Yes, Europe faces a significant and growing homelessness problem, with over 1.2 million people experiencing homelessness nightly across the EU, driven by housing shortages, economic challenges, social exclusion, and migration, affecting more diverse groups like families, children, and migrants, despite efforts like Finland's "Housing First" approach.
With nearly 1.3 million people in the EU experiencing homelessness and rent prices skyrocketing, the EU's goal to end homelessness by 2030 is becoming increasingly out of reach.
Nicaragua (78%), Bolivia (75%), and Peru (72%) have the highest rates of families experiencing homelessness or those who live in poor-quality housing, whereas Costa Rica has the lowest rate (18%). In 2020, more than 200,000 Brazilians were homeless.
Crisis-Level Catastrophe: The UK Surpasses the US in Homelessness. The UK has surpassed the US in homelessness rates, with a lifetime literal homelessness rate of 7.7%, highlighting a severe affordability crisis.
The definition of a home can be similarly flexible, as what constitutes a home in a low-income developing country may be considered unfit in a developed country. Bhutan, Jordan, Liechtenstein, Vatican City: These countries have reported or claimed to have no homeless population on average per day.
As of 2024, France has the second highest homeless population in Europe behind the UK. One study of homeless in Paris found that homeless people have a high degree of social proximity to other people living in conditions of poverty.
New York City, New York
The city has the largest population of any city in the United States, with over 88,025 homeless people living there. This covers those living in temporary homes, shelters, and on the streets.
Although the causes of homelessness are many, economic hardship and lack of affordable housing are the two leading causes of homelessness.
Homelessness and Age
The average age of adults experiencing homelessness is 45 years. The average age of unaccompanied homeless youth (aged 24 and below) is 18 years. The average age of older adults (aged 50 and above) experiencing homelessness is 66 years.
The reasons for homelessness are manifold, many have been given flats multiple times but go back to the streets, many suffer from addictions and mental health issues.
As a result, Finland is one of the only European countries that registers decreasing homelessness numbers. The country's goal is to end homelessness in Finland all together.
Homelessness in Ireland continues to reach unprecedented levels in 2025, with more than 16,000 people in emergency accommodation for three consecutive months. Among them are over 5,000 children, a stark reflection of the worsening crisis in housing availability and affordability.
While it is considered the leader of the world stage, the United States still has one of the biggest problems with homelessness, even when compared to more impoverished countries. With a homeless population per night of over half a million souls, the numbers are concerning.
Cultural norms emphasize family responsibility — many struggling individuals rely on relatives for support before becoming street homeless. The bottom line is that Homelessness in China is real and affects millions, including adults and children.
Homelessness in England, Scotland and Wales (as well as Northern Ireland) is typically measured separately but recent analysis by the FT found that one in every 200 households in the UK is experiencing homelessness.
In 2024, no state had enough permanent housing for everyone experiencing homelessness. Rather than addressing those needs, some elected officials are fining, jailing, and punishing people experiencing homelessness. This wastes taxpayer dollars, and it makes it harder for providers to help people exit homelessness.
68% of U.S. cities report that addiction is a their single largest cause of homelessness. * “Housing First” initiatives are well intentioned, but can be short-sighted. A formerly homeless addict is likely to return to homelessness unless they deal with the addiction.
California—also the most populous state—has the largest homeless population in the country, at more than 187,000 people counted in January, 2024.
Roughly 100 unhoused individuals across Los Angeles County and parts of San Francisco were given $750 a month over a year. The money came in the form of an unconditional payment—no strings attached.
According to USA Facts , which analyzed the Point in Time data, states with the fewest amount of homeless people include Mississippi, Louisiana, Iowa, Virginia, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Alabama, Texas, and Arkansas — all decidedly red politically.
West Coast
Paris Syndrome is a severe psychological condition, essentially extreme culture shock, experienced by some tourists (especially Japanese) who find Paris doesn't match their highly romanticized, idealized expectations from media, leading to symptoms like anxiety, hallucinations, dizziness, and even delusions due to the harsh reality of crowds, rude service, and pollution versus their fantasy of a perfect city.
While France recently toughened anti-squatting regulations, these laws primarily target individuals who break into properties illegally. However, when guests enter legally—such as through Airbnb—even for a very brief period, they automatically gain certain tenant-like protections.
Structures offering domiciliation. In Paris, the Direction des Solidarités de la Ville de Paris and 41 associations approved by the Préfet offer this service to homeless people at 57 different sites throughout Paris.