U.S. Homeless Population Declines 3 Percent in 2025, HUD Reports
6 verified3 unconfirmed
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s latest point-in-time count recorded 745,652 homeless people across the country in January 2025, a 3 percent decrease from the prior year. Both sources report that the decline follows an 18 percent spike in 2024 that was largely driven by an influx of foreign migrants into shelter systems in cities like New York, Chicago, and Denver. The decrease was concentrated in New York and Illinois, which together accounted for nearly 90 percent of the national reduction. North Carolina saw the largest percentage increase—33 percent—attributed to displacement from Hurricane Helene in fall 2024. The Trump administration used the report to criticize long-standing “housing first” policies, arguing they have failed to meaningfully reduce homelessness. HUD Secretary Scott Turner stated that the agency is shifting focus toward transitional housing with work and addiction treatment requirements. Both sources note that despite the decline, the national homeless population remains near record levels.
What’s verified
HUD counted 745,652 homeless people in January 2025, down 3% from 771,480 in 2024.
The 2024 homeless population had spiked 18%, largely due to migrant arrivals in major cities.
New York and Illinois saw the biggest declines, together accounting for about 24,000 fewer homeless people.
North Carolina’s homeless population rose 33% (3,886 people), primarily due to Hurricane Helene.
The Trump administration used the report to criticize “housing first” policies and promote transitional housing with work requirements.
Both sources note homelessness remains near a record high despite the annual decrease.
Not yet confirmed
One source states the decline was driven largely by a 4% drop in emergency shelter numbers and a 3% drop in unsheltered homelessness; the other source does not provide this breakdown.
One source reports Oregon’s homeless population rose 19% and attributes this to extremely cold weather on the count night bringing more unsheltered people into warming centers; the other source does not mention Oregon’s weather.
One source reports that the 2025 count was conducted before the Trump administration announced a shift away from long-term housing; the other source does not mention timing relative to policy changes.
Key figures
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
HUD Secretary Scott Turner
Sources: stateline.org, reason.com
