In this article, we look at the 25 States with the Largest Homeless Populations in the US.
Rise in U.S. Homelessness
According to the 2023 annual homelessness assessment report by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, approximately 653,100 individuals or about 20 per 10,000 people in the United States are experiencing homelessness. Of these, 60% are in sheltered homelessness, while 40% are unsheltered. Homelessness increased by 12% nationwide in 2023 compared to the previous year. The year 2023 recorded the highest number of people experiencing homelessness, with a 16% rise in families with children and an 11% rise in individuals. Urban areas account for 59% of the homeless population, whereas suburban and rural areas represent 23% and 18% of the homeless population respectively.
Families with children represent 28% of the homeless population, with a 16% increase in 2023 compared to the previous year. The number of unaccompanied youth under the age of 25 increased by 15% to over 34,700, comprising 22% of all homeless individuals under the age of 25. African Americans along with indigenous people including Native Americans and Pacific Islanders are among the highest homeless population. African Americans represent 13% of the total population in the United States and account for 37% of the homeless population and 50% of homeless families with children. The number of homeless individuals identifying as Asian American saw the largest percentage increase, rising by 40% in 2023 compared to the previous year. There is a 64% increase in unsheltered homelessness among this group. Homelessness in Hispanics or Latinos increased by 28% and represents a 55% increase in 2023 compared to the previous year. The national inventory of beds for the homeless increased by 7% in 2023 compared to the previous year, there has been a significant growth in emergency shelter beds, particularly facility-based beds.
The rise in homelessness can be attributed to several interconnected factors, including the lack of affordable housing and increased rents. These issues create a housing crisis where many individuals and families cannot find or maintain stable housing. The shortage of affordable options forces people into homelessness, the affordable housing market has experienced significant growth in recent years. According to the Business Research Company, the market is valued at $57.62 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $71.13 billion by 2028, with a forecasted CAGR of 5.4%.
A Top Provider of Affordable Housing
American Homes 4 Rent (NYSE:AMH) also referred to as AMH is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that specializes in the acquisition, renovation, leasing, and management of single-family homes, which are rented out as residential properties. American Homes 4 Rent (NYSE:AMH) is a large-scale integrated owner, operator, and developer of single-family rental homes in the United States and plays a vital role in housing needs, particularly for those seeking affordable and stable housing options.
On July 10, American Homes 4 Rent (NYSE:AMH), reported that the company delivered its 10,000th new home since it launched its development program in 2017 and has been recognized by Builder Magazine as the 39th largest homebuilder in the United States as the 2024 Builder 100 List. American Homes 4 Rent (NYSE:AMH) delivered 2,317 homes in 2023 and plans to deliver an additional 2,200 to 2,400 homes by the end of 2024. The company has built and managed over 170 single-family rental communities nationwide and has a land pipeline of more than 10,000 lots in various stages of development. Commenting on the event Chief Executive Officer of American Homes 4 Rent (NYSE:AMH) David Singelyn said:
“AMH is focused on building quality rental homes and scalable communities across the country that add single-family housing supply in high-demand regions that need this product most. As we look ahead to the delivery of our next 10,000 homes, we remain committed to positively contributing to the national housing landscape and the economic development of markets across the U.S.”
There has been a rise in homelessness across the United States, with significant increases observed among families with children, unaccompanied youth, and various racial and ethnic groups. Addressing the surge in unsheltered individuals and the alarming growth will require a comprehensive approach, with that in context let’s take a look at the 25 states with the largest homeless populations in the US.
25 States with the Largest Homeless Populations in the US
Our Methodology
To compile our list of 25 states with the largest homeless populations in the US, we consulted The 2023 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report by The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. We used the latest data available in their dataset, which provided us with estimates of people experiencing homelessness in every state in the United States. Here is the list of 25 states with the largest homeless populations in the US listed in ascending order according to the total number of homeless people.
Note: We included Washington, D.C. in our rankings because it has one of the largest homeless populations in the US.
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25 States with the Largest Homeless Populations in the US
25. Wisconsin
Total Homeless Population: 4,861
The state of Wisconsin is a major manufacturing and agriculture center. The homeless population in Wisconsin is estimated to be 4,861. Wisconsin has a rate of 8 homeless individuals per 10,000.
24. Washington, D.C.
Total Homeless Population: 4,922
Washington, D.C. is a non-state territory and is the capital of the United States. Washington, D.C. is surrounded by the state of Maryland on the northwest, and southeast and by the state of Virginia. Current estimates show that 4,922 people in Washington, D.C. are homeless.
23. Maryland
Total Homeless Population: 5,865
The state of Maryland is strategically located near Washington D.C. and known for its economic and educational opportunities. Estimates suggest that Maryland has a homeless population of 5,865. 10 out of every 10,000 individuals are currently homeless in Maryland.
22. Indiana
Total Homeless Population: 6,017
Indiana is a state located in the Midwestern region of the U.S. Estimates suggest that Indiana has a homeless population of 6,017. Nine out of every 10,000 individuals are currently homeless in Indiana.
21. Hawaii
Total Homeless Population: 6,223
Hawaii is an island state of the United States located in the Pacific Ocean, about 2,000 miles southwest of the United States. Homelessness in Hawaii affects 43 out of every 10,000 people. Recent data indicates that there are 6,223 homeless individuals in Hawaii.
20. Missouri
Total Homeless Population: 6,708
Missouri is famous for the Ozark Mountains and the Mississippi River. Homelessness in Missouri affects 11 out of every 10,000 people. Estimates suggest that Missouri has a homeless population of 6,708.
19. Virginia
Total Homeless Population: 6,761
Virginia is a southeastern state in the United States. Current estimates show that 6,761 people in Virginia are homeless. Eight out of every 10,000 individuals are currently homeless in Virginia.
18. Minnesota
Total Homeless Population: 8,393
The state of Minnesota is known for its cultural diversity and vibrant arts scene. Minnesota has a rate of 15 homeless individuals per 10,000 people. 8,393 people in Minnesota are estimated to be homeless according to recent statistics.
17. Michigan
Total Homeless Population: 8,997
Michigan has a rich cultural heritage, including significant contributions to music and art. The total number of homeless people in Michigan is estimated to be 8,997. Michigan has a rate of 9 homeless individuals per 10,000 people.
16. Tennessee
Total Homeless Population: 9,215
The state of Tennessee has a strong cultural influence, especially in music and cuisine. Tennessee has a rate of 13 homeless individuals per 10,000 people. Recent data indicates that there are 9,215 homeless individuals in Tennessee.
15. North Carolina
Total Homeless Population: 9,754
North Carolina is known for its beautiful coastlines and the Blue Ridge Mountains. North Carolina has a rate of 9 homeless individuals per 10,000 people. Estimates suggest that North Carolina has a homeless population of 9,754.
14. New Jersey
Total Homeless Population: 10,264
New Jersey is a northeastern state in the United States and has 130 miles of the Atlantic coast.
Homelessness in New Jersey affects 11 out of every 10,000 people. The total number of homeless people in New Jersey is estimated to be 10,264.
13. Ohio
Total Homeless Population: 11,386
Ohio lies in the midwestern region of the United States. Estimates suggest that Ohio has a homeless population of 11,386. Around 10 out of every 10,000 individuals are currently homeless in Ohio.
12. Illinois
Total Homeless Population: 11,947
Illinois is known for its architectural marvels and historical sites. Illinois has a rate of 9 homeless individuals per 10,000 people. The homeless population in Illinois is estimated to be 11,947.
11. Georgia
Total Homeless Population: 12,294
Georgia is known for its peaches and pecans. Georgia has a rate of 11 homeless individuals per 10,000 people. Around 12,294 people in Georgia are estimated to be homeless according to recent statistics.
10. Pennsylvania
Total Homeless Population: 12,556
Pennsylvania is the fifth-most populous state also known as the chocolate capital of the United States. Recent data indicates that there are 12,556 homeless individuals in Pennsylvania and 10 out of every 10,000 individuals are currently homeless in Pennsylvania.
9. Arizona
Total Homeless Population: 14,237
Arizona is the sunniest state in the United States and is known for its desert landscapes and the Grand Canyon. Homelessness in Arizona affects 19 out of every 10,000 people. Current estimates show that 14,237 people in Arizona are homeless.
8. Colorado
Total Homeless Population: 14,439
The state of Colorado is renowned for its natural beauty and vibrant cultural scene. In 2023, homelessness in Colorado increased by 4,042 individuals compared to the previous year, representing a 38.9% rise. Colorado has a rate of 25 homeless individuals per 10,000 people. Estimates suggest that Colorado has a homeless population of 14,439.
7. Massachusetts
Total Homeless Population: 19,141
Massachusetts is home to prestigious universities like Harvard and MIT. In Massachusetts, it is estimated that there are 19,141 homeless people. Massachusetts has a rate of 27 homeless individuals per 10,000 people.
6. Oregon
Total Homeless Population: 20,142
Oregon is known for its diverse landscapes from coastal regions. Homelessness in Oregon affects 48 out of every 10,000 people. Around 20,142 people in Oregon are estimated to be homeless according to recent statistics.
5. Texas
Total Homeless Population: 27,377
Texas is the second largest state in the United States and is known for its vast landscapes and vibrant cities like Houston and Austin. The homeless population in Texas is estimated to be 27,377. About 9 out of every 10,000 individuals are currently homeless in Texas.
4. Washington
Total Homeless Population: 28,036
Washington is the westernmost state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. Homelessness in Washington affects 36 out of every 10,000 people. In Washington, it is estimated that there are 28,036 homeless people.
3. Florida
Total Homeless Population: 30,756
Florida is known for its sunny beaches and theme parks and is a major tourist destination. In Florida, homelessness increased by 4,797 individuals in 2023 compared to the previous year, representing an 18.5% rise. Florida has a rate of 14 homeless individuals per 10,000 people and 30,756 people in Florida are estimated to be homeless according to recent statistics.
2. New York
Total Homeless Population: 103,200
New York is a major cultural and financial hub and has a major impact on global finance and media. New York accounted for 16% of the homeless population, totaling 103,200 individuals. In 2023, homelessness in New York increased by 29,022 individuals, marking a 39.1% rise compared to the previous year. Homelessness in New York affects 52 out of every 10,000 people.
1. California
Total Homeless Population: 181,399
California is the third-largest and the most populated state in the United States. The state has a strong economy leading in technology, entertainment, and agriculture. California accounts for 28% of the entire homeless population in the United States with almost 181,399 people according to a recent report. In 2023, California experienced the second-largest increase in homelessness, with a rise of 5.8% compared to the previous year. It is estimated that 46 out of every 10,000 individuals are currently homeless in California. California accounted for 49% of all unsheltered homeless people in the United States, totaling 123,423 individuals, with 68% of them experiencing homelessness outdoors.
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