Nearly 650,000 people across the United States are homeless, with the top three states accounting for almost half of the total homeless population in the country.
Population data from the US Census Bureau in 2023 and cited by Lending Tree indicated that there were 649,535 homeless people across the country. That figure is up by 12.42% from 2022 and 15.54% from 2019. However, the figures are likely considerably higher than what the report indicated due to the difficulty in definitely counting the number of homeless people in the country.
The report found that states where housing is more expensive are likely to have a higher proportion of homeless people. However, other factors, such as drug use or health problems, can also cause homelessness, per Insider Monkey.
The top three states with the highest number of homeless people are California, Florida, and New York. The states have a combined total of 315,000 homeless people, accounting for nearly half of the total homeless population in the US.
By city, however, here are those with the highest number of homeless people in the country.
Eugene, Oregon
Homeless People per 100,000 Residents: 432
Eugene tops the list of the cities with the highest homeless population per capita in the US. The city has about 432 homeless people per 100,000 residents. The analysis found that 73% of homeless people in the city live unsheltered.
Los Angeles, California
Homeless People per 100,000 Residents: 397
In Los Angeles, there are 397 homeless people per 100,000 residents. As of 2019, California recorded a deficit of 1.4 million affordable homes relative to the demand. This has led some Los Angeles residents to take matters into their own hands, building structures or installing planters to prevent the return of homeless encampments on their property, according to ABC 7.
New York City, New York
Homeless People per 100,000 Residents: 394
New York City is listed as the third city with the highest number of homeless people in the country, with 394 homeless people per 100,000 residents. In 2019, at least 3,600 individuals experienced unsheltered homelessness or sleeping in public spaces.
San Jose, California
Homeless People per 100,000 Residents: 363
San Jose has 363 homeless people per 100,000 residents, on average. Per a 2022 homeless census report, roughly a third of the city's homeless population is unable to work. That being said, 41% of homeless individuals are looking for jobs.
Seattle, Washington
Homeless People per 100,000 Residents: 349
Seattle has the fifth-highest rate of homelessness per capita in the country. The city accounts for roughly half of the city's homeless population.
