A recently released survey found that three times as many people were experiencing homelessness in Chicago than the previous year. 19,000 people were counted in one night versus the 6,000 counted in 2023. Many factors contribute to homeless populations in any given place, but for Chicago, the surge in migrants from the Southwestern border contributed 13,679 to that total. These survey numbers were provided by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and include unhoused people and those living in a shelter.
On a greater scale, an estimated 653,104 people experienced homelessness on a single night in 2023 — a 12% increase (or about 70,650 more people) from 2022 and the highest since reporting began in 2007, according to point-in-time estimates from HUD.
The rise in homelessness is largely due to a sharp increase in the number of people who became homeless for the first time and is likely due to the expiration of pandemic-era measures. HUD explains, “the worsening affordable housing crisis, and recent changes in the rental housing market” are also contributing factors. Though broken during the pandemic, the record increase continues the pre-pandemic trend from 2016 to 2020. Among the unhoused, 60% were staying in sheltered locations, while 40% were experiencing unsheltered homelessness.
To find the state with the most homeless people, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed homelessness data from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. To rank the states and the District of Columbia, we used point-in-time estimates of homelessness by state in 2023 divided by state population totals to get to the rate of homelessness per 10,000 people. States and D.C. are ranked by this rate from lowest to highest. All homelessness data is from the HUD. State population totals are from the Census Bureau Vintage 2023.
Why Are We Writing About Homelessness?
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According to the recent survey conducted in Chicago, “the number of homeless people outside the migrant population rose to 4,945 from 3,943 the previous year, … 3,523 people in shelters and 1,422 unsheltered people, compared with 2,973 in shelters and 970 unsheltered people last year.” The rate of homelessness per 10,000 people in US states ranges from 3.3 to 72.5. Nationwide, nearly 20 people experienced homelessness for every 10,000 Americans. With these numbers only increasing, if you have not observed the impact of homelessness in your area, it may just be a matter of time.
51. Mississippi
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In Mississippi, the 2023 rate of homelessness was 3.3 per 10,000 people. The total state population was 2,939,690 with 982 homeless, 3rd lowest in the nation. Homeless individuals are divided into 538 sheltered and 444 unsheltered.
50. Alabama
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With a state population of 5,108,468 in 2023, Alabama has a homelessness rate of 6.5 per 10,000 people. Total homelessness for this state reached 3,304, the 19th lowest in the nation. These individuals are either sheltered (1,848) or unsheltered (1,456).
49. Louisiana
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Louisiana had 3,169 homeless in 2023, the 17th lowest in the nation. Their population was 4,573,749, with a rate of homelessness at 6.9 per 10,000 people. There are 1,770 sheltered and 1,399 unsheltered individuals.
48. South Carolina
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In South Carolina, the 2023 rate of homelessness was 7.5 per 10,000 people. The total state population was 5,373,555 with 4,053 homeless, the 22nd lowest in the nation. Homeless individuals are divided into 2,726 sheltered and 1,327 unsheltered.
47. Virginia
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With a state population of 8,715,698 in 2023, Virginia has a homelessness rate of 7.8 per 10,000 people. Total homelessness for this state reached 6,761, the 20th highest in the nation. These individuals are either sheltered (5,427) or unsheltered (1,334).
46. West Virginia
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West Virginia had 1,416 homeless in 2023, the 6th lowest in the nation. Their population was 1,770,071, with a rate of homelessness at 8.0 per 10,000 people. There are 960 sheltered and 456 unsheltered individuals.
45. Wisconsin
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In Wisconsin, the 2023 rate of homelessness was 8.2 per 10,000 people. The total state population was 5,910,955, with 4,861 homeless, the 26th highest in the nation. Homeless individuals are divided into 4,403 sheltered and 458 unsheltered.
44. Iowa
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With a state population of 3,207,004 in 2023, Iowa has a homelessness rate of 8.3 per 10,000 people. Total homelessness for this state reached 2,653, the 15th lowest in the nation. These individuals are either sheltered (2,197) or unsheltered (456).
43. Connecticut
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Connecticut had 3,015 homeless in 2023, the 16th lowest in the nation. Their population was 3,617,176, with a rate of homelessness at 8.3 per 10,000 people. There are 2,514 sheltered and 501 unsheltered individuals.
42. Arkansas
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In Arkansas, the 2023 rate of homelessness was 8.5 per 10,000 people. The total state population was 3,067,732, with 2,609 homeless, the 12th lowest in the nation. Homeless individuals are divided into 1,287 sheltered and 1,322 unsheltered.
41. Indiana
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With a state population of 6,862,199 in 2023, Indiana has a homelessness rate of 8.8 per 10,000 people. Total homelessness for this state reached 6,017, the 23rd highest in the nation. These individuals are either sheltered (4,856) or unsheltered (1,161).
40. Michigan
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Michigan had 8,997 homeless in 2023, the 17th highest in the nation. The state’s population was 10,037,261, with a rate of homelessness at 9.0 per 10,000 people. There are 7,662 sheltered and 1,335 unsheltered individuals.
39. Kansas
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In Kansas, the 2023 rate of homelessness was 9.0 per 10,000 people. The total state population was 2,940,546, with 2,636 homeless, the 14th lowest in the nation. Homeless individuals are divided into 1,881 sheltered and 755 unsheltered.
38. Texas
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With a state population of 30,503,301 in 2023, Texas has a homelessness rate of 9.0 per 10,000 people. Total homelessness for this state reached 27,377, the 5th highest in the nation. These individuals are either sheltered (15,691) or unsheltered (11,686).
37. North Carolina
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North Carolina had 9,754 homeless in 2023, the 15th highest in the nation. The state’s population was 10,835,491, with a rate of homelessness at 9.0 per 10,000 people. There are 6,311 sheltered and 3,443 unsheltered individuals.
36. Wyoming
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In Wyoming, the 2023 rate of homelessness was 9.1 per 10,000 people. The total state population was 584,057, with 532 homeless, the lowest in the nation. Homeless individuals are divided into 474 sheltered and 58 unsheltered.
35. Maryland
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With a state population of 6,180,253 in 2023, Maryland has a homelessness rate of 9.5 per 10,000 people. Total homelessness for this state reached 5,865, the 24th highest in the nation. These individuals are either sheltered (4,913) or unsheltered (952).
34. Illinois
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Illinois had 11,947 homeless in 2023, the 12th highest in the nation. The state’s population was 12,549,689, with a rate of homelessness at 9.5 per 10,000 people. There are 10,328 sheltered and 1,619 unsheltered individuals.
33. Ohio
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In Ohio, the 2023 rate of homelessness was 9.7 per 10,000 people. The total state population was 11,785,935, with 11,386 homeless, the 13th highest in the nation. Homeless individuals are divided into 8,983 sheltered and 2,403 unsheltered.
32. Pennsylvania
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With a state population of 12,961,683 in 2023, Pennsylvania has a homelessness rate of 9.7 per 10,000 people. Total homelessness for this state reached 12,556, the 10th highest in the nation. These individuals are either sheltered (10,792) or unsheltered (1,764).
31. North Dakota
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North Dakota had 784 homeless in 2023, the 2nd lowest in the nation. The state’s population was 783,926, with a rate of homelessness at 10.0 per 10,000 people. There were 608 sheltered and 176 unsheltered individuals.
30. Kentucky
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In Kentucky, the 2023 rate of homelessness was 10.5 per 10,000 people. The total state population was 4,526,154, with 4,766 homeless, the 25th lowest in the nation. Homeless individuals are divided into 3,296 sheltered and 1,470 unsheltered.
29. Utah
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With a state population of 3,417,734 in 2023, Utah had a homelessness rate of 10.8 per 10,000 people. Total homelessness for this state reached 3,687, the 20th lowest in the nation. These individuals are either sheltered (2,707) or unsheltered (980).
28. Missouri
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Missouri had 6,708 homeless in 2023, the 21st highest in the nation. The state’s population was 6,196,156, with a rate of homelessness at 10.8 per 10,000 people. There were 4,695 sheltered and 2,013 unsheltered individuals.
27. New Jersey
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- Rate of homelessness, 2023: 11.0 per 10,000 people
- Total homelessness, 2023: 10,264 — 14th highest
- Homelessness condition: Sheltered: 8,856; Unsheltered: 1,408
- Total state population, 2023: 9,290,841
In New Jersey, the 2023 rate of homelessness was 11.0 per 10,000 people. The total state population was 9,290,841, with 10,264 homeless, the 14th highest in the nation. Homeless individuals are divided into 8,856 sheltered and 1,408 unsheltered.
26. Georgia
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With a state population of 11,029,227 in 2023, Georgia had a homelessness rate of 11.1 per 10,000 people. Total homelessness for this state reached 12,294, the 11th highest in the nation. These individuals are either sheltered (6,466) or unsheltered (5,828).
25. Oklahoma
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Oklahoma had 4,648 homeless in 2023, the 24th lowest in the nation. The state’s population was 4,053,824, with a rate of homelessness at 11.5 per 10,000 people. There were 2,743 sheltered and 1,905 unsheltered individuals.
24. Idaho
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In Idaho, the 2023 rate of homelessness was 11.7 per 10,000 people. The total state population was 1,964,726, with 2,298 homeless, the 9th lowest in the nation. Homeless individuals are divided into 1,240 sheltered and 1,058 unsheltered.
23. Delaware
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With a state population of 1,031,890 in 2023, Delaware had a homelessness rate of 12.1 per 10,000 people. Total homelessness for this state reached 1,245, the 4th lowest in the nation. These individuals are either sheltered (1,047) or unsheltered (198).
22. Nebraska
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Nebraska had 2,462 homeless in 2023, the 11th lowest in the nation. The state’s population was 1,978,379, with a rate of homelessness at 12.4 per 10,000 people. There were 2,150 sheltered and 312 unsheltered individuals.
21. Tennessee
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20. Florida
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With a state population of 22,610,726 in 2023, Florida had a homelessness rate of 13.6 per 10,000 people. Total homelessness for this state reached 30,756, the 3rd highest in the nation. These individuals are either sheltered (15,274) or unsheltered (15,482).
19. South Dakota
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South Dakota had 1,282 homeless in 2023, the 5th lowest in the nation. The state’s population was 919,318, with a rate of homelessness at 13.9 per 10,000 people. There were 972 sheltered and 310 unsheltered individuals.
18. Minnesota
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In Minnesota, the 2023 rate of homelessness was 14.6 per 10,000 people. The total state population was 5,737,915, with 8,393 homeless, the 19th highest in the nation. Homeless individuals are divided into 6,717 sheltered and 1,676 unsheltered.
17. Rhode Island
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With a state population of 1,095,962 in 2023, Rhode Island had a homelessness rate of 16.5 per 10,000 people. Total homelessness for this state reached 1,810, the 7th lowest in the nation. These individuals are either sheltered (1,476) or unsheltered (334).
16. New Hampshire
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New Hampshire had 2,441 homeless in 2023, the 10th lowest in the nation. The state’s population was 1,402,054, with a rate of homelessness at 17.4 per 10,000 people. There were 2,103 sheltered and 338 unsheltered individuals.
15. New Mexico
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In New Mexico, the 2023 rate of homelessness was 18.2 per 10,000 people. The total state population was 2,114,371, with 3,842 homeless, the 21st lowest in the nation. Homeless individuals are divided into 2,242 sheltered and 1,600 unsheltered.
14. Arizona
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13. Montana
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Montana had 2,178 homeless in 2023, the 8th lowest in the nation. The state’s population was 1,132,812, with a rate of homelessness at 19.2 per 10,000 people. There were 1,682 sheltered and 496 unsheltered individuals.
12. Colorado
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In Colorado, the 2023 rate of homelessness was 24.6 per 10,000 people. The total state population was 5,877,610, with 14,439 homeless, the 8th highest in the nation. Homeless individuals are divided into 9,694 sheltered and 4,745 unsheltered.
11. Nevada
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With a state population of 3,194,176 in 2023, Nevada had a homelessness rate of 27.1 per 10,000 people. Total homelessness for this state reached 8,666, the 18th highest in the nation. These individuals are either sheltered (4,111) or unsheltered (4,555).
10. Massachusetts
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Massachusetts had 19,141 homeless in 2023, the 7th highest in the nation. The state’s population was 7,001,399, with a rate of homelessness at 27.3 per 10,000 people. There were 17,779 sheltered and 1,362 unsheltered individuals.
9. Maine
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In Maine, the 2023 rate of homelessness was 30.5 per 10,000 people. The total state population was 1,395,722, with 4,258 homeless, the 23rd lowest in the nation. Homeless individuals are divided into 3,959 sheltered and 299 unsheltered.
8. Alaska
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With a state population of 733,406 in 2023, Alaska had a homelessness rate of 35.6 per 10,000 people. Total homelessness for this state reached 2,614, the 13th lowest in the nation. These individuals are either sheltered (2,146) or unsheltered (468).
7. Washington
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Washington had 28,036 homeless in 2023, the 4th highest in the nation. The state’s population was 7,812,880, with a rate of homelessness at 35.9 per 10,000 people. There were 14,083 sheltered and 13,953 unsheltered individuals.
6. Hawaii
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- Rate of homelessness, 2023: 43.4 per 10,000 people
- Total homelessness, 2023: 6,223 — 22nd highest
- Homelessness condition: Sheltered: 2,316; Unsheltered: 3,907
- Total state population, 2023: 1,435,138
In Hawaii, the 2023 rate of homelessness was 43.4 per 10,000 people. The total state population was 1,435,138, with 6,223 homeless, the 22nd highest in the nation. Homeless individuals are divided into 2,316 sheltered and 3,907 unsheltered.
5. California
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With a state population of 38,965,193 in 2023, California had a homelessness rate of 46.6 per 10,000 people. Total homelessness for this state reached 181,399, the highest in the nation. These individuals are either sheltered (57,976) or unsheltered (123,423).
4. Oregon
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Oregon had 20,142 homeless in 2023, the 6th highest in the nation. The state’s population was 4,233,358, with a rate of homelessness at 47.6 per 10,000 people. There were 7,138 sheltered and 13,004 unsheltered individuals.
3. Vermont
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In Vermont, the 2023 rate of homelessness was 50.9 per 10,000 people. The total state population was 647,464, with 3,295 homeless, the 18th lowest in the nation. Homeless individuals are divided into 3,158 sheltered and 137 unsheltered.
2. New York
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With a state population of 19,571,216 in 2023, New York had a homelessness rate of 52.7 per 10,000 people. Total homelessness for this state reached 103,200, the 2nd highest in the nation. These individuals are either sheltered (98,193) or unsheltered (5,007).
1. District of Columbia
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The District of Columbia had 4,922 homeless in 2023, the 25th highest in the nation. The state’s population was 678,972, with a rate of homelessness at 72.5 per 10,000 people. There were 4,097 sheltered and 825 unsheltered individuals.
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