US homelessness increased 18% this year, compared to '23, amid challenges of housing, migrant crisis

The homeless population in the United States spiked 18% this year, compared to data collected last year, according to a Department of Housing and Urban Development report published Friday.

The surge comes amid a slew of national challenges, including the end of COVID-19 pandemic-era protections, a border crisis that brought an unprecedented number of illegal immigrants into the country and a national affordable housing shortage, the New York Times reported.

The number of people experiencing homelessness this year topped 770,000, which is more than 18% higher than last year, and the largest increase in a one-year span since the survey began in 2007. The homeless population has increased by nearly one-third over the past two years.

The number also saw an increase across most categories, with homeless veterans being the only group that saw a decrease. 

According to HUD data, the number of veterans experiencing homelessness decreased by eight percent in 2024 compared to 2023. Black people still account for the highest number of homeless people, with 32% identifying as black.

HUD acting Secretary Adrianne Todman said that the numbers released on Friday were a bit outdated than what the Biden administration is seeing right now in the country as mortgage rates come down.

“No American should face homelessness, and the Biden-Harris Administration is committed to ensuring every family has access to the affordable, safe, and quality housing they deserve,” Todman said in a statement. "It is critical that we focus on evidence-based efforts to prevent and end homelessness.”

Federal officials also told reporters on a phone call that the migrant population has also been a significant part of the increase, because illegal immigrants have overwhelmed the shelter systems in large cities where a surge in homelessness has been reported, per the New York Times.

President-elect Donald Trump has promised to deport massive amounts of illegal immigrants, and called for clearing encampments in major cities and creating "tent cities" to house and aid the remaining homeless populations.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.