Homelessness in the United States reached a new peak in 2024, driven by factors such as persistent inflation and soaring housing costs, according to a government report released on Friday.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) revealed in its annual assessment that an estimated 771,480 people were homeless on a single night in January 2024, marking an 18% increase from 2023. This equates to approximately 23 out of every 10,000 individuals in the country, which is home to the world's largest economy.
The surge in homelessness coincided with mounting housing costs, as the median rent in January 2024 was 20% higher than in January 2021, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition.
Beyond housing affordability, HUD identified stagnating wages for middle- and lower-income households and the lingering effects of systemic racism as additional contributors. Other factors included displacement from natural disasters, increased immigration, and the conclusion of Covid-19-era homelessness prevention programs.
"Although this data reflects conditions from nearly a year ago and does not capture the current situation, it underscores the importance of evidence-based strategies to combat and prevent homelessness," said HUD Secretary Adrianne Todman.
The report also highlighted a significant increase in child homelessness, with nearly 150,000 children experiencing homelessness on a single night in January 2024 — a 33% rise compared to 2023. Children under 18 experienced the sharpest increase among all age groups.
The report noted that Black, African American, or African individuals remained disproportionately affected, comprising 32% of the homeless population despite representing only 12% of the total U.S. population.
Family homelessness saw the largest single-year growth, with migration playing a significant role in this trend.
On a positive note, homelessness among veterans fell to its lowest recorded level, reflecting progress in addressing this specific demographic's needs.
