It is difficult to name a single "most popular" place for homelessness globally because data collection methods vary by country, and definitions of homelessness differ significantly. Statistics can be presented as total number of people or as a rate per population, yielding different results.
United States. 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.
Africa. The country with the highest number of homeless people in Africa is Nigeria. Nigeria is also the country with the biggest homeless population in the world. With a homeless population of 24,400,000 out of 216 million citizens, Nigeria has a homeless rate of 11.3%.
While specific data varies by report, Sydney generally has the highest total number of people experiencing homelessness, particularly in its inner-city and surrounding suburbs like Canterbury, Strathfield, and Fairfield, though Brisbane and the Northern Territory (like East Arnhem) also show very high rates relative to their populations. Homelessness is concentrated in major cities but also prevalent in outer suburbs, driven by housing affordability issues.
Homelessness can take many forms, and most people experiencing homelessness go unseen, living in temporary accommodation, cars, motels, couch surfing with friends or in severely overcrowded housing.
Most homeless people lived in California, New York, Florida, and Washington in 2022, according to the annual Homeless Assessment Report.
Australia is ten or fifteen years behind the US on homelessness.
Causes of homelessness
Domestic violence is the single biggest cause of homelessness in Australia. What this means is that homelessness is a product of many other human rights abuses.
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.
If you're homeless and need help with money, you may be eligible for a payment from Centrelink. Find out more about income support payments and advance payment.
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.
20 Countries with the Lowest Homeless Population in the World
The 2016 Census showed that older women were the fastest growing group to experience homelessness in Australia. The number of women over 55 experiencing homelessness increased by 31% to 6,866, compared to 2011. The 2021 Census reported an increase of 6.6% to 7,325 women over 55 experiencing homelessness.
The cities of Houston and Austin are among some of the best cities to be homeless, as they offer the most support to those who are down on their luck. In fact, homelessness has dropped drastically in the last ten years in the city of Houston due to their housing first policy.
Nigeria has the world's highest number of homeless people, and although there appears to be a precise number of homeless people, it is impossible to track and quantify those who change their state of “homelessness”.
The lack of deeply affordable housing is the primary cause of homelessness. For many, rising costs create an impossible choice between paying for housing and other necessities like healthcare, groceries, or clothing.
West Coast
Queensland's the homelessness capital of Australia. On 14 August 2024, I spoke about the eye-watering statistic that Queensland has become the homelessness capital of Australia. Queensland has recently been characterised as the homelessness capital of Australia.
Surviving homelessness means taking extra care to ensure your basic needs—water, food, rest, and basic hygiene—are met. This is the foundation you'll build on later. Ask around about local food banks, community fridges, or church meal programs in your area.
Being Homeless in New South Wales
Thankfully, New South Wales, alongside Western Australia and the ACT, is one of the few states that doesn't actively fine people for being homeless. However, there are still a large number of laws and regulations that disproportionately punish the State's homeless.
A low income in Australia varies, but generally involves earning below the median (around $1,425/week in Aug 2025) or below specific government thresholds, like the $948/week ($24,95/hr) National Minimum Wage (as of July 2025) for full-time work, with lower thresholds applying for benefits like the Low Income Health Care Card (around $800/week for singles). For tax purposes, incomes under $37,500-$45,000 might qualify for offsets, while affordable housing eligibility depends heavily on household size, with singles needing under $52,100 annually for low-cost options.
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.
Through out the 56 days, the Council has a duty to work with you to take reasonable steps to secure accommodation. After the 56 days the Council may be satisfied that they have done everything it can to help you find accommodation.
On a Single Night in 2022:
Two of every ten people experiencing homelessness in the United States did so in either Los Angeles or New York City. In Los Angeles, 84% of people either counted in unsheltered locations or in shelters were individuals. 1 The 2022 Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress.