US homelessness sees largest drop in over a decade
The gist
The US homeless population fell more than 6% in 2025, roughly 49,000 fewer people than the year before.
Nearly 700,000 people are still homeless, well above pre-pandemic levels.
How it unfolded
- 2024The homeless population fell for the first time in the run-up to 2025, a smaller decline than the one that followed.
- 2025The US homeless population dropped more than 6%, roughly 49,000 fewer people without housing, the second straight annual decline.
- Nov 6, 2026The New York Times reports the US homeless population had a record drop in 2025.
Key terms
- Housing and Urban Development
- U.S. federal executive department that administers federal housing and urban development laws and policies.
- asylum seekers
- A person who leaves their country and formally applies for protection in another country under the right of asylum.
Source: Wikipedia