Report: There are 27.4 Empty Homes for Each Homeless Person in the U.S
In the United States, a striking contrast exists between the number of vacant homes and the population experiencing homelessness. Recent data reveals that, on average, there are 27.4 empty homes for each person experiencing homelessness in the country. This statistic, while seemingly offering a simple solution to the homelessness crisis, masks a complex web of economic, social, and logistical challenges.
The Scale of the Issue
According to the U.S. Census, there are approximately 17 million vacant houses across the nation. Simultaneously, around 600,000 individuals are experiencing homelessness. This translates to about 28 vacant homes per homeless person, a ratio that varies slightly depending on the data source and definitions used.
The distribution of vacant homes to homeless individuals is not uniform across the country. Some cities present stark contrasts:
- Detroit leads with an…