In this article, we will be taking a look at the 25 cities with the highest homeless population per capita in the US. You can also check out our article on 20 Countries with the Lowest Homeless Population in the World.
The Rising Tide of Homelessness in the US: Causes, Impact, and Solutions
Approximately 649,535 people are homeless in the US, a 12.42% increase from 2022 and a 15.54% increase from 2019. The national rate of homelessness is approximately 19.4 people per 10,000. The top three states with the largest homeless populations are California, New York, and Florida. These states have a combined total of over 315,000 homeless individuals, which accounts for nearly half of the total homeless population in the US.
With approximately 181,399 homeless people, California has the highest number of homeless individuals in the country. The state’s high cost of living, particularly in cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, contributes to its large homeless population. The median home value in California is $715,900 which makes it difficult for low-income individuals to afford housing. York has the second-highest number of homeless people, with around 103,200 individuals. Florida has the third-largest homeless population, with about 30,756 individuals with a median home value of $354,100.
It is extremely difficult for low-income families and workers to locate affordable homes. The National Low Income Housing Coalition states that to maintain housing costs below 30% of income, a full-time worker in the US needs to make $21.25 per hour, sometimes known as the “housing wage,” to afford a single-room residence. Too high rents and excessive living expenses push a lot of low-income families into homelessness.
Tennessee State University’s Dr. Ken Chilton conducted research on how REITs affected the housing market. In low-income neighborhoods, REITs frequently take the role of landlords, raising rents to 50%–70% of inhabitants’ wages and contributing to an increase in homelessness. On the other hand, some REITs are preventing homelessness by building affordable homes and generating money for assistance and shelters.
Also check out 15 States with the Lowest Homeless Population Per Capita in the US.
Major Players Catering to the Homeless People
AvalonBay Communities, Inc. (NYSE:AVB) is a leading real estate investment trust (REIT) that has been actively involved in supporting the homeless and building strong communities through its philanthropic efforts. Since 2015, AvalonBay has been an American Red Cross Disaster Responder Partner, donating over $2 million to support the organization’s important work. The partnership includes blood donations, volunteering, CPR training, and an annual Community Preparedness Week.
In Q1 2024, AvalonBay Communities, Inc. (NYSE:AVB) reported earnings per Share (EPS) of $1.22, surpassing the estimated $1.17. Their Same Store Residential Net Operating Income (NOI) increased by 3.7% year-over-year which was driven by a 4.2% rise in revenue, even though operating expenses increased by 5.2%. The Q1 report also highlights that they are focused on executing strategic initiatives, including operating model transformation to deliver an $80 million incremental annual NOI uplift.
Similarly, Vornado Realty Trust (NYSE:VNO) also helps the homeless. While the company is not directly involved in catering to the homeless, it has significantly contributed to the community through various initiatives and partnerships. Vornado Realty Trust (NYSE:VNO has partnered with organizations like the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) to create mixed-use projects that include affordable housing units.
The company’s involvement in developing the Penn District in Manhattan is expected to contribute $6.4 billion to the local economy over the next 30 years and create more than 1,300 jobs during the construction period and 400 permanent jobs. Vornado Realty Trust (NYSE:VNO) reported a first-quarter 2024 comparable FFO, as adjusted, of $0.55 per share compared to $0.60 per share in Q1 2023, a decrease of $0.05 per share. The company expects its 2024 comparable FFO to be down from 2023 due to higher projected net interest expense of about $0.30 per share and the impact of known vacancies at properties like 1290 Avenue of the Americas, 770 Broadway, and 280 Park Avenue, which is estimated at $0.25 to $0.30 per share.
Our Methodology
We analyzed the 2022 report from the City Mayors Society to determine which 25 US cities have the largest per capita number of homeless people. We identified the top 25 cities after analyzing data for 32 cities with the greatest rates of homelessness per 100,000 inhabitants. The rankings are based on the percentage of homeless persons per 100,000 population in 2018 that changed between 2014 and 2018, and they are presented in ascending order.
Here is our list of the 25 cities with the highest homeless population per capita in the US.
25. Sacramento, California
Homeless People per 100,000 Residents: 154
The 2022 Point-in-Time Count report found that Sacramento County’s overall homeless population increased by 67% from 5,570 in 2019 to 9,278 in 2022. Of these, 72% are unsheltered, the fifth-highest percentage in the nation. The count also revealed that those reporting chronic homelessness more than doubled, with nearly 50% of those experiencing homelessness considered “chronic”. In the fiscal year 2019-20, Sacramento County housed 563 clients/households, prevented 1,431 clients/households from becoming homeless, and served 161 clients/households residing in MHSA-funded apartments. The county also provided rental assistance to 4,682 clients/households and 7,815 services utilizing MHSA housing flex funds.
24. St. Joseph, Missouri
Homeless People per 100,000 Residents: 161
St. Joseph stands among the cities with the highest homeless population per capita in the US. Demographically, Black residents are disproportionately represented among the homeless in St. Joseph County, making up 40% of the homeless population but only 14% of the overall county population. White residents account for 52% of the homeless population but 79% of county residents.
23. Topeka, Kansas
Homeless People per 100,000 Residents: 175
According to the 2024 Point in Time Homeless Count, the number of people experiencing homelessness in Topeka and Shawnee County has jumped by 30% compared to 2023, reaching 537 individuals and 442 households. The count revealed that 62% of the homeless population in Topeka are male.
22. Battle Creek, Michigan
Homeless People per 100,000 Residents: 175
Battle Creek, Michigan is one of the US cities with the highest homeless population. The Haven of Rest, a local shelter organization, served nearly 1,400 individuals and provided over 35,000 bed nights of shelter in 2022. Additionally, the organization’s “Roof Sit” event aims to raise funds for Inasmuch House, Battle Creek’s emergency shelter for children, single women, and families. The median property value in Battle Creek was $138,700 in 2022, and the homeownership rate stood at 71.7%.
21. Denver, Colorado
Homeless People per 100,000 Residents: 181
The total homeless population in the Denver metro area increased from 5,728 in 2016 to 9,065 in 2023 which is a 58% increase. The unsheltered homeless population in Denver grew by 247% between 2017 and 2023, with one in three individuals experiencing homelessness being unsheltered in 2023. The number of newly homeless individuals in Denver grew by 240% between 2017 and 2023, while the chronically homeless population grew by 305% during the same period.
20. Visalia, California
Homeless People per 100,000 Residents: 208
Visalia stands twentieth among the cities with the highest homeless population per capita in the US. The Visalia Warming Center, located at 701 East Race Avenue, provides shelter for up to 72 individuals per night during the winter months. In January 2023, the center served 1,685 clients, including 72 single women, 43 senior citizens, and 69 individuals with severe disabilities. The city of Visalia is also in the process of building a 100-bed homeless shelter, with $5 million in funding allocated to Community Services Employment Training (CSET) for the development and operation of the facility.
19. Colorado Springs, Colorado
Homeless People per 100,000 Residents: 210
The 2022 Point-in-Time (PIT) count identified 1,406 homeless people in Colorado Springs, lower than in three of the five prior years despite population growth. The Colorado Springs’ unsheltered homeless rate (people living outdoors) has also declined significantly from 33.1% in 2018 to 19% in 2022 which suggests effective policies and shelter supply. The $18 million expansion of the Springs Rescue Mission which is the city’s largest homeless shelter, increased its capacity from 37 to 450 beds, addressing the previous undersupply of shelter space.
18. Fresno, California
Homeless People per 100,000 Residents: 216
There were 216 homeless people per 100,000 residents in Fresno which places Fresno among the US cities with the highest homeless population. The 2023 PIT count revealed that 63% of the homeless population in Fresno and Madera counties were men, while 36% were women, and 1% identified as transgender or non-binary. Approximately 85% of the homeless population fell within the age range of 18 to 63 years old, with 9% being children under 19 and 6% being 64 or older.
17. Spokane, Washington
Homeless People per 100,000 Residents: 217
One of the primary reasons for the rise in homelessness in Spokane is the lack of affordable housing. According to the survey, 20% of unsheltered individuals cited a lack of affordable housing as the primary reason for their homelessness. Another contributing factor is the prevalence of mental illness and substance abuse among the homeless population. The survey found that 32% (704) of adults reported having a serious mental illness, and 12% stated drug abuse as a primary factor for their homelessness. The City of Spokane spent $26 million on homelessness in 2022 which is a significant increase from less than $10 million in 2018.
16. Stockton, California
Homeless People per 100,000 Residents: 224
Stockton, California, has one of the highest rates of homelessness per capita in the United States. While Stockton has made efforts to increase shelter capacity, the demand for beds still outstrips the supply. As of 2022, the city had only 1,089 shelter beds available. The city’s new $17 million shelter project, the Pathways Modular Unit, is under construction and aims to house around 300 individuals or a third of Stockton’s homeless population.
15. Napa, California
Homeless People per 100,000 Residents: 231
Napa has been facing homelessness issues for a long time now. The city has been trying to combat homelessness through various initiatives which include expanding shelter capacity by adding over 100 new shelter beds and investing in permanent supportive housing, resulting in over 134 formerly chronically homeless people moving into permanent housing with social support services.
14. Tallahassee, Florida
Homeless People per 100,000 Residents: 236
Tallahassee stands among the cities with the most homeless people in the US. The most significant increase in homelessness was in the unsheltered homeless population, which saw a 60% rise to 269 individuals in 2023 which consists of those sleeping in encampments or vehicles.
13. Amarillo, Texas
Homeless People per 100,000 Residents: 250
10.5% of the homeless population in Amarillo is considered “chronically” homeless which is defined as individuals with a disability who have been homeless for more than a year or have experienced homelessness multiple times. Only 4 individuals (0.7%) experiencing homelessness were reported to be veterans. In 2018, Amarillo reported a chronic homelessness rate of over 35%.
12. Vallejo, California
Homeless People per 100,000 Residents: 254
Expensive housing is one of the reasons for homelessness in Vallejo. According to the Solano County Health Status Report, the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Vallejo reached $2,195 by March 2018, a substantial increase from previous years. Additionally, 94% of households earning less than $20,000 annually spent more than 30% of their income on rent which indicates a severe housing affordability issue. This makes Vallejo stand among the cities with the highest number of homeless people in the US.
11. Reno-Sparks, Nevada
Homeless People per 100,000 Residents: 254
Reno-Sparks had around 254 homeless people per 100,000 residents. Substance abuse and mental health issues significantly contribute to homelessness. Approximately 50% of the homeless population in Washoe County struggles with substance abuse, and 80% have mental health issues. Around 329 people were living unsheltered (car or tent) in Washoe County in 2023.
