2018 Homeless Study Initial Findings

Every three years, Wilder Research conducts a one-day statewide study to better understand the prevalence of homelessness in Minnesota, as well as the circumstances of those experiencing homelessness. Initial findings from the 2018 study have been released and indicate the overall number of people experiencing homelessness increased to peak 2012 levels (up 10% over 2015). Other observations:

• The numbers of homeless children and youth age 24 and younger are similar to levels counted in 2015; together, they represent nearly half of the homeless population (46%).
• The number of families experiencing homelessness decreased by 5% (down to 1,472 in 2018).
• The number of homeless adults increased from 2015, particularly among those 55 and older (up 25%).
• The number of people not in a formal shelter (outside or doubled up) increased considerably since 2015 (up 62%).

Visit www.mnhomeless.org for additional information, including fact sheets and data tables

Related News Stories

• MPR: Despite improving economy, state's homeless population jumps 10 percent since 2015
• Star Tribune: Minnesota's homeless population reaches record high number
• Pioneer Press: New homeless count reflects what metro officials have said for months — but it’s even worse in rural areas
• KARE 11: Report shows increase in homelessness in Minnesota
• tpt Almanac: New Minnesota study finds homeless on rise statewide 
• Duluth News Tribune: St. Louis County homelessness up 23 percent
• St. Cloud Times: Area’s homeless population grows faster than rest of state