Homelessness falls in Utah for 1st time in years
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Illustration: Shoshana Gordon/Axios
Homelessness is down in Utah for the first time in six years, per the state's latest report and historical data analyzed by Axios.
The big picture: The state's annual January "point in time" count of homeless Utahns rose steadily and sharply from about 2,800 people in 2019, to nearly 4,600 in 2025.
- This year's overall decline was slight — about 70 people. But bigger improvements were seen among some of the most at-risk populations.
By the numbers: Chronic homelessness dropped by close to 7%.
- The number of people living outside of any shelter fell nearly 10%.
- There were about 20% fewer veterans experiencing homelessness.
- Fewer people with mental illness were experiencing homelessness, and those who were were likelier to be living in a shelter or other temporary housing rather than on the streets.
Zoom in: Those trends held in Salt Lake County, where most of Utah's homeless population lives.
- The total number of people without housing dropped slightly, but the number of people without any shelter fell more than 19% after a big surge in 2025.
- The number of people outside of shelters who were chronically homeless fell 57% to the lowest numbers in three years.
Friction point: The improvements varied by age group, with homelessness worsening among the youngest and oldest groups.
- Statewide, the number of homeless families with children grew about 7%, with a 25% spike in Salt Lake County.
- In Salt Lake County, homelessness continued its three-year rise among those ages 18-25.
- For Utahns 65 and older, homelessness rose about 8%.
What they're saying: "While progress is clear, state officials are sharpening their focus on targeted solutions for high-need populations, expanding dedicated housing resources for both seniors and young adults," wrote the report's authors.
The intrigue: Despite overall declines, chronic homelessness increased 20% in Utah's rural counties — "a reminder of where continued investment is most needed," the report states.
How it works: Each January, outreach teams take a one-day statewide census of people who are living either in shelters or on the streets.
- The data is compiled and analyzed by state and county homelessness officials and nonprofit representatives.
What's next: Salt Lake County's numbers will be analyzed more closely, with more detailed conclusions to be released in coming weeks.