on a report by City of Amarillo, TX)
Napa, California
Napa has long struggled with homelessness, partly due to high housing costs. The city has added over 100 new shelter beds and invested in permanent supportive housing, helping over 134 chronically homeless individuals secure stable housing with social support services.
(Based Tina. report by NAPA County California)
Vallejo, California
Vallejo faces significant homelessness challenges, exacerbated by high housing costs. In March 2018, the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment was $2,195 per month. The city has been working to address this issue, but affordable housing remains a critical need.
(Based on a report by Apartments.com)
Reno-Sparks, Nevada
Reno-Sparks has approximately 254 homeless individuals per 100,000 residents. Substance abuse and mental health issues are prevalent, with about 50% of the homeless population dealing with substance abuse and 80% facing mental health challenges.
(Based on a report by City Mayors Society)
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah reported 259 homeless individuals per 100,000 residents in 2022. The Chatham-Savannah Authority for the Homeless has provided emergency shelter to 1,577 people and other essential services, helping individuals transition to stable housing.
(Based on a report by City Mayors Society)
Anchorage, Alaska
Anchorage’s homelessness rate stands at 274 individuals per 100,000 residents. The city recorded 24 homeless deaths during the winter of 2022-2023. Despite spending $161 million on homelessness since 2020, Anchorage still needs more shelter beds and housing units to meet the demand.
(Based on a report by City Mayors Society)
San Jose, California
San Jose has one of the highest per capita homeless populations in the U.S. In 2022, about a third of the homeless population could not work, while 41% were actively seeking employment. Santa Clara County’s housing programs have helped nearly 10,000 people find stable homes, but challenges remain.
(Based on a report by San Jose Spotlight)