US Homelessness 2-8-26

As of early 2026, the most recently finalized national data indicates that 771,480 people experienced homelessness in the United States on a single night in January 2024. This figure represents an 18% increase over 2023, the highest number recorded since the data collection began in 2007. 

While the comprehensive HUD report for the 2025/2026 count (Point-in-Time survey) is usually released in December, preliminary data and local counts in early 2026 suggest a potential shift in this trend:  

Potential Decline in 2025/2026: A survey of local data from 2025 (compiled in January 2026) suggests a potential decrease of roughly 3% to 7% in homelessness from the 2024 peak.

Regional Variances: Despite potential nationwide declines, some areas, such as Oregon, reported a 35% growth in homelessness since 2023.

Primary Drivers: Rising rent prices, a lack of affordable housing, poverty, and unemployment remain the primary causes of the high, though potentially cooling, numbers. 

The official 2025/2026 data is expected to be formally released by HUD later in the year, as reports on the 2025 data were still not finalized as of late January 2026. 

National homelessness data for 2026 is currently being finalized following the January 2026 Point-in-Time (PIT) count. Early indicators for 2026 suggest a possible decline in overall numbers, though figures remain near historical highs. 

Current Estimates and Trends

Most Recent Official Count (January 2024): The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) reported a record 771,480 individuals experiencing homelessness, an 18% increase from 2023.

Early 2025/2026 Indicators: A January 2026 analysis of preliminary data suggests a potential national decline of 3% to 5% compared to previous record levels. Significant drops were noted in cities like , Denver (25%), and Washington, D.C. (9%).

Targeted Reductions: The U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) set a goal to reduce total homelessness by 25% by the 2025 PIT count (targeting fewer than 437,000 people), though data from 2024–2025 suggests actual numbers remained well above this target. 

Key Demographic Findings (2024–2025)

Families and Children: This group saw the largest increase (39%) between 2023 and 2024, with approximately 150,000 children experiencing homelessness on a given night.

Older Adults: Individuals aged 65 and older are the fastest-growing segment of the unhoused population.

Chronic Homelessness: Roughly one in three unhoused individuals (152,585 people) are considered chronically homeless, meaning they have a disability and have been homeless for over a year or repeatedly.

Veterans: A notable success area, veteran homelessness declined by 8% between 2023 and 2024 due to targeted federal investment. 

Factors Influencing 2026 Numbers

Local officials and organizations like the National Alliance to End Homelessness cite several drivers for these shifts: 

Positive Drivers: A waning "asylum seeker crisis" in major cities and increased shelter capacity.

Negative Drivers: Persistent shortages of affordable housing, the expiration of pandemic-era rental assistance, and a 30% cap on federal permanent housing investments introduced in late 2025. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=how+many+individuals+in+the+us+are+homeless+in+2026+google

Comments

Housing subsidies went to Illegals while US Homelessness was ignored in Sanctuary Cities. The peak in 2024 at 771,480 is stunning.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader