The number of people experiencing homelessness on a single night in January increased substantially beginning in 2023. In January 2022 an estimated 7,917 people experienced homelessness on a single night. This increased to an estimated 9,201 people in 2024. 

Homelessness is the most severe form of housing instability and encompasses many societal failures, including a woefully inadequate supply of housing that is affordable, an inequitable housing system, cultural and racial disparities, trauma and the intersection of housing, physical and behavioral health, employment and education.

This metric captures the estimated number of people experiencing homelessness in Minnesota on a single night in January as identified during HUD’s annual Point-in-Time (PIT) count. The PIT count does not capture the number of people experiencing homelessness throughout the year and was not conducted statewide in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Total: The total number of people counted during the PIT count.

Individuals: The number of people in single-person households or households without children under 18

People in Families with Children: The number of people in households with children under 18.

Unsheltered: The number of people living in places not intended for human habitation, such as campgrounds, abandoned buildings or train stations.

Chronic: The number of people experiencing chronic homelessness. HUD defines chronic homelessness as individuals with disabilities who experience homelessness for at least a year or experience at least four episodes of homelessness that add up to at least 12 months during the last three years.

Unaccompanied Youth: The number of people 24 or younger in single households or households without a parent or guardian.

Veterans: The number of people who have served in the United States Armed Forces.