American Homeless Population Statistics

Establishing the number of homeless persons remains a challenge.

Establishing an accurate number for the homeless population in America is complicated. Studies from reputable organizations report varying percentages. Homelessness as a subject matter is a contributing factor to this inconsistent reporting. The numbers of homeless fluctuate daily, with an estimated 56 percent living in shelters. Accurate statistics are impossible and can only be estimated based on educated guesses and sample population reporting.

Types

The two main types of homeless in America can be generally defined as chronic and transitional. Chronically homeless people make up around 23 percent of the homeless population and are specifically defined as disabled persons who have been persistently homeless for more than 1 year or who have been repeatedly homeless within the past 3 years. According to the Bush administration, the number of chronically homeless people dropped 30 percent from 2005 to 2007. The transitional homeless can be defined as individuals and families who are without housing for a specific and generally shorter period of time.

Identification

Families constitute around 41 percent of America's homeless. Of the remaining 59 percent, between 23 and 40 percent are veterans, and persons with mental illness make up around 25 percent. One study in Los Angeles determined that women constitute 49 percent of America's homeless population. This same study reports that children under the age of 18 represent 39 percent of the overall homeless population.

Function

Homeless statistics are generally based on an average of reporting counties who determine their statistics by the number of homeless living in shelters on a given night. Comprehensive national studies are rare and become dated by the time the results are published. Government reports may be slanted based on partisanship and other factors, while accurate independent information is complicated by lack of organization.

Geography

Homelessness Counts published a comprehensive study in 2005 highlighting Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii and Idaho as among the states with the highest homeless population per capita. Other states with a high homeless population are Nevada, Rhode Island, Oregon and Washington, according to this study.

Significance

Developing a more accurate estimation of the number of homeless living in America should be a priority. Underestimating the homeless population is a mistake that will significantly impact future social services procurement as well as the overall response from the general population. Having one study report that 744,000 persons were homeless in January 2005 while another reported that 3.5 million were homeless creates too large a margin for error.

Resources

• LAHSC: Homeless Statistics
• End Homelessness: Homeless Information