Nevada’s Homelessness Rate Outpacing National Average
Nevada continues to struggle with a homelessness crisis, with rates above the national average, as detailed in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Annual Homelessness Assessment Report. As of the 2024 count, the state counted 10,106 individuals experiencing homelessness, equating to a rate of 32 per 10,000 residents—significantly higher than the national average of 23 per 10,000. This alarming figure reflects an 18% national increase from 2023, driven by housing costs, economic disparities, and a shortage of affordable housing, particularly in urban hubs like Las Vegas and Reno.
Nevada’s battle with homelessness isn’t new. In 2011, the Southern Nevada Point-in-Time (PIT) count recorded 8,003 individuals—the highest on record at the time. Although numbers gradually declined in the following years, a troubling resurgence has emerged, with the 2024 Southern Nevada PIT count reaching 7,906 individuals in 2024.
Nevada’s homelessness rate, at 32 per 10,000 residents, places it mid-range among neighboring states, reflecting a complex regional landscape. To the west, California has the nation’s largest homeless population, with 187,084 individuals (48 per 10,000), accounting for nearly a quarter of all homeless people in the U.S. Nevada’s homelessness is likely influenced by California’s overwhelming numbers, as regional economic pressures and housing shortages spill across state lines. Oregon, to the north, faces a similar challenge with a rate of 54 per 10,000 (22,875 people), strained by similar affordability issues. In contrast, Arizona (20 per 10,000, 14,737 people) and Idaho (14 per 10,000, 2,750 people) report lower rates, likely due to less intense urban pressures. Utah shines with a notably lower rate of 11 per 10,000 (3,869 people), bolstered by effective interventions like Housing First programs.
When benchmarked against states of similar population size (around 3 million residents), Nevada's situation appears particularly concerning. Utah (population 3.4 million) and Idaho (2 million) have lower rates, as noted above, while New Mexico (2.1 million) is closer at 22 per 10,000 (4,631 people). Colorado, slightly larger at 5.8 million, matches Nevada's rate at 32 per 10,000 (18,715 people), sharing challenges like rapid population growth and tourism-driven economies that inflate housing prices.
Nevada’s leaders and advocates are rallying for bold action to combat the homelessness crisis, emphasizing the urgent need for expanded affordable housing, robust mental health support, and enhanced job training programs. The recent passage of the Governor Lombardo's Nevada Housing Access and Attainability Act by the state legislature marks a promising step, aiming to boost affordable housing development and streamline support services. Targeted efforts are critical to tackling the root causes and providing support for the state’s most vulnerable residents.
