Homelessness in the United States surged by 18.1% in 2024, reaching a record level, according to federal officials. This dramatic rise is largely attributed to the lack of affordable housing,
compounded by devastating natural disasters and an influx of migrants in certain regions. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) reported that more than 770,000 individuals were counted as homeless during a single night in January 2024, a figure that likely underestimates the true scale of the crisis since it does not account for people temporarily staying with friends or family.
This increase follows a 12% rise in homelessness in 2023, which HUD linked to escalating rents and the expiration of pandemic-era assistance programs. Many individuals experiencing homelessness in recent years have been doing so for the first time. Vulnerable populations have faced significant challenges as government supports, such as eviction moratoriums, ended while housing costs continued to climb. According to the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies, a record number of renters are now cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of their income on housing.
“More people than ever need help paying rent. More people than ever are becoming homeless for the first time,” the National Alliance to End Homelessness stated in response to the HUD report. Overall, the numbers indicate that 23 out of every 10,000 people in the U.S. are experiencing homelessness, with Black Americans disproportionately represented among this population.
HUD Deputy Secretary Adrianne Todman emphasized the importance of evidence-based efforts to address homelessness, stating, “No American should face homelessness.” However, the report, based on data collected nearly a year ago, may not fully reflect current circumstances. For example, while migrant apprehensions at the U.S.-Mexico border reached record highs in late 2023, they have since declined.
Family Homelessness on the Rise
One of the most alarming trends is a nearly 40% increase in family homelessness, which has been particularly pronounced in cities significantly affected by the arrival of migrants. Family homelessness more than doubled in 13 communities, including Denver, Chicago, and New York City, while increasing by less than 8% in the remaining 373 communities. Nearly 150,000 children were reported as homeless during the January 2024 count, a 33% rise from the previous year.
Natural disasters have also contributed to the rise in homelessness. For instance, the catastrophic Maui wildfire, the deadliest U.S. wildfire in over a century, left more than 5,200 people in emergency shelters on the night of the count.
“Increased homelessness is the tragic, yet predictable, consequence of underinvesting in the resources and protections that help people find and maintain safe, affordable housing,” said Renee Willis, interim CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition. “Sky-high housing costs continue to push more people into homelessness.”
Tighter Enforcement of Camping Bans
As homelessness has risen, many communities have adopted stricter measures against outdoor camping. Western states, in particular, have enforced bans on tent encampments following a 2023 Supreme Court decision allowing such measures. Homelessness advocates argue that criminalizing outdoor sleeping punishes those who have no alternative, while supporters of the bans cite safety and sanitation concerns.
Positive Developments: Declining Veteran Homelessness
There was some positive news in the 2024 report, as homelessness among veterans declined by 8% to 32,882. The decrease was even more pronounced for unsheltered veterans, with an 11% drop to 13,851. Ann Oliva, CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness, highlighted this success as a model for broader efforts, emphasizing the need for bipartisan support, adequate funding, and effective policies to tackle homelessness nationwide.
Cities Making Progress
Several cities reported declines in homelessness. Dallas achieved a 16% reduction in its homeless population between 2022 and 2024 by revamping its homeless response system. Similarly, Los Angeles saw a 5% decrease in unsheltered homelessness since 2023 by increasing housing availability for unhoused individuals. However, California, the most populous state, continues to lead the nation in the number of homeless individuals, followed by New York, Washington, Florida, and Massachusetts.
A Decade of Progress Reversed
The sharp increases in homelessness in 2023 and 2024 contrast sharply with progress made during the previous decade. From 2010 to 2017, the U.S. homeless population declined from approximately 637,000 to 554,000, largely due to targeted federal investments, particularly in housing for veterans. The recent surge underscores the urgent need for renewed and expanded efforts to address the country’s housing affordability crisis and ensure stable housing for all Americans.
