U.S. Homelessness Up 18% to 771,480 in 2024 Due to Asylum Seeker Surge, 150,000 Children Homeless

Dec 27, 2024, 07:35 PM

The United States experienced an 18.1% increase in homelessness in 2024, with 771,480 people counted as homeless, according to data released by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This marks the largest annual increase since counts began in 2007, surpassing the 12% rise from 2022 to 2023. The rise is attributed to a lack of affordable housing, devastating natural disasters, and a surge of asylum seekers in January. Nearly 150,000 children experienced homelessness, reflecting a 33% jump from last year, and family homelessness saw a nearly 40% increase. Approximately 23 out of every 10,000 people in the United States are now without permanent housing, with significant increases noted in states such as New York and Illinois.