Year-over-year homelessness declines

The U.S. homeless population declined by 3% in 2025 compared to 2024, driven by fewer people in emergency shelters and unsheltered settings. However, 28 states reported increases, including North Carolina (33%), Oregon (19%), and Maryland (17%), while Hawaii and Illinois saw the largest decreases. The Trump administration attributed the overall 27% rise since 2013 to ineffective 'housing first' policies.