The United States experienced a record surge in homelessness this year, with 771,480 people counted as homeless on a single night in January 2024, according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This marks an 18 percent increase from 2023 and reflects significant challenges posed by inflation, soaring housing costs, and other systemic issues.
The figures equate to approximately 23 out of every 10,000 Americans, highlighting the pressures faced even in the world’s largest economy.
HUD’s annual assessment pointed to a 20 percent rise in median rents since January 2021 as a key driver, alongside stagnating wages for middle- and lower-income households. The report also flagged the lasting impact of systemic racism, natural disasters, increased immigration, and the expiration of pandemic-era homelessness prevention programs as contributing factors.
Children under 18 were the fastest-growing demographic among the homeless, with nearly 150,000 children recorded as homeless in January 2024—a staggering 33 percent rise from 2023. Families with children saw the steepest increase in homelessness overall, driven partly by migration and economic strain.
The report underscored the disproportionate impact of homelessness on Black Americans. While they represent just 12 percent of the U.S. population, they accounted for 32 percent of the homeless population.
Meanwhile, homelessness among veterans fell to the lowest level on record, reflecting ongoing targeted efforts to address this issue.
