Oregon’s homelessness crisis is worsening, with the state ranking eighth in the nation for homeless population in January 2024. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) “point-in-time” count, 22,875 people in Oregon were homeless, reflecting a 13.6% increase from the previous year (20,142 people in 2023). While Oregon’s homeless population is smaller than those of larger states like California, New York, and Florida, its year-over-year increase in homelessness ranks as the 17th largest nationwide.
Key Numbers and Trends:
- Oregon’s homeless population: 22,875 people in January 2024.
- National context: The U.S. saw a total of 771,480 homeless individuals, marking an 18% increase from January 2023.
- Year-over-year increase: Oregon’s 13.6% rise is significant but smaller than states like Illinois (116.2%) and Hawaii (87%).
- Demographics: More than one-quarter of those experiencing homelessness were minors (19%) or young adults (8%). The largest percentage increase in homelessness was seen in children under 18 (32%) and young adults aged 25 to 34 (24%).
The report also highlights a growing trend of family homelessness, which rose 39% in areas impacted by migration, though Oregon did not experience the same migrant influx seen in other parts of the country. The Biden administration and Democrats suggest that migration and rising rents contribute to the overall increase in homelessness, while Republicans argue that housing policies like “housing first” neglect issues like mental illness and addiction.
In Oregon, homelessness remains a persistent issue, exacerbated by housing shortages and a lack of comprehensive solutions. This continuing crisis has spurred debate about how to address the state’s growing homeless population.