California Homelessness Statistics

As of January 2020, California had an estimated 161548 experiencing homelessness on any given day, as reported by Continuums of Care to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Of that Total, 8030 were family households, 11401 were Veterans, 12172 were unaccompanied young adults (aged 18-24), and 51785 were individuals experiencing chronic homelessness.

Public school data reported to the U.S. Department of Education during the 2018-2019 school year shows that an estimated 271528 public school students experienced homelessness over the course of the year. Of that total, 11021 students were unsheltered, 19758 were in shelters, 14386 were inhotels/motels, and 226363 were doubled up.

Use our map to compare California homeless statistics with other states and filter statistics by the data source. You can also find contact information for each state under the map.

If you are experiencing homelessness, please contact the Continuum of Care in your local area for assistance.

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Total People Experiencing Homelessness

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Homelessness Statistics for California

  • Total Homeless Population

    161548

  • Total Family Households Experiencing Homelessness

    8030

  • Veterans Experiencing Homelessness

    11401

  • Persons Experiencing Chronic Homelessness

    51785

  • Unaccompanied Young Adults (Aged 18-24) Experiencing Homelessness

    12172

  • Total Number of Homeless Students

    271528

  • Total Number of Unaccompanied Homeless Students

    7633

  • Nighttime Residence: Unsheltered

    11021

  • Nighttime Residence: Shelters

    19758

  • Nighttime Residence: Hotels/motels

    14386

  • Nighttime Residence: Doubled up

    226363

Contact Info on Homelessness for California

USICH Contact - Regional Coordinator

Helene Schneider

(202) 754-1581

State Interagency Council

Ali Sutton

(916) 653-4090

State Homeless Education Coordinator
Housing and Urban Development Contacts