Lyla Lindsey
Homelessness is a pressing issue in Australia, affecting a significant proportion of the population. In 2021, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, over 122,000 people experienced homelessness, with rates fluctuating between 48 and 51 per 10,000 people. This figure represents approximately what percent of Australia's population? What factors contribute to this issue, and how is it impacting different demographic groups? Furthermore, what steps are being taken to address and alleviate homelessness in the country?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total number of homeless people in Australia | 122,494 |
| Percentage of homeless people who are male | 56% |
| Percentage of homeless people aged 25-34 | 21% |
| Percentage of homeless people who are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander | 20% |
| State/Territory with the highest rate of homelessness | Northern Territory (564 people per 10,000 population) |
| State/Territory with the lowest rate of homeless | Western Australia (37 people per 10,000) |
| Percentage of homeless people living in severely crowded dwellings | 39.1% |
| Percentage of homeless people in supported accommodation | 19.8% |
| Percentage of homeless people living in boarding houses | 18.1% |
| Percentage of homeless people aged 12-24 | 23% |
| Percentage of homeless people aged 55 and over | 15.8% |
| Percentage of young people presenting alone who are female | 65% |
| Percentage of young people with alcohol and/or drug issues and/or mental health issues | 49% |
| Percentage of Australians under 40 concerned about becoming homeless | 30% |
| Percentage of Australians with a household income under $100,000 concerned about becoming homeless | 32% |
| Number of clients of Specialist Homelessness Services who returned to homelessness after a period of secure housing | 14,700 |
| Number of people assisted by The Salvation Army's homelessness services in 2023-24 | 40,000 |
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What You'll Learn
Homelessness by age group
Homelessness is a growing issue in Australia, affecting people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. The rate of homelessness per 10,000 people decreased across most age groups in Australia between 2016 and 2021, except for two age groups: those under 12 years old and those aged 12 to 18 years old.
Youth Homelessness (Aged 12 to 24)
Young people are a national priority for the Australian government in addressing homelessness. In 2021, nearly a quarter (23%) of all homeless people in Australia were aged between 12 and 24 years, with a total of 28,204 individuals in this age group experiencing homelessness. This rate decreased from 73 people per 10,000 in 2016 to 71 people per 10,000 in 2021.
Young females had a higher rate of homelessness than males, with 70 people per 10,000 compared to 68 per 10,000 for females and males respectively in 2021. Young females were more likely to be in supported accommodation (26.6% vs 20.3% of males) or staying temporarily with other households (9.9% vs 8.5% of males). On the other hand, young males were more likely to be living in improvised dwellings, tents, or sleeping outdoors (2.3% vs 2.0% of females), in boarding houses (15.0% vs 10.4% of females), or in severely crowded dwellings (52.0% vs 49.1% of females).
In 2022-23, young people presenting alone (unaccompanied by a parent or guardian) made up 14% (38,300) of those seeking support from Specialist Homelessness Services. Additionally, 56% of young people aged 15-24 presenting alone were among the SHS client groups most likely to be experiencing homelessness at the beginning of their support.
Child Homelessness (Under 12 Years Old)
In 2021, 17,646 children under the age of 12, or 14.4% of the homeless population, were experiencing homelessness in Australia. This age group saw an increase in homelessness rates from 45 people per 10,000 in 2016 to 48 people per 10,000 in 2021.
In 2021-22, 3,317 children aged 10-14 presented alone to a Specialist Homelessness Service, indicating that many more children in this age group may not be represented in the data.
Adult Homelessness (Aged 25 and Above)
While data on homelessness rates for specific age groups within the adult population is limited, it is known that 21% of the homeless population in Australia in 2021 were aged 25-34 years old. The largest age group of adult clients seeking support from SHS agencies in 2023-24 were those aged 35-44, making up 18% of all clients.
Senior Homelessness (Aged 55 and Above)
Homelessness among older Australians is a growing concern, with factors such as domestic violence, relationship breakdown, financial difficulties, and limited superannuation contributing to this issue. In 2021, 19,378 people aged 55 and over were experiencing homelessness, representing one in seven (15.8%) of the homeless population. On any given night, around 19,300 individuals in this age group are homeless.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are overrepresented among older homeless individuals, making up 8% of this demographic. Overall, in 2021, one in five (20.4%) homeless individuals in Australia were Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
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Homelessness by gender
Homelessness is a significant issue in Australia, affecting people from all walks of life, including men, women, and children. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) defines homelessness as a person lacking suitable accommodation alternatives and living in non-conventional or temporary dwellings. This includes those living on the streets, in short-term or emergency accommodations, or staying temporarily with friends or relatives.
According to the ABS's latest estimates, on Census night in 2021, more than 122,000 people were experiencing homelessness in Australia. Of this number, 56% were male, indicating that gender plays a role in the demographics of homelessness.
Young people, specifically those aged 12 to 24, are a vulnerable group, with nearly a quarter (23%) of all homeless individuals falling within this age range. Among young females, the homelessness rate was 70 people per 10,000 in 2021, and they were more likely than young males to be in supported accommodation for the homeless (26.6% compared to 20.3%). Young males, on the other hand, were more likely to be living in improvised dwellings, tents, or sleeping outdoors (2.3% compared to 2.0% of young females). Overall, young people presenting alone were most likely to be female (65%).
Older Australians, aged 55 and over, are another group at risk of homelessness. In 2021, 19,378 people in this age group were experiencing homelessness, representing one in seven (15.8%) of all homeless individuals. Among older homeless individuals, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make up eight percent.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are overrepresented among the homeless population. In 2021, 24,930 individuals from these communities were estimated to be homeless, constituting one in five (20%) of all homeless people in Australia. Within this group, three in five (60%) were living in severely crowded dwellings, and nearly one in five (19.1%) were in supported accommodation.
While the data provides insight into the demographics of homelessness in Australia, it is important to recognize that homelessness data has limitations. The ABS Census, conducted every five years, offers a snapshot but cannot capture trends over shorter periods. Additionally, many individuals experiencing homelessness may not seek help, resulting in an undercount in official records.
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Homelessness by state
Homelessness is a significant issue in Australia, affecting people from all walks of life. While the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) provides key snapshots of homelessness in the country through its Census conducted every five years, the Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS) data offers more frequent insights. According to the 2021 Census, an estimated 122,494 people were experiencing homelessness in Australia, a rate of 48 people per 10,000. However, it's important to note that homelessness data has limitations, and the actual numbers may be higher due to factors like unreported cases.
Now, let's delve into homelessness by state in Australia:
New South Wales (NSW):
NSW had the highest number of people experiencing homelessness among all states and territories in 2021, with 35,011 people. However, this number represented a 7% decrease from 2016, suggesting that temporary homeless strategies implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as hotels for the homeless, contributed to this reduction.
Tasmania:
Tasmania witnessed the most significant increase in homelessness between 2016 and 2021, with a 45% jump from 1,622 to 2,350 people. This substantial rise highlights the growing challenge of homelessness in the state.
Victoria:
Victoria experienced the second-highest increase in homelessness after Tasmania, with a 26% rise between 2016 and 2021. This increase underscores the need for continued efforts to address homelessness in the state.
South Australia:
South Australia saw a 19% increase in homelessness between 2016 and 2021, indicating that homelessness is a pressing issue in the state.
Northern Territory:
The Northern Territory has the highest rate of homelessness among all territories, with 564 people per 10,000 population. Additionally, it has the highest rate of homelessness among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, with almost one out of five experiencing homelessness.
Western Australia:
Western Australia has the lowest rate of homelessness among all states, with 37 people per 10,000 population. However, this doesn't diminish the need for continued efforts to prevent and reduce homelessness in the state.
It's important to recognize that homelessness affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Young people, particularly those aged 15 to 24, are a vulnerable group, with 56% of them presenting alone to homelessness services. Additionally, older Australians, those aged 55 and over, are also a priority cohort for the government, with one in seven people experiencing homelessness falling into this age group. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are over-represented in homelessness statistics, and they are a key focus for the Australian and state governments in addressing homelessness.
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Homelessness by ethnicity
Homelessness is a pressing issue in Australia, affecting people of all ages, genders, and ethnicities. While the rate of homelessness in Australia has decreased since 2001, with 48 people per 10,000 population experiencing homelessness in 2021, certain ethnic groups are disproportionately affected.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, also known as First Nations people, are over-represented among Australia's homeless population. In 2021, they accounted for 20% of all homeless people in the country, with around 25,000 individuals experiencing homelessness. This represents a 6.4% increase since 2016. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are a national priority for Australian governments in addressing homelessness, as they face unique challenges and their experiences may not be adequately captured by the current definition of homelessness.
Young people, especially those aged 12 to 24, are another priority group. In 2021, they made up nearly a quarter (23%) of Australia's homeless population, with a total of 28,204 individuals. Young females were more likely than males to be in supported accommodation (26.6% vs. 20.3%), while young males were more likely to be living in improvised dwellings or sleeping rough (2.3% vs. 2.0% of females). Overall, young people presenting alone were more likely to be female (65%).
Older Australians, aged 55 and over, are also a growing priority group for addressing homelessness. In 2021, one in seven (15.8%) people experiencing homelessness were in this age group, with around 19,300 individuals over 55 facing homelessness on any given night. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make up 8% of older Australians experiencing homelessness. Factors such as domestic violence, relationship breakdown, financial difficulties, and limited superannuation contribute to the vulnerability of this age group.
Additionally, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, veterans, and individuals with mental health issues, drug or alcohol problems, or a history of violence or trauma are also at a higher risk of homelessness in Australia.
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Causes of homelessness
Homelessness in Australia is a complex issue influenced by various factors, including structural, social, economic, and health-related factors. Here are some of the key causes of homelessness in Australia:
Structural Factors
Lack of affordable housing and inadequate income are significant contributors to homelessness in Australia. The high cost of private rentals and limited access to social housing place people at risk of homelessness, especially those living on or below the poverty line. This is further exacerbated by a lack of suitable income support, making it challenging for individuals and families to secure permanent housing.
Domestic and Family Violence
Experiencing domestic and family violence is a critical factor leading to homelessness. It is often a primary reason for children, young people, and adults to seek alternative living arrangements. In 2023-2024, around 109,000 clients of specialist homelessness services (SHS) had experienced family and domestic violence.
Financial Difficulty
Financial instability, including job loss, can lead to homelessness. Unexpected expenses or the inability to pay rent or accommodation costs can quickly result in housing insecurity. This is particularly relevant in Australia, where the increasing cost of homeownership is noted.
Health-Related Factors
Mental health issues, substance abuse, and addiction can contribute to homelessness. Individuals struggling with these challenges may find it difficult to maintain stable housing and access necessary support services. Mental health struggles can also develop as a result of homelessness, creating a cycle that is hard to break.
Youth Homelessness
Rates of youth homelessness are increasing in Australia. Young people may experience homelessness due to family breakdown, unstable home environments, or eviction from unaffordable rentals. They often resort to couch surfing, moving between temporary living arrangements without a secure place to call home. Additionally, young people are particularly vulnerable to mental health issues, substance abuse, and the lack of support networks, all of which can contribute to homelessness.
Older Australians
Homelessness among older people is a growing concern in Australia. Factors such as domestic violence, relationship breakdown, financial difficulties, and limited superannuation contribute to this issue. The ageing population and increasing cost of homeownership are expected to worsen the situation for older Australians.
It is important to note that these factors often intersect and influence one another, and there is no single definition or cause of homelessness. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) defines homelessness as "the lack of one or more elements that represent 'home.'" This includes the absence of a sense of security, stability, privacy, safety, and control over one's living space.
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Frequently asked questions
On Census night in 2021, more than 122,000 people were estimated to be experiencing homelessness in Australia. This equates to a rate of 48 per 10,000 people.
According to the 2021 Census, 55 per 10,000 males experienced homelessness, compared to 42 per 10,000 females. This means that around 56% of homeless people in Australia are male.
In 2021, nearly a quarter (23%) of all homeless people in Australia were aged between 12 and 24 years old. This age group had a total of 28,204 people experiencing homelessness.
On Census night in 2021, one in seven people (15.8%) experiencing homelessness were aged 55 and over. This equates to around 19,300 people.
In 2021, 20% of people experiencing homelessness were Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander (First Nations) people.
