Homelessness remains one of the most pressing and complex social issues in the United States. As of 2025, hundreds of thousands of Americans across all age groups and backgrounds are experiencing homelessness. While the crisis affects every state in different ways, some regions are struggling far more than others due to a combination of high housing costs, lack of affordable healthcare, unemployment, mental illness, addiction, and other systemic issues.
According to the latest data from 2025, the following are the 10 U.S. states with the highest number of homeless individuals. These numbers include both sheltered and unsheltered individuals and reflect a growing crisis that many local and federal policies have yet to resolve.
1. 🇺🇸 California – 181,399 Homeless People (2025)
California remains at the top of the list in 2025, with an overwhelming 181,399 people experiencing homelessness. This figure accounts for roughly 28% of the nation’s total homeless population, even though the state makes up just about 12% of the U.S. population.
The crisis in California is largely driven by:
- Skyrocketing housing costs
- Insufficient mental health services
- Lack of affordable housing units
Major cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, and San Diego have all seen sharp increases in unsheltered homelessness. Despite billions spent in recent years on housing initiatives, the scale of the crisis continues to outpace policy responses.
2. 🇺🇸 New York – 103,200 Homeless People (2025)
New York comes second, with approximately 103,200 homeless individuals in 2025. Unlike California, most of New York’s homeless population is sheltered, primarily due to the state’s legal “right to shelter” law, especially in New York City.
However, the rise in homelessness is attributed to:
- High rents
- Eviction rates
- Economic inequality
While the state’s shelter infrastructure is more developed, the root causes of homelessness — such as the lack of permanent affordable housing — remain unresolved.
3. 🇺🇸 Florida – 30,756 Homeless People (2025)
Florida ranks third with 30,756 people experiencing homelessness in 2025. Major cities such as Miami, Tampa, and Orlando report high concentrations of unsheltered individuals, including families with children and seniors.
Florida’s challenges include:
- Limited access to affordable housing
- A growing population
- Natural disasters that displace low-income residents
Efforts have been made to increase shelter capacity, but long-term housing solutions are still lacking across the state.
4. 🇺🇸 Washington – 28,036 Homeless People (2025)
Washington state reports 28,036 homeless individuals in 2025, with Seattle and King County being the epicenters of the crisis. The state has one of the highest rates of unsheltered homelessness per capita.
Contributing factors include:
- Rapid urban growth
- Insufficient shelter availability
- Mental health and substance abuse issues
Despite ongoing state and local programs, homelessness continues to grow year-over-year.
5. 🇺🇸 Texas – 27,377 Homeless People (2025)
Texas, the second-most populous state in the country, has 27,377 people experiencing homelessness as of 2025. While this number is lower per capita than in some other states, cities like Austin, Dallas, and Houston face increasing challenges with housing insecurity.
Key issues in Texas include:
- Limited low-income housing options
- Bans on public camping
- Criminalization of homelessness, which critics say exacerbates the problem rather than solving it
Some cities are experimenting with community-first villages and transitional housing, but statewide coordination remains weak.
6. 🇺🇸 Oregon – 20,142 Homeless People (2025)
Oregon, with 20,142 homeless individuals in 2025, has one of the highest per capita homelessness rates in the country. Portland, in particular, has struggled to manage its growing homeless population.
Major contributing factors include:
- Severe housing shortages
- Drug addiction crises
- A lack of mental health care infrastructure
Statewide declarations of emergency have led to new funding, but the visible street homelessness remains a significant concern for residents and officials alike.
7. 🇺🇸 Massachusetts – 19,141 Homeless People (2025)
Massachusetts is seventh on the list with 19,141 homeless people in 2025. A majority are located in and around Boston, where housing prices have reached unaffordable levels for many working-class residents.
What distinguishes Massachusetts is that:
- Most homeless individuals are sheltered
- There are strong public health and support systems in place
- Family homelessness is a growing concern
Despite its strong safety nets, the high cost of living continues to push many into housing instability.
8. 🇺🇸 Colorado – 14,439 Homeless People (2025)
Colorado reports 14,439 people experiencing homelessness in 2025. Denver remains the state’s focal point for the crisis, with other cities like Colorado Springs also seeing rising numbers.
Challenges in Colorado include:
- Insufficient mental health and addiction support
- High housing demand and rising rents
- Lack of long-term supportive housing
Efforts are being made to increase transitional housing and “tiny home” villages, but overall numbers remain stubbornly high.
9. 🇺🇸 Arizona – 14,237 Homeless People (2025)
Arizona, with 14,237 homeless people in 2025, faces a growing crisis, particularly in Phoenix, where scorching temperatures make homelessness not just a social issue but also a public health emergency.
Key issues include:
- Lack of shelter beds
- Heat-related deaths among the unhoused
- Limited access to healthcare and addiction services
Emergency cooling shelters and mobile outreach have increased, but long-term solutions are still in early stages.
10. 🇺🇸 Pennsylvania – 12,556 Homeless People (2025)
Rounding out the top 10 is Pennsylvania, with 12,556 people experiencing homelessness in 2025. While not among the worst in terms of per capita homelessness, cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh continue to report growing numbers, especially among veterans and families.
State-level efforts are focused on:
- Rapid rehousing programs
- Eviction prevention
- Mental health support
Though some programs have had positive results, the need for permanent affordable housing remains a major concern.
🧾 Conclusion: The Road Ahead in 2025
The data from 2025 paints a sobering picture of the homelessness crisis across the United States. While states like California and New York dominate the numbers due to their size and housing markets, the issue is clearly national — affecting both urban and rural areas alike.
