According to the latest Annual Homelessness Assessment Report (AHAR) by The US Department of Housing and Urban Development, the homelessness crisis in the United States has reached alarming levels, with over 653,000 people experiencing homelessness as of January 2023. This marks a 12% increase from the previous year. This is also the highest number of people reported as experiencing homelessness since data collection began in 2007.
This crisis is not just a personal tragedy; it has broader social implications. Homelessness affects public health, safety, and community resources. It highlights systemic issues within society that require urgent attention and action from policymakers to create more affordable housing options and support services for those in need.
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Several factors contribute to this crisis. Affordable housing is a key issue. Many cities have seen housing costs rise dramatically, making it difficult for low-income individuals to find stable homes. Rents have increased significantly, often exceeding what many families can afford on their income.
On September 12, 2024, the US Census Bureau published the findings of the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS). The report revealed that the real median gross cost of renting, which includes rent along with the average monthly cost of utilities and fuels adjusted for inflation, increased by 3.8% in 2023. This annual increase in rental costs was the largest seen since at least 2011. This was also the first time in a decade that rental costs grew faster than real median home values, which rose by only 1.8%. From 2022 to 2023, the number of renters also rose, while median household income remained largely unchanged.
Is Homelessness Set to Rise Further?
On September 21, 2024, The Wall Street Journal reported that homelessness across the United States continues to rise, with preliminary data indicating that the number of homeless individuals has increased by about 10% since 2023. This trend places the country on track to surpass the previous record of over 653,000 homeless people. The data, gathered from over 250 homeless-service organizations, reflects conditions from a single night early this year and highlights significant increases in major cities.
The rise in homelessness is partly attributed to an influx of migrants, particularly in cities like Chicago and New York. New York City, which reported the highest count in 2023, has seen significant numbers of migrants arriving. Boston reported an 11% increase in homelessness, driven in part by the influx of migrants in Massachusetts. Chicago experienced the largest jump, with its homeless count tripling to over 18,800, and more than 70% of those counted were migrants living in shelters.
With this background in mind, let’s take a look at the 20 states with the largest homeless populations per capita.
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Methodology
To compile our list of the 20 states with the largest homeless populations per capita, we first consulted The 2023 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report (AHAR) by The US Department of Housing and Urban Development. This report provided us with the most recent estimates of homelessness at the state level, specifically as of December 2023.
Next, we turned to the United States Census Bureau for population estimates of each state as of July 2023. With this data, we calculated the number of homeless individuals per capita for each state. Finally, we ranked the 20 states with the largest homeless populations per capita in ascending order.
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20 States with the Largest Homeless Populations Per Capita
20. Tennessee
Estimated Homeless Population: 9,215
Estimated Total Population: 7,126,489
Homeless Population Per 10,000 People: 12.93
Homeless Population Per Capita: 0.001293
Tennessee is a Southeastern state that ranks among the states with the largest homeless populations per capita. According to the latest data, the rate of homelessness in Tennessee stands at 12.93 individuals per 10,000 residents.
19. Florida
Estimated Homeless Population: 30,756
Estimated Total Population: 22,610,726
Homeless Population Per 10,000 People: 13.6
Homeless Population Per Capita: 0.001360
Florida is a state in the Southeastern region of the United States and it ranks among the most populated states. It is known for its warm and sunny climate, amusement parks, and beach resorts. There are about 13.6 homeless individuals for every 10,000 people in Florida.
18. South Dakota
Estimated Homeless Population: 1,282
Estimated Total Population: 919,318
Homeless Population Per 10,000 People: 13.94
Homeless Population Per Capita: 0.001394
South Dakota, a landlocked state in the North Central region of the United States, ranks among the least populated states. According to recent estimates, there are 13.94 homeless individuals per 10,000 people in South Dakota. It ranks 18th on our list of the states with the largest homeless populations per capita.
17. Minnesota
Estimated Homeless Population: 8,393
Estimated Total Population: 5,737,915
Homeless Population Per 10,000 People: 14.62
Homeless Population Per Capita: 0.001462
Minnesota is a state in the Upper Midwestern region of the United States that shares a border with Canada. It is the 12th-largest state in the US by land area. According to recent estimates, there are about 14.62 homeless individuals for every 10,000 people in Minnesota.
16. Rhode Island
Estimated Homeless Population: 1,810
Estimated Total Population: 1,095,962
Homeless Population Per 10,000 People: 16.51
Homeless Population Per Capita: 0.001651
Rhode Island, a state in the New England region of the Northeastern United States, is the smallest state by area. It also ranks among the least populated states. According to recent estimates, there are 16.51 homeless individuals per 10,000 residents in Rhode Island.
15. New Hampshire
Estimated Homeless Population: 2,441
Estimated Total Population: 1,402,054
Homeless Population Per 10,000 People: 17.41
Homeless Population Per Capita: 0.001741
New Hampshire is a state in the New England region of the Northeastern United States that ranks among the top 15 on our list of the states with the largest homeless populations per capita. It is one of the smallest states by land area and the tenth-least populous. There are about 17.41 homeless individuals for every 10,000 people in New Hampshire.
14. New Mexico
Estimated Homeless Population: 3,842
Estimated Total Population: 2,114,371
Homeless Population Per 10,000 People: 18.17
Homeless Population Per Capita: 0.001817
New Mexico, a state in the Southwestern region of the United States, is the fifth largest state by area. According to the latest data, the rate of homelessness in the state of New Mexico stands at 18.17 individuals per 10,000 residents.
13. Arizona
Estimated Homeless Population: 14,237
Estimated Total Population: 7,431,344
Homeless Population Per 10,000 People: 19.15
Homeless Population Per Capita: 0.001915
Arizona, a state in the Southwestern region of the United States, is the sixth largest state. The state of Arizona has one of the largest percentages of people experiencing homelessness who are unsheltered. There are 19.15 homeless individuals for every 10,000 people in the state.
12. Montana
Estimated Homeless Population: 2,178
Estimated Total Population: 1,132,812
Homeless Population Per 10,000 People: 19.22
Homeless Population Per Capita: 0.001922
Montana is a landlocked state in the Mountain West subregion of the Western US. It is one of the largest states by area. Despite that, Montana is one of the least populated states in the US. The rate of homelessness in Montana stands at 19.22 individuals per 10,000 people.
11. Colorado
Estimated Homeless Population: 14,439
Estimated Total Population: 5,877,610
Homeless Population Per 10,000 People: 24.56
Homeless Population Per Capita: 0.002456
Colorado is a state in the Western United States. According to the latest data, There are about 24.56 homeless individuals for every 10,000 people in the state of Colorado. It ranks 11th on our list of the states with the largest homeless populations per capita.
10. Nevada
Estimated Homeless Population: 8,666
Estimated Total Population: 3,194,176
Homeless Population Per 10,000 People: 27.13
Homeless Population Per Capita: 0.002713
Nevada, a landlocked state in the Western region of the United States, ranks among the top 10 states with the largest homeless populations per capita. Famous for its casinos and nightlife, Nevada is one of the most visited states in the US by foreign travelers. There are about 27.13 homeless individuals for every 10,000 people in Nevada.
9. Massachusetts
Estimated Homeless Population: 19,141
Estimated Total Population: 7,001,399
Homeless Population Per 10,000 People: 27.33
Homeless Population Per Capita: 0.002733
Massachusetts is a small state in the New England region of the Northeastern US. Recent estimates indicate that Massachusetts has about 27.33 homeless individuals per 10,000 people. It is also one of the most densely populated states in the US.
8. Maine
Estimated Homeless Population: 4,258
Estimated Total Population: 1,395,722
Homeless Population Per 10,000 People: 30.5
Homeless Population Per Capita: 0.003050
Maine is the Northeasternmost state in the contiguous US. It is one of the most rural states and ranks among the states with the largest homeless populations per capita. According to the latest data, the rate of homelessness in Maine stands at 30.5 individuals per 10,000 people.
7. Alaska
Estimated Homeless Population: 2,614
Estimated Total Population: 733,406
Homeless Population Per 10,000 People: 35.64
Homeless Population Per Capita: 0.003564
Alaska is one of the two non-contiguous US states. It is located in the Northwest region of North America and it is the largest US state by area. Despite that, it is one of the least populated states. The state of Alaska has a rate of 35.64 homeless individuals per 10,000 people.
6. Washington
Estimated Homeless Population: 28,036
Estimated Total Population: 7,812,880
Homeless Population Per 10,000 People: 35.88
Homeless Population Per Capita: 0.003588
Washington State is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It ranks high among the states with the largest homeless populations per capita. There are about 35.88 homeless individuals for every 10,000 people in the State of Washington.
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