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 2020, the Mid-Hudson Valley region's point-in-time count reported 17 homeless people per 10,000 residents, a 12% decrease from 19 in 2007 but still below the regional high of 20 in 2012. Since 2007, the region's rate has consistently been below the national rate except in 2019, but higher than the state (excluding NYC). In 2020, the state (excluding NYC) and national rates were at 12 and 18 respectively.

Ulster County had the highest rate at 24 homeless people per 10,000 residents, followed by Dutchess County (20) while Orange County had the lowest rate at 12 homeless people per 10,000 residents in 2020.

Notes about the data

Data is unavailable for all counties. Region does not include Putnam County. 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.