Decrease in homeless population persists in Los Angeles County, leaving over 72,000 individuals homeless
In a significant development, the 2025 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count has revealed a 4% decline in homelessness across Los Angeles County, marking the second consecutive year of decreases after prolonged increases. The total number of homeless people dropped to approximately 72,308 countywide, with around 43,669 individuals residing within the city of Los Angeles.
Notably, the count showed a 10% reduction in unsheltered individuals living on the streets countywide, and an almost 8% decrease in unsheltered homelessness within the city itself. These declines are especially noteworthy, given the ongoing political and economic instability the city has faced, including wildfires, budget shortfalls, and increasing pressure from the federal government.
Several key factors and strategies have contributed to this decline. Mayor Karen Bass, in her commitment to reject the "broken status quo" of leaving people on the streets until housing was built, has chosen instead to act with urgency. Her efforts, along with those of Supervisors Janice Hahn and Kathryn Barger, and other officials, have focused on investing billions in homelessness services, clearing encampments, and emphasizing the offer of shelter beds, hotel/motel rooms, and necessary supports.
Programs like Mayor Bass’ Inside Safe initiative have helped move people off the streets and into safer living situations. There has also been an 8.5% rise in homeless individuals entering shelters and interim housing countywide (4.7% increase in the city), reflecting expanded access to temporary accommodations as bridges to permanent housing. County-level programs such as Pathway Home, dedicated to assisting homeless individuals towards stability and permanent housing, have also played a crucial role.
However, while these efforts have shown promising results, challenges remain. Organizations like the Inner City Law Center highlight that despite these declines, homelessness remains a crisis requiring a coordinated, comprehensive prevention system. Preventing homelessness before it starts by keeping low-income renters housed and expanding prevention services countywide is essential to ensuring sustained progress.
The county has spent nearly $2.5 billion over the past eight years on rental subsidies, outreach programs, and affordable housing construction. Officials attribute the downward trend to an influx of public funding, new housing units, and aggressive outreach strategies focused on mental health and addiction support.
The estimated current number of individuals experiencing homelessness in LA County is 72,308, a figure that continues to be monitored closely by city and county officials. The 2025 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count was conducted in February, with the survey developed by researchers at USC aligning with federal HUD standards.
Despite the challenges that lie ahead, the progress made in reducing homelessness in Los Angeles is a testament to the power of targeted, urgent, and coordinated policies. The city's continued focus on investing in homelessness solutions, clearing encampments, and expanding access to shelter and interim housing offers hope for a brighter future for the thousands of individuals experiencing homelessness in the region.
Community news highlights a 4% decline in homelessness across Los Angeles County for the second consecutive year, according to the 2025 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count. Important events such as the implementation of targeted policies, increased funding for homelessness services, and expanded access to temporary accommodations are making strides in addressing the homelessness crisis, as outlined in the policy-and-legislation sphere. Additionally, general-news sources report that ongoing challenges remain, as organizations emphasize the urgency of implementing a comprehensive prevention system to sustain the progress made in resolving the homelessness issue.
