US Homelessness Expected to Increase by 18% in 2024, According to HUD Report
Federal authorities attributed the rise in homelessness to several factors, including a shortage of affordable housing, severe natural disasters, and an influx of illegal immigration.
The homeless population in the United States increased by 18.1 percent from 2023 to 2024, as reported by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on December 27.
Federal officials have cited the shortage of affordable housing, severe natural disasters, and increased migration across various regions as reasons for this uptick.
The report further notes that rent prices have “stabilized” since January 2024, and HUD has successfully added 435,000 new rental units as of September 2024.
This year’s increase in homelessness follows a 12 percent rise recorded in 2023, which was largely attributed to individuals experiencing homelessness for the first time. This earlier increase was linked to rising rent prices and the cessation of pandemic-related assistance.
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This year saw a nearly 40 percent surge in family homelessness, with around 150,000 children experiencing homelessness for at least one night in 2024, marking a 33 percent year-over-year increase for this demographic alone. HUD reported that family homelessness more than doubled in cities affected by illegal immigration, including Denver, New York City, and Chicago.
The report does not differentiate between homeless immigrants and homeless U.S. citizens.
In Hawaii, thousands remain without homes due to the aftermath of the Maui fires, with HUD noting that over 5,200 individuals were found living in disaster emergency shelters during this year’s survey.
Homelessness rates varied significantly by state and city. Maine experienced the most substantial decline in homelessness from 2023 to 2024, with a decrease of 20.9 percent, while Florida recorded the most significant long-term decline, with a drop of 28 percent from 2007 to 2024.
HUD also reported a decrease in veteran homelessness, which now stands at 32,882, representing a nearly 8 percent year-over-year drop and the “lowest number on record.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
