Housing Ends Homelessness
2023 Homelessness Data
Find out who is experiencing homelessness in Cincinnati and Hamilton County.
What We Noticed
The number of children who experienced homelessness in 2023 was a lot lower than in 2022. Overall, the number of people who experienced homelessness increased by 1.7%. But, it is 16% lower than it was in 2013.
Homelessness did increase by 1.7%. But there was a 46% increase in the number of people experiencing street homelessness. Our Data Analytics team is looking into this increase. They are seeking to understand why there was such a dramatic increase. And if there is a way to reverse it going forward.
And something that has always existed in the data – racial disparity. Only 24.8% of the population of Hamilton County is Black/African-American. But they represent 61% of our local homeless population. This is due to centuries-long structural racism. Want to learn more? The National Alliance to End Homelessness has more information about homelessness and inequality.
Who is Homeless in Cincinnati?
| Individuals | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full year 2021 – 2023 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
| Adults | 4,676 | 4,663 | 4,964 |
| Children | 1,381 | 1,362 | 1,167 |
Experiencing Homelessness in Cincinnati – Children and Youth
| Age | |
|---|---|
| Full year 2023 | |
| Birth to 5 Years Old | 304 |
| 5 to 12 Years Old | 413 |
| 13 to 17 Years Old | 450 |
| 18 to 24 Years Old | 673 |
Notes On Ages:
- 19% of our homeless population are children under the age of 18
- 48% are under the age of 35
- And, 11% of our homeless population are youth ages 18-24
Experiencing Homelessness in Cincinnati – By Race
| Race | |
|---|---|
| Full year 2023 | |
| Black | 61% |
| White | 31% |
| Multiracial | <1% |
| Other/Unknown | 8% |
*- each year less than 1% of demographics are unknown.
Strategies to End Homelessness oversees our community’s Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). This is a system required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). We must use it to receive funding to address homelessness.
Also, overseeing the HMIS allows us to measure our progress toward goals. The local HMIS we use is Clarity. All the Hamilton County homeless services agencies log information in the HMIS. Reports are also submitted once a year to HUD.
Additionally, we use data to track program outcomes. Measuring whether a program is successful.
We use data to coordinate resources. If one program isn’t going to use its funding, it can go to another.
And we use data to adjust funding to meet changing needs. We work to identify which interventions work best. And target limited funding to successful interventions.
