California sees homelessness drop in key counties – but challenges remain

CALIFORNIA – A new state report points to reductions in homelessness across several California communities.

Governor Gavin Newsom announced Point-in-Time (PIT) counts that show declines in San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Contra Costa, and San Diego counties.

San Bernardino County reported a 14.2% drop in unsheltered homelessness. Los Angeles County reported a 9.5% decline, with a 7.9% decrease in the city. Contra Costa County reported a 25.5% decline, and San Diego County reported a 6.6% decline.

Here are the other regions where the state is seeing reports of reduced homelessness:

San Diego City (-13.5% total homelessness)
Riverside County CoC (-19% unsheltered homelessness)
Sonoma CoC (-22.6% total homelessness)
Ventura County CoC (-15.6% total homelessness)
Watsonville/Santa Cruz City & County CoC (-20.4% total homelessness)
Bakersfield / Kern County CoC (-2.3% total homelessness)
Kings County (-26.7% total homelessness)
Tulare County (-7.1% total homelessness)

According to Newsom’s report, many communities report sharp drops in unsheltered homelessness, showing progress in moving people from encampments into care.

Other communities report lower total homelessness, which includes both unsheltered and sheltered homelessness, suggesting that people may have exited homelessness.

Data comes from local continuums of care (CoCs), regional networks coordinating homeless services with cities, counties, and community organizations.

Senior homelessness a concern in San Diego

Although the state reports declines in homelessness, independent and HUD data show a more complicated landscape.

While HUD’s 2024 PIT count confirmed California’s overall homelessness grew just over 3% – compared to an 18% surge nationwide, some regions still reported significant increases.

Monterey and San Benito counties saw homelessness rise by nearly 40%.

Preliminary 2025 counts highlight mixed outcomes: Santa Cruz County saw a 20% overall drop, but persistent local challenges remain in helping people with disabling health conditions secure stable homes.

San Diego County reported a 7% decline in total homelessness, though senior homelessness continues to be an area of concern. One in three people who experience unsheltered homelessness in the region are 55 or older, and half are homeless for the first time.

Data still needs HUD verification

The highlighted reductions are preliminary and await HUD verification. Final HUD-verified data for the 2025 PIT Count is expected to be available by late 2025 or early 2026.