Leslie Massey
Homelessness in Australia is a growing issue, with the number of homeless people increasing by 14% between 2011 and 2016, and a further 5.2% between 2016 and 2021. On any given night, an estimated 116,000 to 122,494 people are homeless, with many more living in insecure housing. The causes of homelessness are varied and complex, but ultimately, the chronic lack of affordable, safe, and secure housing is a key factor. The life expectancy of homeless people in Australia is low, and they face a range of health issues, including poor mental health, poor nutrition, dental issues, and back pain.
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What You'll Learn
Homelessness in Australia: definitions and data
Homelessness in Australia is a social issue concerning the number of people in Australia who are considered homeless. While there is no internationally agreed-upon definition of homelessness, Australia defines a homeless person as someone who does not have access to safe and secure housing or whose housing damages or is likely to damage their health.
The rate of homelessness in Australia has been on the rise. On census night in 2021, statistics showed that 122,494 people were experiencing homelessness, an increase of 5.2% since the 2016 census. However, the rate of homelessness decreased to 48 people per 10,000 compared to 50 people per 10,000 in 2016. This increase is not restricted to a particular region, with homelessness rising across Australia. The number of people seeking support from homelessness services also reflects this larger picture of homelessness in the country. In 2022-23, more than 273,600 people sought help from homelessness agencies, with 53% at risk of homelessness rather than currently homeless.
Homelessness is a complex issue with various underlying causes. One of the main drivers is the lack of affordable, safe, and secure housing. The rising cost of housing has contributed to an increase in poverty, with 613,000 Australians falling below the poverty line in the last five years due to high housing costs. This has particularly affected low-cost renters, who struggle with rent payments accounting for a significant portion of their monthly income. Additionally, severe overcrowding has become an issue, with an 88% increase in those affected over the past decade.
Other factors contributing to homelessness include domestic and family violence, relationship breakdowns, mental health issues, substance abuse, unemployment, and poverty. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians are over-represented in homelessness data, making up 25% of the homeless population while only constituting 2.5% of the general population. The path to homelessness is unique to each individual, and addressing this complex issue requires a range of interventions and support services.
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Causes of homelessness: trauma, unemployment, addiction, and more
Homelessness in Australia is a social issue that affects many people in the country. While there is no internationally agreed-upon definition of homelessness, Australia defines a homeless person as someone who does not have access to safe and secure housing or whose only housing options threaten their health.
The number of homeless people in Australia has been on the rise. Census data from 2016 showed that there were approximately 116,000 homeless people, representing 50 homeless people per 10,000. The 2021 census revealed an increase to approximately 122,494 people experiencing homelessness, with the rate decreasing to 48 people per 10,000. This rise in homelessness is not restricted to a particular area, with major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth being home to a majority of the long-term homeless population.
There are numerous causes of homelessness, and each individual's path to homelessness is unique. Here are some common factors that contribute to homelessness in Australia:
- Unemployment and Underemployment: Economic instability and unemployment can lead to homelessness. Inadequate unemployment benefits, inflation, and increasing living costs can make it challenging for individuals and families to maintain stable housing.
- Lack of Affordable Housing: A chronic lack of affordable, safe, and secure housing options is a significant factor contributing to homelessness. This issue is exacerbated by rising rent and housing costs, making it difficult for individuals to secure a home.
- Mental Health Issues: Mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD, can be both a cause and a consequence of homelessness. The stress and trauma associated with living on the streets can exacerbate existing mental health issues and lead to poor mental health.
- Substance Abuse: Substance use disorders, including drug and alcohol addiction, are commonly associated with homelessness. The inability to access treatment and support for addiction can make it challenging for individuals to break the cycle of homelessness.
- Trauma and Grief: Individuals experiencing homelessness may have experienced trauma or the loss of a loved one. Grief and trauma can lead to apathy and difficulty coping with life challenges, making it hard to maintain stable housing and relationships.
- Health Issues: Physical health problems, including acute and long-term disabling conditions, can contribute to homelessness. Homeless individuals may struggle to access healthcare due to a lack of insurance or difficulty engaging with healthcare providers, further exacerbating health issues.
- Domestic Violence: A significant proportion of homeless women and children are fleeing domestic violence. Leaving an abusive situation can lead to homelessness due to a lack of support and resources.
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Health risks: mental health, nutrition, dental issues, etc
Homelessness is a significant social issue in Australia, with approximately 116,000 people experiencing homelessness on any given night. The rate of homelessness in Australia has been increasing over the years, with a 14% jump in the five years leading up to 2016 and a further 5.2% increase by 2021. The causes of homelessness are varied and unique to each individual, but some common reasons include addictions, mental illness, exiting the foster care or prison system, barriers facing refugees, debt, disability, unemployment, and poverty.
People experiencing homelessness in Australia face various health risks, including mental health issues, nutritional deficiencies, and dental problems. The lack of access to proper healthcare and the high levels of stress and trauma associated with homelessness can exacerbate these health risks.
Mental Health
Homelessness can take a significant toll on mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The trauma and stress of becoming homeless can cause people to turn to drugs and alcohol as coping mechanisms, leading to substance abuse disorders. Substance abuse can have further negative health consequences, including liver disease, respiratory problems, and additional mental health disorders. The stigma and discrimination faced by people experiencing homelessness can further worsen their mental health problems. Without access to effective mental health services, managing these conditions becomes increasingly difficult, increasing the risk of social isolation and suicide.
Nutrition
Nutritional deficiencies are common among people experiencing homelessness due to limited access to nutritious food. Studies have shown that the food provided to the homeless population often contains excess fat, sugar, and salt, as well as deficiencies in essential micronutrients. The availability of cheap, energy-dense, and nutrient-poor food has contributed to a shift from primarily underweight to obese individuals experiencing homelessness in Western countries. The lack of proper nutrition can have detrimental effects on overall health and well-being, making it crucial for charitable meal programs to provide nutritious meals.
Dental Issues
Oral health is another concern for adults experiencing homelessness in Australia. Treatment is often only sought in cases of pain or emergency, and oral health disorders such as dental caries, gum disease, and tooth loss are prevalent. A Brazilian study found that poor oral health negatively impacted the daily activities of adults experiencing homelessness, affecting their ability to eat and causing shame and reluctance to smile. Community-based initiatives providing free dental care by volunteer dentists have been established to meet the dental needs of this vulnerable population.
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Support services: Ask Izzy, Street to Home, and more
Homelessness in Australia is a growing social issue. Census data from 2016 revealed that there were 116,000 homeless people in Australia, representing 50 homeless people per 10,000. The 2021 census showed a rise of 5.2% in the number of people experiencing homelessness, with an increase of 6,067 people since 2016. However, the rate of homelessness decreased to 48 people per 10,000.
There are various support services available to help those experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Australia. These include Ask Izzy, Street to Home, and more.
Ask Izzy is a free and anonymous mobile website that connects people experiencing or at risk of homelessness with essential services such as meals, housing, support, and counselling. The website provides Australia-wide information on housing, health services, counselling, legal help, addiction support, and more. It is accessible via mobile phone or tablet, even without credit or wifi on certain networks.
Street to Home is another service that operates across Australia, providing accommodation backed by professional support for those identified as rough sleepers.
Other support services include those offered by The Salvation Army, which provides statistics and facts about homelessness in Australia and ways to help those in need. The organisation also lists emergency contacts, such as Lifeline and Beyond Blue, for those in immediate crisis or needing mental health support.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) also plays a role in addressing homelessness. Their research highlights the negative health impacts of homelessness and the benefits of secure housing. AIHW's annual report reflects the larger picture of homelessness in Australia, with over 273,600 people seeking help from homelessness agencies in 2022-23, of whom 53% were at risk of homelessness.
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Government initiatives: NAHA, NPAH, and more
Homelessness in Australia is a social issue with no internationally agreed-upon definition, making it difficult to compare levels of homelessness across countries. It is estimated that on any given night, approximately 116,000 people are homeless, with many more living in insecure housing. The rate of homelessness in Australia has been increasing, with a 5.2% rise between the 2016 and 2021 censuses.
To address this issue, the Australian government has implemented several initiatives, including the National Affordable Housing Agreement (NAHA) and the National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness (NPAH).
NAHA
In 2008, the Rudd Government announced the National Affordable Housing Agreement (NAHA) with the aim of providing longer-term housing for homeless Australians, more public and community housing, and improving housing conditions for Indigenous Australians in remote areas. NAHA's mandate includes:
- Social housing
- Assistance for people in the private rental market
- Support and accommodation for those who are homeless or at risk
- Home purchase assistance
- Improving coordination across housing-related programs to better utilize government assets and integrate housing with health and disability services
- Reducing the rate of homelessness
NPAH
The National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness (NPAH) was formed in 2008 to provide matching funding from the Commonwealth Government to hundreds of homelessness services. The total annual funding for NPAH is around $250 million per year, which is directed towards approximately 800 homelessness services across Australia. The NPAH requires joint funding from the states and territories.
Other Initiatives
In addition to NAHA and NPAH, there have been other initiatives to address homelessness in Australia:
- The Victorian government announced funding for 12,000 new public houses in response to a parliamentary inquiry that revealed a rise in homelessness.
- The South Australian government, advised by Social Inclusion Commissioner David Cappo and Rosanne Haggerty, founder of New York's Common Ground program, committed substantial funding to a series of initiatives to combat homelessness.
- The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) is working on the National Affordable Housing Agreement (NAHA) to define and measure housing and homelessness services for the Commonwealth and the States and Territories.
- The National Youth Commission published a Report Card in 2019, highlighting the need for more work to reduce youth homelessness.
- The Australian government announced a $6.2 million Homelessness Sector Development Round in March 2025.
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Frequently asked questions
It is estimated that on any given night, approximately 116,000 people are homeless in Australia. This figure rose to 122,494 people in 2021, an increase of 5.2% since the 2016 census.
There are many causes of homelessness, and each individual's path to homelessness is unique. Some common reasons for homelessness in Australia include domestic and family violence, mental health issues, substance abuse, unemployment, relationship breakdown, and a lack of affordable housing.
All forms of homelessness can lead to poor nutrition, back pain, dental issues, mental health conditions, and barriers to accessing adequate healthcare. The stress of finding shelter and the lack of safe and secure housing can also contribute to mental health issues such as hopelessness, depression, and PTSD.
The states with the highest rates of homelessness vary across sources. Some sources cite New South Wales (NSW) as having the highest percentage of homelessness growth over the past five years due to its large population. Other sources mention that Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth have the largest numbers of people experiencing homelessness. One source also mentions that homelessness rates have increased in smaller states like Tasmania.
There are various support services available for people experiencing homelessness in Australia, including Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS), Council to Homeless Persons, and the National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness (NPAH). These organizations provide practical advice, accommodation support, financial counselling, and assistance in finding stable housing.
