Although homeless people may be found throughout the county, the largest percentages are in South Los Angeles and Metro Los Angeles. Most are from the Los Angeles area and stay in or near the communities from which they came. About 14 to 18 percent of homeless adults in Los Angeles County are not U.S. citizens compared with 29% of adults overall. A high percentage – as high as 20 percent – are veterans. African Americans make up approximately half of the Los Angeles County homeless population – disproportionately high compared to the percentage of African Americans in the county overall (about 9 percent).
Other Facts About the Homeless Population in Los Angeles:
- The average age is 40 – women tend to be younger.
- 33% to 50% are female. Men make up about 75% of the single population.
- About 42% to 77% do not receive public benefits to which they are entitled.
- 20% to 43% are in families, typically headed by a single mother.
- An estimated 20% are physically disabled.
- 41% of adults were employed within the last year.
- 16% to 20% of adults are employed.
- About 25% are mentally ill.
- As children, 27% lived in foster care or group homes; 25% were physically or sexually abused.
- 33%-66% of single individuals have substance abuse issues.
- 48% graduated from high school; 32% had a bachelor degree or higher (as compared to 45% and 25% for the population overall respectively)
According to the Institute for the Study of Homelessness and Poverty at the Weingart Center, an estimated 254,000 men, women and children experience homelessness in Los Angeles County during some part of the year and approximately 82,000 people are homeless on any given night. Unaccompanied youth, especially in the Hollywood area, are estimated to make up from 4,800 to 10,000 of these.
