Since 2016 "chronic homelessness" has increased by 65% in the country. A U.S. News report revealed that last year, 40% of all homeless people were unsheltered, meaning they slept in tents, on the streets or in vehicles.
Cities, especially those in warmer climates, have higher rates of homelessness than smaller rural areas.
The main problem: lack of affordable housing
The U.S. Conference of Mayors pointed to the lack of affordable housing as the main problem. It also pointed out that there is a strong relationship between high rates of homelessness and mental health problems or substance abuse. However, experts claim that high housing costs have a more direct relationship to the increase in homelessness.
The shortage of affordable housing in urban centers, coupled with high inflation, has contributed to many abandoning their homes. Six of the 10 cities with the most homelessness are in California:
1. Los Angeles
In Los Angeles, the homeless population is 65,111. The estimated homelessness rate is 16.9 per 1,000 inhabitants. On the other hand, from 2020 to 2022, the percentage of homeless inhabitants increased by 2%.
2. New York
The homeless population in New York is 61,840. The estimated homelessness rate is 7.3 per 1,000 people. However, despite these figures, the city has experienced a 21% decrease in homelessness.
3. Seattle
In Seattle, 13,368 people are homeless. The estimated rate of homelessness is 18.2 per 1,000 inhabitants. From 2020 to 2022, the percentage of homeless people increased by 14%.
4. San Jose, Calif.
San Jose, Calif., has 10,028 homeless inhabitants. The estimated rate of people living on the street is 10.2 per 1,000 people, and from 2020 to 2022, the percentage of homeless people increased by 4%.
5. Oakland, Calif.
The homeless population in Oakland, Calif., is 9,747. The estimated rate of homelessness is 22.5 per 1,000, which is the highest rate on the list. From 2020 to 2022, the percentage of homeless residents increased by 20%.
6. Sacramento, Calif.
The number of homeless people in Sacramento, Calif., is 9,278. The estimated homelessness rate is 17.7 per 1,000 people. This city had the fastest growing homeless population between 2020 and 2022 of all cities on this list at 68%.
7. Phoenix
The homeless population in Phoenix is 9,026 citizens. The estimated homelessness rate is 5.6 per 1,000 people. From 2020 to 2022, the percentage of homeless people increased by 22%.
8. San Diego
There are 8,427 citizens living on the streets in San Diego. The estimated rate of homelessness is 6.1 per 1,000 people. From 2020 to 2022, the percentage of homeless people increased by 10%.
9. San Francisco
The homeless population in San Francisco is 7,754. The estimated rate of homeless citizens is 9.5 per 1,000 people. From 2020 to 2022, the percentage of homeless increased by 5%.
10. Denver
An estimated 6,884 people live on the street in Denver. The rate of homelessness is 9.7 per 1,000 inhabitants. From 2020 to 2022, the percentage of homeless residents increased by 13%.
