An estimated 771,480 people were homeless on a single night in January 2024, rising 18 percent from 2023, according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), in an annual U.S. homelessness assessment. This translates to about 23 in every 10,000 people in the country, home to the world’s biggest economy.
Homelessness in the United States has hit a new record, with a sharp 18% rise in 2024 compared to the previous year. A government report by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) revealed that over 770,000 people were homeless on a single night in January. Experts say the primary drivers of U.S. homelessness are skyrocketing housing costs, stagnant wages, natural disasters, and a surge in migrants in certain cities.
The report highlights that family homelessness saw the steepest increase, jumping nearly 40%. In 13 cities like New York, Denver, and Chicago, the arrival of migrants significantly worsened the situation. Children are also among the hardest hit, with 150,000 experiencing homelessness—a 33% rise since 2023.
High housing costs remain a major challenge. The median rent in January 2024 was 20% higher than three years ago. It significantly leaves many families unable to afford stable housing. Black Americans are overrepresented among the homeless, making up 32% of the homeless population despite being only 12% of the U.S. population.
“No American should face homelessness,” HUD Agency head Adrianne Todman said in a statement. She also added that the focus should remain on “evidence-based efforts to prevent and end homelessness.”
Some bright spots exist, however. Homelessness among veterans dropped by 8%, thanks to targeted investments in housing and support programs. Cities like Los Angeles and Dallas also reported small declines in their homelessness numbers due to increased housing initiatives.
Natural disasters, like the devastating Maui wildfire in 2023, have displaced thousands, adding to the crisis. At the same time, many communities are enforcing stricter bans on outdoor sleeping. These bans lead to growing debates about whether such policies criminalize homelessness.
Housing advocates stress the need for investment in affordable housing and support programs to address the crisis. “With the right policies and funding, we can reverse this trend,” said Ann Oliva, CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness.
