Homelessness continues to be a major issue in the United States, with hundreds of thousands of people experiencing homelessness each year. When examining the demographics of the homeless population, one aspect that stands out is how homelessness impacts people differently across age groups.
What does the data show about homelessness across age ranges?
According to data from the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s 2020 Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress, the age range with the highest rate of homelessness in 2020 was adults between 25-34 years old. Here is a breakdown of the homelessness rates across age ranges:
| Age Range | Rate of Homelessness (per 10,000 people) |
|---|---|
| Under 18 years | 10 |
| 18-24 years | 22 |
| 25-34 years | 31 |
| 35-44 years | 27 |
| 45-54 years | 22 |
| 55-61 years | 13 |
| 62 years and older | 6 |
As the table shows, adults between 25-34 years old experienced the highest rate of homelessness in 2020 at 31 per 10,000 people in that age range. This was followed closely by adults ages 35-44 at a rate of 27 per 10,000. Rates declined significantly after age 54 and were lowest for seniors 62 and older.
Why are younger adults more likely to experience homelessness?
There are several factors that contribute to the higher rates of homelessness among young adults compared to other age groups:
- Financial instability – Younger adults may have less financial resources, lower incomes, and difficulty affording housing costs especially in major cities with high rents.
- Lack of support system – Young people are less likely to have an established family or social support network to rely on during difficult times.
- Unemployment – Young adults face higher rates of unemployment compared to older age groups.
- Substance abuse and mental health issues – These issues often emerge in young adulthood and can contribute to housing instability and homelessness.
- Aging out of foster care – Young adults who age out of the foster care system at 18 are at high risk for homelessness due to lack of family support.
These factors combined put young adults at greater vulnerability to homelessness compared to other age demographics who may have better financial stability, employment prospects, family support, and access to housing resources.
How have rates for young adults changed over time?
Examining historical data on homelessness by age group shows that rates for young adults have remained persistently high over the past decade, even as total homelessness numbers have declined.
For example, in 2010 the rate of homelessness per 10,000 people for ages 18-24 was 23 and for ages 25-34 it was 32. By 2020, these had declined slightly to 22 and 31 respectively. However, the share of the homeless population comprised of young adults has grown over the past 10 years. In 2010, 34% of the homeless population was under age 30. By 2020, this figure had risen to 40% under age 30.
So while there have been some small declines in actual homelessness rates for young adults when measured per capita, their proportion of the total homeless population has increased over the past decade. This indicates that addressing youth and young adult homelessness should continue to be a priority.
How does the US compare globally in youth homelessness rates?
Compared to other developed countries, the United States has much higher rates of youth homelessness.
For example, according to a 2019 OECD report, the rate of homelessness among 18-25 year olds in the US was 47 per 10,000 people. In comparison, rates per 10,000 were much lower in Germany (8), the United Kingdom (10), and France (14).
Higher rates of income inequality, weaker social safety nets, and shortfalls in affordable housing all contribute to the outsized rates of youth homelessness in America compared to other wealthy nations.
Which states have the highest rates of youth homelessness?
Homelessness among young adults is pervasive across the country, but some states have particularly high rates according to HUD data:
| State | Rate of homelessness among 18-24 year olds (per 10,000) |
|---|---|
| California | 60 |
| Oregon | 55 |
| Nevada | 51 |
| Hawaii | 51 |
| Alaska | 50 |
The West Coast states along with Nevada, Alaska, and Hawaii reported the highest per capita rates of homelessness among 18-24 year olds in 2020. New York (48) and Massachusetts (39) also had fairly high rates compared to other states.
What strategies can help reduce youth homelessness?
Given the scope of homelessness among young adults and youth, experts recommend several strategies to help address this problem:
- Increase affordable housing options – Building more affordable housing units and increasing rental subsidies can help young people afford stable housing.
- Provide better transition support – Programs to help young adults in the foster care system, as well as those exiting incarceration or treatment centers, transition to independent housing are needed.
- Expand education and employment initiatives – Helping young people complete high school or earn vocational credentials, as well as connecting them to quality jobs can improve their economic stability.
- Develop outreach programs – Meeting young people where they are, such as on the street, and offering resources and referrals can help bring more youth into the shelter and housing systems.
- Increase access to health care – Ensuring young adults have health insurance and access to physical and mental health treatment helps address underlying issues.
A comprehensive, multi-pronged approach across these areas is required to make meaningful progress on youth homelessness. But the investment is well worth it – early intervention can help prevent long-term chronic homelessness and set young people up for future success and stability.
Conclusion
Homelessness remains a critical issue facing young adults and youth in America today. According to the latest government data, adults between 25-34 have the highest per capita rates of homelessness. Persistent challenges around unemployment, substance use, lack of affordable housing, and weak social safety nets contribute to the risks this group faces. While rates have declined slightly over the past decade, young adults still make up a substantial and growing share of the homeless population. Addressing their needs through expanded interventions and support programs should be a top priority in order to prevent long-term homelessness and set young people up for success.