Explore the Data

Homeless Point in Time Count

The number of people who are homeless in Lincoln has declined substantially over the past decade

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development mandates than an annual count be conducted of homeless individuals²⁵ on a specified date. The most recent data reported is from the count conducted in 2023.

In 2023:

• 429 persons in Lincoln were counted as homeless in the annual homeless point in time count.
• A little less than one quarter of homeless individuals were children under 18 years of age (95 children).

The homeless count hit a high in 2012 of 981 persons (310 children and 671 adults) and has been declining²⁶ since, though it has increased slightly since the COVID-19 pandemic.

• The number of homeless children is 69% lower than in 2012 (310 in 2012 vs. 95 in 2023).
• The number of homeless adults is 50% lower than in 2012 (671 in 2012 vs. 334 in 2023).

Notes

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Center on Children, Families, and the Law, Lincoln Homeless Point in Time Report.

Children/Youth are 19 and younger through 2014, and under 18 beginning in 2015.

Footnotes

25. The HUD definition of homelessness for the purpose of a point in time homeless count includes only people who are living unsheltered on the streets, in a vehicle or another place not fit for human habitation, or in an emergency shelter or transitional housing program. Many people and families considered homeless, or at risk of homelessness, including those in prison/jail, living in hotels/motels, or “couch surfing” are NOT included in the count.
26. The decrease in homelessness is believed to be attributable to increased support of homeless persons through the Rapid Rehousing, Permanent Supportive Housing, and domestic violence housing programs.