The number of people living on the streets or in their vehicles in the city of Los Angeles rose during the latest homeless count, ending a two-year run of declining numbers and creating a significant political challenge for L.A. Released on Friday, July 24, by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, the annual count revealed that the nation’s second most populous city saw its unsheltered homeless population climb 7.9% to an estimated 29,115 individuals.
Homeless Count Metrics and Statistical Context
According to the latest data from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, the city’s overall homeless population—which encompasses individuals residing in shelters or other temporary housing—grew by 3.4% year-over-year, rising from approximately 43,699 to 45,194 people. By comparison, L.A. County and its 85 cities experienced a much smaller overall increase of 1.2%, while the countywide unsheltered population grew by 3.3%.
While officials at the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority characterized the 3.4% overall city increase as not statistically significant, Amanda Landrian Gonzalez, a public health researcher for the University of Southern California who assisted with the agency’s statistical analysis, described the 7.9% rise in unsheltered homelessness as meaningful.
Did You Know? When the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority released its count numbers the previous year, the mayor’s office highlighted that homelessness in the city had fallen 17.5% since Mayor Karen Bass took office, marking the largest two-year decline since the annual count began in 2005.
Political Repercussions and Mayoral Response
Mayor Karen Bass, who has positioned reducing homelessness as a central pillar of her administration, attributed the setback to federal and state policies alongside a lack of adequate services provided by the county. In a formal statement, the mayor noted that despite driving down homelessness by historic margins for two consecutive years, last year’s efforts ultimately could not keep pace with funding cuts and policy shifts at the state and federal levels.
Bass specifically pointed to the federal administration under Donald Trump for driving up the costs of gas, groceries, and rent while slashing critical safety net funding. Additionally, she blamed state funding cuts to California’s Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention program, stating that the reductions resulted in a $70 million loss for the city. Despite the latest rise, the mayor emphasized that the city maintains an 11% reduction in homelessness overall since 2023.
Since taking office in December 2022, Bass reported that the city has placed tens of thousands of people into interim housing, brought 6,000 individuals off the streets via her signature Inside Safe program, and housed over 1,000 homeless veterans. However, this reversal in progress arrives amid heightened scrutiny of her mayoral performance, following prior criticisms regarding her handling of the Palisades wildfires in January 2025.
Political Opposition and Advocacy Reactions
Political rivals were quick to respond to the new data. L.A. City Councilmember Nithya Raman—who chairs the council’s housing and homelessness committee and is running against Bass in the November mayoral election—termed the results disappointing but unsurprising. Raman stated that leadership at City Hall has failed to demonstrate a willingness to shift toward permanent housing solutions, asserting that the mayor’s current approach is insufficient.
Conversely, Raman highlighted the performance of her own district, pointing to a significant decrease in street homelessness achieved through sustained, hands-on work. Last year, prior to launching her mayoral campaign, Raman publicly credited Bass’ Inside Safe program, expanded shelter capacity, and new housing initiatives for driving down local homelessness.
Housing and homeless advocates used the release of the figures to renew demands for expanded investments in affordable housing and homelessness prevention. Adam Murray, CEO of the Inner City Law Center—a nonprofit law firm operating on L.A.’s Skid Row, which hosts the city’s largest homeless population—described the statistics as a reflection of struggling neighbors, coworkers, family members, and friends. Murray characterized the count numbers as a damning indictment and a necessary call to action.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the percentage increase in Los Angeles’ unsheltered homeless population?
The unsheltered homeless population in the city of Los Angeles rose by 7.9%, reaching an estimated 29,115 people.
Who conducted the annual homeless count?
The count was conducted and released by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority on Friday, July 24.
How much funding did Mayor Bass state the city lost due to state cuts?
Mayor Bass stated that state funding cuts to California’s Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention program resulted in a loss of $70 million to the city.
How will these count results influence the upcoming mayoral race in November?
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