What does this measure?

The number of homeless people at a given point in time (usually one night in January), per 10,000 residents.

Why is this important?

The extent of homelessness can be an indicator of a community's ability to provide stable jobs that pay a living wage as well as a measure of support for the unemployed and access to affordable housing and health care. Homelessness is related to larger issues such as poverty, employment, mental health, substance abuse and family violence. The way a community cares for its more vulnerable citizens is a marker of collaboration and its social support systems.

How is the region performing?

In 2024, the Mid-Hudson Valley region's point-in-time count reported 23 homeless people per 10,000 residents, or about 2,260 people. This represents an 24% increase from 18 per 10,000 residents in 2019 and is the highest regional rate since 2007.

The region's rate is the same as the national rate in 2024, and below the state (excluding NYC) rate of 16 per 100,000.

Ulster County had the highest rate at 34 homeless people per 10,000 residents, followed by Dutchess County (24). The combined area for Greene and Columbia had the lowest rate at 15 homeless people per 10,000 residents in 2024.

Notes about the data

Data is unavailable for all counties. The regional rate does not include Putnam County and starting in 2019 also excludes Sullivan County. Instead, both are included in the statewide rate.

It is very difficult to obtain an exact count of homeless persons, due to transience and to limited resources for record-keeping. Comparable data presented for available counties are currently limited to point-in-time counts done on one night in January.