17 U.S. Cities with the Fastest Growing Rates of Homelessness

Imagine a country where over 650,000 people have nowhere to call home. That’s the sobering reality in the United States, where on a single night in January 2023, more than half a million people were experiencing homelessness, according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. This number doesn’t include the millions more who teeter on the brink every year, who are just one missed paycheck or unexpected medical bill away from losing their roof. Get ready for some eye-opening statistics – this is a problem we can’t ignore.

San Francisco, California

Homeless Count (2022): Over 80,000 people experiencing homelessness.

Contributing Factors: Extremely high housing costs, pronounced income inequality, and a complicated approval process for new housing units.

Local Efforts: San Francisco dedicates substantial resources to homelessness initiatives, aiming to expand access to supportive housing with comprehensive services, although high living costs and bureaucratic hurdles persist.

New York City, New York

Homeless Count (2023): Over 64,000 people in the shelter system.

Contributing Factors: The high cost of living, the scarcity of affordable housing, and inadequate supportive services intensify the city’s homelessness issue.

Local Efforts: New York City manages an extensive network of homeless shelters and is actively working to expand permanent supportive housing while tackling mental health and substance abuse issues among the homeless population.

Los Angeles, California

Homeless Count (2023): Over 66,436 unhoused individuals.

Contributing Factors: Exorbitant housing costs, a dire shortage of affordable housing, and prevalent mental health and substance abuse issues.

Local Efforts: The Los Angeles Homelessness Services Authority (LAHSA) leads with a focus on increasing access to emergency shelters, bridge housing, and permanent supportive housing, plus addressing mental health and addiction treatment.

Seattle, Washington

Homeless Count (2023): Over 13,000 people experiencing homelessness.

Contributing Factors: Escalating housing costs and limited mental health and addiction treatment services.

Local Efforts: The Seattle Housing Authority offers various affordable housing programs and rental assistance. The city is also enhancing navigation centers to connect people without homes with services and permanent housing.

Denver, Colorado

Homeless Count (2023): Over 14,000 people.

Contributing Factors: Denver’s economic growth attracts many new residents, exacerbating the affordable housing shortage and straining limited mental health care options.

Local Efforts: The city is investing in affordable housing development and rental assistance alongside programs that provide connections to mental health care and addiction treatment services.

San Jose, California

Homeless Count (2023): Over 10,000 people.

Contributing Factors: The Silicon Valley boom has led to skyrocketing living costs, a lack of affordable housing, and prevalent mental health challenges.

Local Efforts: Santa Clara County is pushing rapid rehousing programs and increasing the stock of affordable housing to help address these challenges.

Phoenix, Arizona

Homeless Count (2023): Over 8,000 people.

Contributing Factors: Rapid population growth has strained housing affordability, alongside a lack of affordable housing options and limited resources.

Local Efforts: Phoenix focuses on homelessness prevention, rapid rehousing, and the development of permanent supportive housing, aiming to offer a comprehensive approach to the crisis.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Homeless Count (2023): Over 6,800 individuals.

Contributing Factors: High housing costs, a shortage of affordable housing, and limited social services.

Local Efforts: Las Vegas, in collaboration with Clark County, is developing a comprehensive plan to increase affordable housing, provide rental assistance, and offer supportive services.

Miami, Florida

Homeless Count (2023): Over 5,500 individuals.

Contributing Factors: High living costs, scarcity of affordable housing, and significant income inequality.

Local Efforts: Miami-Dade County employs a multi-faceted approach, providing emergency shelter, rental assistance, and supportive housing programs.

Austin, Texas

Homeless Count (2023): Over 5,500 individuals.

Contributing Factors: Swift population growth is leading to rising housing costs and a scarcity of affordable housing, compounded by a lack of supportive services.

Local Efforts: Austin and Travis County collaborate on strategies to expand rental assistance programs, create supportive housing units, and address the underlying causes of homelessness.

Portland, Oregon

Homeless Count (2023): Over 5,200 people.

Contributing Factors: A limited supply of affordable housing and lack of access to mental health care, worsened by high poverty rates.

Local Efforts: Portland invests in affordable housing development and

renter assistance programs, with outreach and support services to assist the homeless in transitioning to stable housing.

Honolulu, Hawaii

Homeless Count (2022): Over 4,500 people.

Contributing Factors: High living costs, limited affordable housing, and a scarcity of resources.

Local Efforts: Honolulu is working to expand access to affordable housing and emergency shelters, along with providing job training and supportive services to aid transitions out of homelessness.

Washington, D.C.

Homeless Count (2023): Over 6,000 people.

Contributing Factors: High living costs, a lack of affordable housing, and limited support services.

Local Efforts: The D.C. Interagency Council on Homelessness leads efforts to provide emergency shelter, permanent supportive housing, and outreach programs.

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Homeless Count (2022): Over 1,800 homeless students in Albuquerque Public Schools.

Contributing Factors: High poverty rates, a shortage of affordable housing, and prevalent domestic violence.

Local Efforts: Albuquerque’s Heading Home Coalition coordinates rapid rehousing assistance, supportive housing development, and street outreach to tackle homelessness.

Orlando, Florida

Homeless Count (2023): Over 2,500 people.

Contributing Factors: Rising housing costs, a shortage of affordable housing, and limited social safety net resources.

Local Efforts: The Central Florida Homeless Coalition is spearheading efforts to provide shelter, supportive housing, and services to address the root causes of homelessness.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Homeless Count (2023): Over 5,700 people.

Contributing Factors: Philadelphia faces a combination of high poverty rates, inadequate affordable housing, and limited access to health services.

Local Efforts: The city of Philadelphia is actively expanding its efforts to provide emergency shelters and permanent supportive housing. There is a strong focus on mental health services and job training programs aimed at aiding the transition out of homelessness. Philadelphia’s comprehensive approach includes street outreach teams that work to engage with homeless individuals directly and connect them to necessary services.

Chicago, Illinois

Homeless Count (2023): Over 5,200 people experiencing homelessness.

Contributing Factors: Chicago’s homelessness is driven by high unemployment rates, systemic poverty, and a significant gap in affordable housing.

Local Efforts: Chicago has implemented several initiatives to reduce homelessness, including the development of affordable housing units and substantial investments in health services and job programs. The city also supports innovative approaches like “Housing First,” which provides homeless individuals with housing without preconditions, alongside access to supportive services aimed at sustainability and self-sufficiency.

18 Small Towns in the U.S. That Are Surprisingly Unsafe

The allure of small-town living is undeniable. Peaceful streets, friendly neighbors, and a slower pace of life all paint a picture of idyllic bliss. But beneath the quaint exteriors of some seemingly picture-perfect towns lurks a very different reality. Here’s a look at 18 small towns in the U.S. that face surprising challenges when it comes to safety.

1. Gary, Indiana

Crime Rate: An alarming 6,446 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.
Safety Status: Ranked 4th worst in the U.S., according to NeighborhoodScout.

Gary’s decline began with the steel industry’s collapse, but its struggles are compounded by high unemployment rates and a significant number of abandoned homes, creating hotspots for criminal activity. The town is actively seeking regeneration strategies to revitalize its economy and community spaces.

2. Camden, New Jersey

Crime Rate: 4,487 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.
Safety Status: 12th worst in the U.S., per NeighborhoodScout.

Camden’s efforts to turn around its image include investing in community policing and new educational facilities. However, despite these efforts, the city still faces challenges with drug-related crime and a lingering reputation that deters economic development.

3. Flint, Michigan

Crime Rate: 4,176 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.
Safety Status: 21st worst in the U.S., according to NeighborhoodScout.

Flint’s issues extend to massive infrastructural deficits and a dwindling population, which strains local resources and complicates efforts to combat crime. The community is engaged in initiatives aimed at rebuilding trust and ensuring cleaner water resources.

4. Stockton, California

Crime Rate: 4,080 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.
Safety Status: 27th worst in the U.S., as per NeighborhoodScout.

The economic recovery in Stockton is hampered by high rates of homelessness and poverty. Innovative programs like Advance Peace are being tested here to reduce gun violence through community engagement and support.

5. East St. Louis, Illinois

Crime Rate: 4,063 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.
Safety Status: Ranked 29th worst in the U.S. by NeighborhoodScout.

East St. Louis suffers from one of the highest poverty rates in the nation, which directly impacts its crime rate. Efforts to improve the situation include boosting local education and youth programs.

6. Birmingham, Alabama

Crime Rate: 4,022 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.
Safety Status: 32nd worst in the U.S., according to NeighborhoodScout.

The remnants of historical inequities are visible in the economic and social fabric of Birmingham, affecting everything from housing quality to job opportunities. Community leaders are focusing on inclusivity and economic diversity to bridge gaps.

7. Memphis, Tennessee

Crime Rate: 4,012 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.
Safety Status: 33rd worst in the U.S. by NeighborhoodScout.

Memphis is employing multifaceted approaches to tackle crime, including youth engagement programs and economic incentives to revitalize poorer neighborhoods, aiming to reduce the incentives for gang recruitment.

8. Compton, California

Crime Rate: 3,881 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.
Safety Status: Ranked 42nd worst in the U.S. by NeighborhoodScout.

Despite a reputation marred by decades of depicted violence, Compton is experiencing a cultural resurgence with new arts programs and community-led urban renewal projects aimed at providing safe and creative outlets for its youth.

9. Savannah, Georgia

Crime Rate: 3,829 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.
Safety Status: Ranked 47th worst in the U.S. by NeighborhoodScout.

Savannah’s bustling tourism sector contrasts sharply with areas experiencing systemic neglect. Community efforts focus on bridging this divide with improved policing and neighborhood revitalization projects.

10. New Orleans, Louisiana

Crime Rate: 3,798 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.
Safety Status: Ranked 50th worst in the U.S. by NeighborhoodScout.

Efforts to balance tourism with local needs include bolstering the police force and enhancing flood defenses to mitigate the impacts of frequent natural disasters, which often exacerbate social and economic instability.

11. Youngstown, Ohio

Crime Rate: 3,782 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.
Safety Status: Ranked 52nd worst in the U.S. by NeighborhoodScout.

Youngstown’s strategy to combat crime involves re-purposing abandoned industrial spaces for new businesses and community centers, aiming to create job opportunities and reduce crime-prone areas.

12. Shreveport, Louisiana

Crime Rate: 3,739 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.
Safety Status: Ranked 55th worst in the U.S. by NeighborhoodScout.

Shreveport’s unique position makes it vulnerable to transitory criminal elements. Local law enforcement is enhancing cross-state collaboration to tackle this issue more effectively.

13. Peoria, Illinois

Crime Rate: 3,723 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.
Safety Status: Ranked 57th worst in the U.S. by NeighborhoodScout.

Peoria is focusing on community policing and providing better social services to address its rising gang violence, with an emphasis on engaging at-risk youth.

14. Atlantic City, New Jersey

Crime Rate: 3,698 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.
Safety Status: Ranked 59th worst in the U.S. by NeighborhoodScout.

With the decline of its casino industry, Atlantic City is diversifying its economy by promoting new sectors like technology and green energy, alongside improving public safety.

15. Wichita Falls, Texas

Crime Rate: 3,682 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.
Safety Status: Ranked 61st worst in the U.S. by NeighborhoodScout.

The dual nature of Wichita Falls, with its urban and rural dynamics, presents unique challenges. Local authorities are focusing on bridging service gaps between these areas to enhance safety.

16. Vallejo, California

Crime Rate: 3,643 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.
Safety Status: Ranked 64th worst in the U.S. by NeighborhoodScout.

Vallejo is actively working to combat gang activity through community outreach programs that offer alternatives to gang involvement, aiming to break the cycle of violence.

17. Lake Charles, Louisiana

Crime Rate: 3,598 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.
Safety Status: Ranked 67th worst in the U.S. by NeighborhoodScout.

Post-Hurricane Laura, Lake Charles is focused on rebuilding and strengthening community resilience to withstand future disasters better and reduce crime spikes during recovery periods.

18. Wilmington, Delaware

Crime Rate: 3,582 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.
Safety Status: Ranked 69th worst in the U.S. by NeighborhoodScout.

Efforts in Wilmington to address crime include improving access to quality education and healthcare, particularly in underserved communities, to foster a safer, more equitable city.

16 Places in America That Used to Be Rich But Are Now Poor

Many of America’s poorest towns weren’t always facing hard times. In fact, some of them are former boomtowns that used to boast prosperous economies and flourishing industries. Using figures from the US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey and Data USA, we examine how prosperity turned to poverty in towns and cities nationwide.

Whigham, Georgia: From Agricultural Hub to Economic Downturn

Whigham, Georgia, took a severe hit during the Great Depression, drastically reducing its population from its late 19th-century beginnings as a thriving agricultural town. Despite a small peak in 2000, its population declined to 552 by 2020. This southern town, originally flourishing with farms and agricultural businesses, now struggles with a 13.7% poverty rate.

West Blocton, Alabama: The Rise and Fall of a Coal Town

Around 3,600 residents thrived in West Blocton, Alabama, at the height of the coal industry. However, a devastating fire in 1927, followed by the 1929 stock market crash, led to its decline. Today, it houses around 1,200 people, facing a poverty rate of 18.5%, with a median household income of $33,625.

Bogalusa, Louisiana: Timber’s Decline

Once a booming timber town, Bogalusa, Louisiana, now struggles with a 31.5% poverty rate. The timber industry’s decline in the 1960s left the city with diminished prosperity. Today, with a median income of $31,976 and only 9.7% of its adults holding a bachelor’s degree, the place reflects the hardships faced post-industry.

Camden, Arkansas: From Cotton Fields to Economic Hardships

In the late 1800s, Camden, Arkansas, was a vibrant hub due to its thriving cotton trade. However, post-WWII changes in agricultural practices and foreign competition decimated local production. Now, Camden struggles with a poverty rate of 31.8% and a median household income significantly below the national average.

Brunswick, Georgia: The Ebb and Flow of Fortunes

Brunswick, Georgia, experienced fluctuating fortunes, originally thriving through naval stores and timber production. Despite the ongoing strength of the timber industry nationally, Brunswick hasn’t benefitted, resulting in a poverty rate of 34.7% and a stark drop in median household income.

Laurinburg, North Carolina: Textile Boom to Bust

Laurinburg, North Carolina, once prospered through its textile industry. Despite a rich history of economic prosperity around textile manufacturing, the industry’s shift away from smaller towns has left Laurinburg with a poverty rate of 36.6% and a reduced median household income.

Braddock, Pennsylvania: Steel’s Legacy Lost

Braddock thrived with a strong steel industry until its decline in the 1970s. Once a bustling economic locale, the borough situated in the eastern suburbs of Pittsburgh now endures a high poverty rate of 36.7%. The significant decrease in population and economic output starkly contrasts its industrious past.

East Cleveland, Ohio: Industrial Decline and Economic Struggles

In its industrial prime, East Cleveland, Ohio, was a magnet for manufacturing jobs and economic growth. Today, it suffers from a 37.5% poverty rate, with incomes and employment opportunities far below their historical peak. The closure of major factories like General Electric has had a lasting impact.

Ville Platte, Louisiana: From Oil Boom to Economic Gloom

Ville Platte, Louisiana, experienced economic highs with the discovery of oil and the establishment of a carbon black plant. However, with a current poverty rate of 41.4% and minimal local employment, the town’s past prosperity is just a memory.

Brownsville, Florida: Social Shifts and Economic Downturns

In the early 1900s, Brownsville, Florida, was a flourishing area for Black professionals. However, demographic and social changes post-WWII led to the decline of locally owned businesses. Despite its historical significance today, it grapples with a poverty rate exceeding 40%.

Springhill, Louisiana: Timber and Paper Industry’s Decline

Springhill, Louisiana, sustained its economy through timber and paper industries until the International Paper Company’s mill was closed in 1979. Since then, the town has faced a poverty rate of 45.6%, reflecting the broader struggles of small industry towns.

Hamtramck, Michigan: Auto Industry Impact

Once known for its thriving automobile manufacturing, Hamtramck, Michigan, has since struggled as industries have moved or closed, including the significant loss marked by General Motors’ plant closure. The town now suffers from a poverty rate of 46.5% and declining economic opportunities.

Cairo, Illinois: Historical Highs to Economic Lows

Cairo, Illinois, was poised for prosperity post-Civil War with booming rail and ferry industries. However, a series of challenges over the century led to economic decline, and today, it faces a poverty rate of 46.5% with a significantly reduced population.

Wichita, Kansas: Aviation’s Decline

Once celebrated as “The Air Capital of the World,” Wichita, Kansas, has seen its aerospace sector struggle, mainly after key companies like Boeing left. This historical manufacturing hub now ranks lower in wealth than its mid-20th-century status. Then again, you can always visit its museums and award-winning food and drink establishments.

Stockton-Lodi, California: Housing Boom and Bust

The financial crisis hit Stockton, California, hard, culminating in a bankruptcy declaration following a housing market collapse. This metropolitan area, once fueled by economic growth, now struggles with a high unemployment rate and significant economic challenges. One good thing, though, is its quality educational institutions, like the University of the Pacific.

Johnstown, Pennsylvania: Steel’s Disappearing Act

Johnstown, Pennsylvania, was a leading steel producer, but it is now grappling with economic stagnation and a high poverty rate. The town’s decline from industrial powerhouse to economic hardship is reflected in its 33.7% poverty rate. Communities faced challenges related to manufacturing industries that no longer sustained their economies.