Rate of homelessness in the U.S. by state 2019
In 2019 Washington, D.C. had the highest estimated rate of homelessness in the United States, with 94 homeless individuals per 10,000 of the population. Mississippi had the lowest estimated rate of homelessness in that year, with four people per 10,000 of the population.
Estimating homelessness
Homelessness is extremely difficult to estimate in the United States. The Department of Housing and Urban Development performs nationwide point-in-time counts every January, where the number of homeless individuals in homeless shelters and on the streets are counted one by one. While this gives the government a good estimate of how many homeless people there are, the actual number is likely much higher, as some homeless individuals stay with family and friends or in hotels rather than on the street.
Homeless veterans
Unfortunately, the number of homeless veterans in the United States is also quite high. There are many causes of homelessness among veterans of the U.S. military, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse problems, and a lack of affordable housing.
Estimating homelessness
Homelessness is extremely difficult to estimate in the United States. The Department of Housing and Urban Development performs nationwide point-in-time counts every January, where the number of homeless individuals in homeless shelters and on the streets are counted one by one. While this gives the government a good estimate of how many homeless people there are, the actual number is likely much higher, as some homeless individuals stay with family and friends or in hotels rather than on the street.
Homeless veterans
Unfortunately, the number of homeless veterans in the United States is also quite high. There are many causes of homelessness among veterans of the U.S. military, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse problems, and a lack of affordable housing.
