Homelessness in 2026

An interactive guide for students. Select a state from the dropdown list.
See the numbers and understand the impact.

Select a State

National Average

Estimated Homeless Population
771,480
People with Homes
~335,000,000
The Ratio
1 in 435
For every 1 person without a home, there are 435 people with homes.

Homelessness: Myths vs. Facts

Myth:
They just don't want to work.

Fact:
Up to 40-60% of people experiencing homelessness actually have jobs. The problem is often that wages are too low to afford rent.

Myth:
It's always caused by bad choices.

Fact:
The #1 cause is the lack of affordable housing. High rent and low inventory push people out of their homes.

Myth:
They are not from around here.

Fact:
Most people lose their housing in the same community where they lived and worked. They are our neighbors.

Myth:
It only happens in big cities.

Fact:
Homelessness happens in suburbs and rural towns, too. It might be less visible, but people still struggle to find safe shelter everywhere.

Myth:
Kids don't become homeless.

Fact:
Over 1 million students in the U.S. experience homelessness each year. They might sleep in cars, shelters, or on friends' couches.

Myth:
It's easy to get a home if you try.

Fact:
Without a permanent address, it is very hard to get a job, open a bank account, or save enough money for a rental deposit.