The 2025 Point-in-Time Count & Survey found that the Greater Houston area’s homeless population remains relatively stable.
HOUSTON — New numbers released on Tuesday show where homelessness stands across the Houston area.
The Coalition for the Homeless released its annual point-in-time count and survey.
The federally mandated count was done in late January for Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery counties.
Organizers said the results will help them hone in on the direction they want to take to address the issue in the upcoming year.
Over the last 10 years, the nationwide numbers show a massive rise in homelessness across the country.
This year’s total was similar when compared to 2023 and 2024. They showed that locally, most of the homeless population is between 35 and 64. Men make up 77% while Black residents make up 58% of the total count.
While several factors contribute to homelessness, organizers said job loss is one of the main driving factors.
The data will be used to direct more resources to the areas in need of the most help.
Overall homeless population
Total count: 3,325 individuals in Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery counties — a slight increase of 45 people from 2024.
Sheltered vs. unsheltered: 61.4% sheltered (2,043 people), 38.6% unsheltered (1,282 people); unsheltered count rose 15.8% from last year.
Geographic concentration: 90.2% in Harris County; Fort Bend and Montgomery combined for under 10%.
Demographics
Age: Unsheltered population is predominantly middle-aged; nearly 75% are 35–64. Sheltered individuals skew younger, with 26.2% under 18.
Gender: Men make up 76.8% of unsheltered and 60.3% overall. Sheltered individuals split almost evenly by gender.
Race and ethnicity: Black individuals are heavily overrepresented (56.2% overall), especially in shelters, despite making up about 20.9% of the general local population. White and Hispanic individuals are more likely to be unsheltered.
Unsheltered population insights
Substance use/health: Nearly half reported substance use disorders, with many also reporting chronic health and mental health conditions, and physical disabilities impairing work or independent living.
Causes: Leading causes are family conflict (19.9%), lack of income (19.6%), and job loss (14%); 40% experiencing first-time homelessness.
Veterans: 8% of unsheltered are veterans.
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