12 Urban Areas With the Highest Rates of Homelessness

Ever wandered down a crowded city street,  neon lights flashing, traffic humming, only to spot someone curled beneath a blanket, trying to sleep through another night without a roof overhead? It’s a scene far more common than the glossy postcards suggest.

According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, more than 771,480 people are homeless on any given night, driven by the nation’s affordability crisis. But what’s even more surprising is that this crisis is happening in some of the most famous, wealthiest cities in the world. How is it that cities we admire for their opportunity, culture, and prosperity also have such a massive homelessness problem?

Let’s take a closer look at the 12 urban areas bearing the brunt of this crisis.

Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) 2024 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count reported 75,312 people experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles County.

A major contributing factor is the severe housing shortage, as there is a significant deficit of affordable housing units, leaving many residents unable to afford median rent, even with full-time employment. The wage-rent disparity, with rents rising much faster than wages over the past decade, has exacerbated the issue. Additionally, systemic inequities, such as historical housing discrimination and the lower accumulation of generational wealth, have led to Black and Latino communities being disproportionately represented in the homeless population.

San Francisco

We all know about the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, the tech companies, and the stunning views of the Bay. But what you might not know is that 8,323 people are living without a home, as the San Francisco Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing has highlighted. It’s not exactly the kind of thing you’d expect from a city that’s seen so much wealth from the booming tech industry. So, what’s going on here?

Rising rent prices, limited affordable housing, and the growing gap between the city’s wealthy and low-income populations are major factors. The tech boom has made many people rich, but it’s also made it harder for the most vulnerable residents to survive. The contrast is impossible to ignore, while some live in multimillion-dollar apartments, others struggle to stay warm on a street corner.

Chicago

Chicago is known for its deep‑dish pizza, sports teams, and big‑city charm, but it’s also grappling with a homelessness crisis. The city’s Department of Family and Support Services report shows that 7,452 people are experiencing homelessness on a typical night. This is a 60% decrease from 2024, largely due to emergency housing for asylum seekers and expanded shelter programs.

Rising rents and systemic gaps continue to push thousands into instability. The city’s brutal winters make the problem even worse, leaving people exposed to the cold, with few places to turn for shelter. Despite the city’s rich cultural history, Chicago is struggling to keep its homeless population from growing, and winter is only making it harder.

New York City

There’s something about New York City that feels alive. The endless hustle, the flashy signs, the vibrant energy—it’s impossible not to be swept up in it. Look a little closer, and New York tells a different story. In 2025, New York City shelters house around 102,850 people each night, while thousands more sleep unsheltered on streets and in subways, according to the Coalition for the Homeless report.

It’s a combination of high rent prices, a shortage of affordable housing, and the fact that many of the people experiencing homelessness also face mental health struggles and substance abuse issues. The city might be home to millions of dreamers, but for too many, the dream is becoming harder to reach every day. The glaring contrast between the city’s wealth and its homeless population is a stark reminder that not everyone in the Big Apple is thriving.

Seattle

Coffee shops buzz, the Space Needle towers above the skyline, and the tech scene hums with innovation. Yet beneath that energy, more than 16,860 people are without stable housing in King County, a 26% jump since 2022, with 58% unsheltered, as highlighted by the King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA)

In a city that hosts giants like Amazon and Microsoft, the contrast is stark. Sky‑high rents and a shortage of affordable housing push thousands onto the streets, while rising inequality leaves many locked out of the prosperity Seattle is known for. The city’s growth has created opportunities for some, but left thousands struggling to find shelter.

Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., is the seat of power and politics, where decisions are made that affect the entire country. But behind the halls of government, as of 2025, 9,659 people are homeless in the capital, based on a Metropolitan Washington PIT Report. How can the heart of the U.S. government be home to such a large number of people without homes?

The problem comes from high housing costs, income inequality, and the fact that many homeless people in D.C. face mental health issues or struggle with addiction. Despite the government’s resources, finding affordable housing remains a major challenge. It’s hard to ignore the fact that the country’s capital struggles to take care of its own residents, even while it’s shaping policies for the rest of the nation.

Boston

In a city known for its prestigious universities, rich history, and a legacy of innovation, it’s hard to imagine that thousands of people find themselves without a roof over their heads. The contrast between Boston’s intellectual and economic success and its rising homelessness crisis is striking. With so much wealth and opportunity in the city, how is it that so many are left without stable housing?

The underlying issues are clear: high rents, a severe shortage of affordable housing, and the growing cost of living make it nearly impossible for many to keep up. Even those working hard in Boston are finding it harder to secure a place to call home. The city may be renowned for its brilliance, but solving the homelessness problem is still a challenge it hasn’t fully conquered.

Miami

This city screams beaches, nightlife, and tropical getaways. It’s the city of cocktails by the water and sunsets that feel like postcards. Well, for over 3,700 homeless people in Miami-Dade County, paradise is a different kind of reality. Instead of lounging by the ocean, they’re struggling to find shelter amid soaring rent prices and a housing market that’s far out of reach.

Rising rents and the lack of affordable housing make it almost impossible for many to find a stable home. The city’s mild climate might attract tourists, but it’s also creating a kind of “survival tourism” for those who are homeless. While Miami’s beaches might look like the ultimate vacation spot, for far too many, they’re a daily reminder of how hard it is to survive when there’s no place to go.

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Atlanta

Atlanta is known for its southern charm, rich history, and vibrant culture. Yet financial pressures on vulnerable households fueled a 14% rise in family homelessness in 2025, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution highlights. How can a city that prides itself on being a welcoming community also struggle with such a stark homelessness problem?

The rise in rents, the lack of affordable housing, and low wages are some of the key reasons behind this crisis. Add mental health challenges and substance abuse, and it’s easy to see why Atlanta’s homeless population keeps growing. While the culture here is undeniably strong, it’s clear the city has a lot more work to do to support those who need it the most.

Phoenix

Under the blazing desert sun, more than 9,700 people in Maricopa County struggle without shelter, according to the Maricopa Association of Governments. Over half live unsheltered,  in tents, cars, or directly under the sky,  making the heat an unforgiving daily challenge.  The shortage of affordable housing and soaring rents are among the driving forces behind this crisis.

Add in challenges like mental health issues and substance abuse, and you’ve got a problem that’s hard to escape. Phoenix might have plenty of sunshine, but for those on the streets, it’s more like a reminder of a life that’s hard to endure under the blazing heat.

Dallas

Dallas is a city that’s built on big dreams, big business, and big Texas pride. As the economy soars, people in this growing city don’t have a roof over their heads. You’d think a city with so much opportunity could do better for its most vulnerable, but the gap between wealth and poverty is growing wider by the day.

The main issue? Rising rents, the lack of affordable housing, and the widening wealth divide. While Dallas is booming in many ways, that boom isn’t reaching everyone. It’s a city of dreamers, but it’s also a city where the homeless struggle to even dream of a better life.

San Diego

You might picture sunny days and relaxed vibes when you think of San Diego, but for many in the county, the beach is a constant reminder of a much harder reality. The city’s growing homelessness problem is tied to a housing market that’s become increasingly difficult to navigate. With rents soaring and wages failing to keep pace, many people find themselves living on the streets or in their cars, unable to afford a stable home.

Homelessness here is a complicated issue, fueled by everything from mental health struggles to substance abuse and evictions. While the city has made efforts to provide more shelter and support, the road ahead remains long. The stunning coastline, which draws tourists from around the world, hides a much darker reality for thousands of local residents struggling to survive.

Key Takeaways

The homelessness crisis is escalating in some of the most well-known urban areas across the U.S. and beyond. Cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York City are grappling with soaring homelessness rates, with tens of thousands of people living without stable housing. This issue is particularly acute in areas where housing costs are skyrocketing, with San Francisco and New York City seeing some of the highest rates of unsheltered homelessness.

Individuals are forced to sleep on the streets or in cars due to the lack of affordable housing. The causes of homelessness are multifaceted, including rising rents, income inequality, mental health challenges, and substance abuse. Many cities, including Seattle, Miami, and Phoenix, are struggling to address these issues, despite their wealth and economic growth.

While these cities are known for their thriving tech industries, cultural landmarks, and booming real estate markets, they are also home to some of the most vulnerable populations. Tackling this crisis will require a comprehensive approach that includes more affordable housing, improved mental health services, and better support systems to help individuals get back on their feet.

Disclosure line: This article was developed with the assistance of AI and was subsequently reviewed, revised, and approved by our editorial team.

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