Homelessness Rates by State: Ranked from Lowest to Highest
50. Mississippi
![](https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/homeless-in-Mississippi.jpg)
Mississippi reports the lowest homelessness rate per capita at 3.3 per 10,000 in 2023, totaling 982 individuals, the 3rd lowest total nationwide, and accounting for 0.03% of its population. With 54.79% or 538 people sheltered and 45.21% or 444 unsheltered, Mississippi shows targeted efforts within its population of 2,939,690 to address homelessness.
49. Alabama
![](https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/homeless-in-Alabama.jpg)
Alabama has a homelessness rate of 6.5 per 10,000 in 2023, with 3,304 people experiencing homelessness, comprising 0.06% of its population of 5.1 million. The state has sheltered 55.93% or 1,848 individuals, with 44.07% or 1,456 unsheltered.
48. Louisiana
![](https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/homeless-in-Louisiana.jpg)
Louisiana’s homelessness rate is 6.9 per 10,000 in 2023, totaling 3,169 homeless individuals, the 17th lowest of any state, and equal to 0.07% of its population of 4,573,749. Of Louisiana’s homeless population, 55.85% or 1,770 people are sheltered and 44.15% or 1,399 are unsheltered.
47. South Carolina
![](https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/homeless-in-South-Carolina.jpg)
South Carolina reports a homelessness rate of 7.5 per 10,000 in 2023, with 4,053 homeless people, making up 0.08% of its population. The state has 67.26% or 2,726 individuals sheltered, with 32.74% or 1,327 unsheltered among its 5,373,555 residents.
46. Virginia
![](https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/homeless-in-Virginia.jpg)
Virginia sees a homelessness rate of 7.8 per 10,000 in 2023, with 6,761 individuals experiencing homelessness, the 20th highest number of any state, and affecting 0.08% of its population of 8,715,698. With 80.27% or 5,427 people sheltered and 19.73% or 1,334 unsheltered, Virginia demonstrates successful ongoing efforts to ease homelessness and provide adequate shelter and support.
45. West Virginia
![](https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/homeless-in-West-Virginia.jpg)
With a rate of 8.0 per 10,000, West Virginia has 1,416 homeless people in 2023, the 6th lowest overall, accounting for 0.08% of its population. The state has sheltered 67.80% or 960 individuals, with 32.20% or 456 unsheltered among its 1,770,071 residents.
44. Wisconsin
![](https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/homeless-in-Wisconsin.jpg)
Wisconsin’s homelessness rate is 8.2 per 10,000 in 2023, with 4,861 homeless individuals, the 26th highest total, and 0.08% of its population. A high 90.58% or 4,403 individuals are sheltered, with 9.42% or 458 remaining unsheltered within a total population of 5,910,955. This is an impressive rate of shelter and other states would be smart to follow Wisconsin’s example.
43. Iowa
![](https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/homeless-in-Iowa.jpg)
Iowa reports a homelessness rate of 8.3 per 10,000 in 2023, with 2,653 people experiencing homelessness, the 15th lowest total, and 0.08% of its population affected. The state has sheltered 82.81% or 2,197 individuals, leaving 17.19% or 456 unsheltered among its 3,207,004 residents.
42. Connecticut
![](https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/homeless-in-Conneticutt-.jpg)
Connecticut’s homelessness rate stands at 8.3 per 10,000 in 2023, totaling 3,015 homeless individuals, the 16th lowest number of any state, representing 0.08% of the state population of 3,617,176. With 83.38% or 2,514 people sheltered and 16.62% or 501 unsheltered, the state demonstrates effective shelter and housing support for its homeless populace.
41. Arkansas
![](https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/homeless-in-Arkansas.jpg)
With a rate of 8.5 homeless individuals per 10,000, Arkansas reports 2,609 homeless people in 2023, the 12th lowest, accounting for 0.09% of its population. The state has a nearly even split with 49.33% or 1,287 sheltered and 50.67% or 1,322 unsheltered individuals among its 3,067,732 residents.
40. Indiana
![](https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/homeless-in-Indiana.jpg)
Indiana has a homelessness rate of 8.8 per 10,000 in 2023, with 6,017 people experiencing homelessness. With 0.09% of its population affected, 80.70% or 4,856 individuals are sheltered, and 19.30% or 1,161 remain unsheltered within a total state population of 6,862,199.
39. Michigan
![](https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/homeless-in-Michigan.jpg)
Michigan’s homelessness rate is 9.0 per 10,000, with 8,997 homeless individuals or 0.09% of its population of just over 10 million. With 85.16% (7,662 individuals) sheltered and 14.84% (1,335 individuals) unsheltered, Michigan demonstrates a strong commitment to combating homelessness.
38. Kansas
![](https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/homeless-in-Kansas.jpg)
Kansas reports a homelessness rate of 9.0 per 10,000 in 2023, with 2,636 individuals homeless, the 14th lowest number in the country, and making up 0.09% of the state population of just under 3 million people. The state has sheltered 71.36% (1,881 individuals), with 28.64% (755 individuals) unsheltered.
37. Texas
![](https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/homeless-in-Texas-1.jpg)
Texas has a homelessness rate of 9.0 per 10,000, with 27,377 people experiencing homelessness in 2023, accounting for 0.09% of its population of 30.5 million. The state has sheltered 57.31% (15,691 individuals), leaving 42.69% (11,686 individuals) unsheltered.
36. North Carolina
![](https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/homeless-in-north-carolina.jpg)
North Carolina reports a homelessness rate of 9.0 per 10,000 in 2023, with 9,754 homeless individuals, the 15th highest, and 0.09% of the state population. The state has sheltered 64.70% (6,311 individuals), with 35.30% (3,443 individuals) unsheltered, so there are ongoing efforts to improve housing solutions among its 10.83 million residents.
35. Wyoming
![](https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/homeless-in-Wyoming.jpg)
Wyoming has the lowest number of homeless individuals in 2023, with 532, reflecting a rate of 9.1 per 10,000, and 0.09% of its population. With 89.10% (474 individuals) sheltered and 10.90% (58 individuals) unsheltered, Wyoming shows strong support for its homeless within a population of 584,057.
34. Maryland
![](https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/homeless-in-Maryland.jpg)
Maryland’s homelessness rate stands at 9.5 per 10,000, totaling 5,865 individuals, the 24th highest number nationwide, and accounting for 0.09% of its population. The state has sheltered 83.77% (4,913 individuals), leaving 16.23% (952 individuals) unsheltered, highlighting efforts within its population of 6,180,253 to address homelessness.
33. Illinois
![](https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/homeless-in-Illinois.jpg)
Illinois sees a homelessness rate of 9.5 per 10,000, with 11,947 people homeless in 2023, comprising 0.10% of the state population. With 86.45% (10,328 individuals) sheltered and 13.55% (1,619 individuals) unsheltered, Illinois has taken significant action against homelessness among its 12.55 million residents.
32. Ohio
![](https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/homeless-in-Ohio.jpg)
Ohio reports 11,386 homeless individuals in 2023, the 13th highest number nationally, with a rate of 9.7 per 10,000, representing 0.10% of its population. The state has sheltered 78.90% (8,983 individuals), with 21.10% (2,403 individuals) remaining unsheltered, reflecting ongoing efforts within its population of 11,785,935 to provide adequate housing.
31. Pennsylvania
![](https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/homeless-in-Pennsylvania.jpg)
Pennsylvania’s homelessness rate is 9.7 per 10,000, placing its total at 12,556, the 10th highest overall number, and comprising 0.10% of the state population. The state has successfully sheltered 85.95% (10,792 individuals), leaving 14.05% (1,764 individuals) unsheltered among its nearly 12.96 million residents.
30. North Dakota
![](https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/homeless-in-North-Dakota.jpg)
North Dakota has the second-lowest number of homeless people in 2023, with 784 individuals, representing 0.10% of its population. With a homelessness rate of 10.0 per 10,000, 77.55% (608 individuals) are sheltered, and 22.45% (176 individuals) are unsheltered, indicating focused efforts within a population of 783,926 to address homelessness.
29. Kentucky
![](https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/homeless-in-Kentucky.jpg)
Kentucky has a homelessness rate of 10.5 per 10,000, with 4,766 homeless individuals, or 0.11% of its population of 4.5 million. The state has sheltered 69.16% or 3,296 people, leaving 30.84% or 1,470 unsheltered, so there’s progress, but still plenty more work to do.
28. Utah
![](https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/homeless-in-Utah.jpg)
Utah reports a homelessness rate of 10.8 per 10,000, with 3,687 people experiencing homelessness, or around 0.11% of its population of 3.4 million. The state has sheltered 73.42% or 2,707 individuals, while 26.58% or 980 are unsheltered.
27. Missouri
![](https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/homeless-in-Missouri.jpg)
Missouri’s homelessness rate stands at 10.8 per 10,000, totaling 6,708 individuals, accounting for 0.11% of its population of over 6.1 million. The state has successfully sheltered 69.99% or 4,695 individuals, with 30.01% or 2,013 remaining unsheltered.
26. New Jersey
![](https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Homeless-in-New-Jersey.jpg)
New Jersey has a homelessness rate of 11.0 per 10,000, with 10,264 homeless individuals, the 14th highest, and 0.11% of its population. A significant 86.28% or 8,856 people are sheltered, with 13.72% or 1,408 unsheltered, reflecting strong support systems in place within New Jersey’s population of over 9.2 million.
25. Georgia
![](https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/homeless-in-Georgia.jpg)
Georgia reports a homelessness rate of 11.1 per 10,000, with 12,294 homeless people, the 11th highest, accounting for 0.11% of its population. The state has sheltered 52.59% or 6,466 individuals, leaving 47.41% or 5,828 unsheltered, underscoring the need for comprehensive housing strategies within Georgia’s population of over 11 million.
24. Oklahoma
![](https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/homeless-in-Oklahoma.jpg)
Oklahoma’s homelessness rate is 11.5 per 10,000, totaling 4,648 individuals, and representing 0.11% of the state population of over 4 million. With 59.01% or 2,743 people sheltered and 40.99% or 1,905 unsheltered, Oklahoma demonstrates ongoing challenges and efforts in addressing homelessness.
23. Idaho
![](https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/homeless-in-Idaho.jpg)
Idaho sees a homelessness rate of 11.7 per 10,000, with 2,298 homeless people, or 0.12% of its population. The state has a nearly even split with 53.96% or 1,240 individuals sheltered and 46.04% or 1,058 unsheltered, highlighting the need for continued efforts in housing solutions within Idaho’s population of nearly 2 million.
22. Delaware
![](https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/homeless-in-Delaware.jpg)
With a homelessness rate of 12.1 per 10,000, Delaware has 1,245 homeless individuals, accounting for 0.12% of its population. The state has sheltered 84.10% or 1,047 of these individuals, leaving 15.09% or 198 unsheltered, indicating effective strategies are in place.
21. Nebraska
![](https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/homeless-in-Nebraska.jpg)
Nebraska reports a homelessness rate of 12.4 per 10,000, totaling 2,462 individuals, making up 0.12% of its population of 2 million. A significant majority, 87.33% or 2,150 people, are sheltered, while 12.67% or 312 are unsheltered, which reflects that Nebraska is making serious efforts to combat homelessness.
20. Tennessee
![](https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/homeless-in-Tennessee.jpg)
Tennessee’s homelessness rate is 12.9 per 10,000, with 9,215 people experiencing homelessness. This equates to 0.13% of the state’s population of over 7.1 million. The distribution between those sheltered (4,694 individuals) and unsheltered (4,521 individuals) is almost even, so the state should do more to provide adequate housing and support.
19. Florida
![](https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/homeless-in-Florida.jpg)
Florida has a homelessness rate of 13.6 per 10,000, totaling 30,756 people, representing 0.14% of its population of 22.6 million. The state sees an almost equal split between sheltered (49.66%, 15,274 individuals) and unsheltered (50.34%, 15,482 individuals) homeless populations.
18. South Dakota
![](https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/homeless-in-South-Dakota.jpg)
South Dakota’s homelessness rate stands at 13.9 per 10,000, with 1,282 homeless individuals, comprising 0.14% of its population of 919,318. The state has sheltered 75.82% (972 individuals), with 24.18% (310 individuals) unsheltered, which is considerably better than some states.
17. Minnesota
![](https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/homeless-in-Minnesota.jpg)
Minnesota reports a homelessness rate of 14.6 per 10,000, with 8,393 people experiencing homelessness, equivalent to 0.15% of its population of 5.7 million. The state has sheltered 80.04% (6,717 individuals), leaving 19.97% (1,676 individuals) unsheltered, indicating strong efforts to support its homeless population.
16. Rhode Island
![](https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/homeless-in-Rhode-Island.jpg)
Rhode Island’s homelessness rate is 16.5 per 10,000, with 1,810 homeless individuals, accounting for 0.17% of the state population of almost 1.1 million. With 81.55% (1,476 individuals) sheltered and 18.45% (334 individuals) unsheltered, Rhode Island has obviously made significant inroads in terms of trying to address its homelessness problem.
15. New Hampshire
![](https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/homeless-in-New-Hampshire.jpg)
New Hampshire has a homelessness rate of 17.4 per 10,000, totaling 2,441 people, making up 0.17% of its population of 1.4 million. The state has effectively sheltered 86.15% (2,103 individuals), with 13.85% (338 individuals) remaining unsheltered.
14. New Mexico
![](https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/homeless-in-New-Mexico.jpg)
New Mexico sees a homelessness rate of 18.2 per 10,000, with 3,842 homeless people, or 0.18% of the state population of 2.1 million. With 58.36% (2,242 individuals) sheltered and 41.64% (1,600 individuals) unsheltered, the state demonstrates ongoing efforts to provide for its homeless.
13. Arizona
![](https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/homeless-in-Arizona.jpg)
With a homelessness rate of 19.2 per 10,000, Arizona has 14,237 homeless people, representing 0.19% of its population of 7.4 million. The state has a challenge with a higher unsheltered population, 53.49% (7,615 individuals), compared to 46.51% (6,622 individuals) sheltered, indicating a significant need for housing solutions.
12. Montana
![](https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/homeless-in-montana.jpg)
Montana reports a homelessness rate of 19.2 per 10,000, with 2,178 homeless individuals, or 0.19% of its population. A significant 77.23% (1,682 individuals) are sheltered, leaving 22.77% (496 individuals) unsheltered, highlighting the state’s efforts to combat homelessness among its population of over 1.1 million.
11. Colorado
![](https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/homeless-in-Colorado.jpg)
Colorado’s homelessness rate is 24.6 per 10,000, totaling 14,439 individuals. This accounts for 0.25% of the state’s total population of 5.9 million. With 67.14% (9,694 individuals) sheltered and 32.86% (4,745 individuals) unsheltered, Colorado shows substantial efforts towards housing its homeless population.
10. Nevada
![](https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Homeless-in-Nevada.jpg)
Nevada has a population of almost 3.2 million, and a homelessness rate of 27.1 per 10,000, with 8,666 people, or 0.27% of the state population experiencing homelessness. Nevada sees a near even split in its homeless condition, with 47.44% (4,111 individuals) sheltered and 52.56% (4,555 individuals) unsheltered.
9. Massachusetts
![](https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/homeless-in-Massachusetts.jpg)
Massachusetts reports a homelessness rate of 27.3 per 10,000, with 19,141 homeless individuals, making up 0.27% of its population. The state has successfully sheltered 92.88%, or 17,779 individuals, with a small fraction, 7.12% or 1,362, unsheltered, reflecting strong support systems in place within a population of 7 million.
8. Maine
![](https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/homeless-in-Maine.jpg)
Maine has a homelessness rate of 30.5 per 10,000, with 4,258 homeless individuals, accounting for 0.31% of the state population. An impressive 92.98%, or 3,959 people, are sheltered, with only 7.02% or 299 remaining unsheltered, highlighting Maine’s effective sheltering efforts within its population of nearly 1.4 million.
7. Alaska
![](https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Homeless-in-Alaska.jpg)
Alaska’s homelessness rate stands at 35.6 per 10,000, with 2,614 people experiencing homelessness, representing 0.36% of its population. A significant majority, 82.10% or 2,146 individuals, are sheltered, leaving 17.90% or 468 unsheltered, showcasing Alaska’s efforts to provide shelter amidst its population of over 733,000.
6. Washington
![](https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Homeless-in-Washington.jpg)
Washington reports a homelessness rate of 35.9 per 10,000, totaling 28,036 individuals, or 0.36% of its population. The distribution between sheltered and unsheltered individuals is nearly even, with 50.23% or 14,083 sheltered and 49.77% or 13,953 unsheltered, indicating a balanced yet critical need for housing solutions in a state with a population of over 7.8 million.
5. Hawaii
![](https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/homeless-in-Hawaii.jpg)
With a rate of 43.4 homeless individuals per 10,000, Hawaii sees 6,223 people without homes, accounting for 0.43% of its population. The state has a higher rate of unsheltered homelessness, with 62.7% or 3,907 individuals living without shelter, compared to 37.3% or 2,316 who are sheltered. This reflects the ongoing challenges Hawaii faces in housing its homeless. In spite of its population of over 1.4 million, Hawaii has the highest cost of living in the country.
4. California
![](https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/homeless-in-California.jpg)
California’s homelessness rate is 46.6 per 10,000 people, with the highest number of homeless people nationwide at 181,399, which is 0.47% of its population. A significant portion, 68.04% or 123,423 individuals, are unsheltered, highlighting a critical issue in the state. Despite efforts, only 34.96% or 57,976 individuals are sheltered, so there’s clearly a need for comprehensive strategies to address homelessness among California’s nearly 39 million residents.
3. Oregon
![](https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/homeless-in-oregon.jpg)
Oregon has a homelessness rate of 47.6 per 10,000 people, with 20,142 homeless individuals, the 6th highest in the U.S., representing 0.48% of the state’s population. The majority, 64.56% or 13,004 people, are unsheltered, while 35.44%, or 7,138 individuals, have found shelter. This scenario tells us that there’s an urgent need for expanded housing solutions within Oregon’s population of over 4.2 million.
2. Vermont
![](https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/homeless-in-Vermont.jpg)
Vermont reports a homelessness rate of 50.9 per 10,000 people, with a total of 3,295 homeless individuals, the 18th lowest total nationally. This represents 0.51% of Vermont’s overall population. The state has successfully provided shelter to 95.84% of its homeless population, or 3,158 individuals, demonstrating significant efforts to combat homelessness. However, 4.16% of its homeless, or 137 people, remain unsheltered.
1. New York
![](https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/homeless-1.jpg)
New York’s homelessness rate stands at 52.7 per 10,000 people, making it the state with the second-highest number of homeless individuals in the country at 103,200. This accounts for 0.52% of New York’s total population. The state has effectively sheltered 95.15% of these individuals, translating to 98,193 people. Nevertheless, 4.85% of the homeless population, or 5,007 individuals, are still without shelter.
17 States Where Taxes Take the Biggest Bite Out of Your Paycheck
![](https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Shutterstock_489977566.jpg)
We all pay taxes, whether it’s income tax deducted from our paychecks, property tax if we own a home, or sales tax when we buy things. In the United States, these taxes vary by state, affecting how much of our salary goes to the government. Let’s look at 17 states where taxes eat up the most of your hard-earned money.
Best Sates for Hunting (and What You Can Hunt There) – Every State Ranked
![](https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Shutterstock_489977566-1.jpg)
More than just a popular past time, hunting is a foundational survival and self-sufficiency skill. And, while the majority of hunting and fishing permits are issued to state residents, plenty of folks like to hunt out of state. We used official data to rank every state in terms of popularity and what you’re able to hunt there.
21 States Where Squatters Could Legally Take Over Your Property
![](https://simplefamilypreparedness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Shutterstock_489977566-2.jpg)
Owning property is a big investment, but there’s a risk you might not know about. In some states, squatters can take your property through a legal concept called adverse possession. This means that if someone lives on your property without permission and meets certain conditions, they could legally claim it as their own.
These old laws can leave property owners vulnerable. In this article, we’ll explain how adverse possession works and what criteria squatters must meet to claim your property. Understanding these laws can help you protect your investment and avoid losing your property.