Leslie Massey
Homelessness in Australia is a complex social issue, with a variety of underlying causes. While the exact number of homeless people in Australia is difficult to pinpoint, the 2021 Census estimated that around 122,000 people were experiencing homelessness, with 56% being male, 21% aged 25-34, and 20% identifying as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander. The rate of homelessness varies across the country, with the Northern Territory having the highest rate (564 people per 10,000 population) and Western Australia the lowest (37 people per 10,000). The majority of long-term homeless people are found in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, with many living in temporary, insecure, or unsafe housing.
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What You'll Learn
Homelessness in major cities
Homelessness is a significant social issue in Australia, with an estimated 122,494 people experiencing homelessness in 2021, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. This number has been increasing progressively over the years, with figures of 89,700 in 2006, 102,000 in 2011, and 116,000 in 2016. The rate of homelessness in 2021 was 48 people per 10,000, a slight decrease from 50 people per 10,000 in 2016.
A majority of the long-term homeless population in Australia are found in the large cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. While the rate of homelessness in Australia is lower compared to other countries like the United States, it is still a prevalent issue in the central business districts (CBDs) of these major cities. The homeless population in Australia faces various challenges, and their situations are often associated with factors such as addiction, mental illness, unemployment, and poverty.
The Australian government and non-governmental organizations provide support to those experiencing homelessness through specialist homelessness services (SHS) agencies. These agencies offer assistance in the form of accommodation-related services and personal services, aimed at prevention, early intervention, crisis support, and post-crisis assistance. The government's National Agreement on Social Housing and Homelessness outlines their commitment to addressing this issue.
Young people, specifically those aged 12 to 24, are a priority cohort for the Australian government in addressing homelessness. In 2021, nearly a quarter (23%) of all homeless individuals fell within this age group, with a total of 28,204 youth experiencing homelessness. This group has shown a decrease in their homelessness rate, from 73 people per 10,000 in 2016 to 71 people per 10,000 in 2021. However, it is worth noting that young females have seen a slight increase in their homelessness rate, rising to 70 people per 10,000 in 2021 from 68 in 2016.
Older Australians, aged 55 and above, are another priority cohort. In 2021, 19,378 individuals in this age group were experiencing homelessness, representing one in seven (15.8%) of the homeless population at the time. While the overall rate of homelessness for older Australians decreased from 29 people per 10,000 in 2016 to 26 people per 10,000 in 2021, there are still notable differences between older males and females. Older males tend to have a higher rate of homelessness and are more likely to be found in improvised dwellings, tents, or sleeping outdoors, while older females are more likely to be in supported accommodation or staying temporarily with other households.
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Youth homelessness
There are various factors contributing to youth homelessness in Australia. One of the primary reasons is family breakdown and domestic violence, with 34% of young people presenting alone for homelessness services having experienced domestic and family violence. In 2023, 95% of young people accessing the Inner West Youth Homelessness Service cited domestic and family violence as a factor contributing to their homelessness. Additionally, 44% of young people in Lighthouse youth-focused programs experienced trauma related to physical abuse, and 37% were referred due to family conflict or violence. Mental health challenges also play a significant role in youth homelessness, with 41% of young people experiencing homelessness reporting a mental health condition, compared to only 13% of their peers in stable housing. The stress and trauma of homelessness can further exacerbate mental health issues, leading to anxiety, depression, and sleeplessness, and triggering conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Economic factors, such as financial stress, unemployment, and the lack of affordable housing, also contribute to youth homelessness. Young people facing economic struggles and a lack of social housing and income support often find themselves unable to secure permanent housing. This is especially true for those living on or below the poverty line. Furthermore, young people exiting care or the prison system, as well as those facing barriers as refugees, are at a higher risk of becoming homeless.
The impact of youth homelessness can be devastating, and it is often a cycle that is difficult to break. The younger a person is when they experience homelessness, the more likely their situation will become long-term. Many young people who have experienced homelessness have spent time in out-of-home care, and within a year of leaving care, 50% will be unemployed, incarcerated, homeless, or parents themselves. The lack of crisis beds and child-appropriate supported accommodation further exacerbates the issue, leaving many young people without a safe and stable place to stay.
To address youth homelessness, there is a need for early intervention services, improved access to family support and safe housing options, and better collaboration between government and non-profit organisations. Preventing youth homelessness could save an estimated $626 million per year in youth justice and health services.
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Causes of homelessness
Homelessness in Australia is a significant social issue, with around 122,000 people experiencing homelessness on any given night in 2021. This figure has been increasing over the years, with the rate of homelessness fluctuating between 51 people per 10,000 population in 2001 and 48 in 2021. The majority of homeless people in Australia are found in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth.
There are various causes of homelessness in Australia, and each person's path to homelessness is unique. Here are some of the key factors contributing to homelessness:
- Structural Factors: Lack of affordable housing and inadequate income are significant contributors to homelessness. The high cost of private rentals and the lack of social housing options leave many, especially those on low incomes or living in poverty, vulnerable to homelessness.
- Unemployment: Losing one's job can be a direct cause of homelessness. Without a stable income, people may struggle to pay rent or keep up with accommodation expenses, leading to eviction and homelessness.
- Family and Domestic Violence: This is a significant factor, especially for youth homelessness. Many young people become homeless due to family breakdown or as a way to escape violent or abusive home situations.
- Mental Health Issues: Mental illness can be both a cause and a consequence of homelessness. Deinstitutionalization, which began in Australia in the 1980s, has resulted in many individuals with mental illnesses living in the community, and some become homeless. The lack of access to adequate mental health services further exacerbates this issue.
- Addiction: Substance abuse can lead to homelessness, and it is often a complex issue that requires specialized support and treatment for individuals to recover and find stable housing.
- Social and Economic Disadvantage: Homelessness is closely linked to poverty and a lack of social support. People experiencing homelessness often face multiple disadvantages, including low educational attainment, ill health, and unemployment, which can create a cycle of homelessness that is difficult to break.
- Youth and Older Australians: Young people aged 12-24 and older individuals aged 55 and over are priority cohorts for homelessness support. They face unique challenges, such as a lack of permanent housing options and increased vulnerability to homelessness due to family breakdown or age-related issues.
These factors interact in complex ways and vary for each individual experiencing homelessness. Addressing homelessness requires a comprehensive approach that targets prevention, early intervention, crisis support, and long-term solutions to help people break the cycle and achieve stable housing.
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Temporary and unsafe housing
Secondary Homelessness
Secondary homelessness refers to individuals who frequently move between temporary shelters. This includes those in emergency accommodation, youth refuges, or "couch surfing". This group may have a place to stay temporarily but lack a permanent residence, moving between different types of accommodation.
Tertiary Homelessness
Tertiary homelessness is characterised by people staying in accommodation that falls below minimum community standards. This includes those in boarding houses and caravan parks, which may not provide a safe and secure living environment.
The Impact of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has also influenced housing situations. There has been a decrease in people living in improvised dwellings, tents, or sleeping rough, which may be attributed to government measures providing temporary lodgings. However, this has resulted in an increase in people residing in boarding houses and other forms of temporary accommodation.
At-Risk Groups
Young people, particularly those aged 12 to 24, are a priority cohort for the Australian government in addressing homelessness. In 2021, nearly a quarter of homeless individuals belonged to this age group, with young females having a higher rate of homelessness than young males. Older Australians, aged 55 and over, are another focus group, with a notable proportion experiencing homelessness, especially older females.
Causes of Homelessness
The reasons for homelessness are diverse and unique to each individual. Some factors include addictions, mental illness, exiting care systems, refugee barriers, debt, disability, unemployment, lack of support, blacklisting, and poverty.
Support Services
Various support services are available to assist those experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless. These include government-funded initiatives and non-government organisations such as Homelessness Australia, Mission Australia, the Red Cross, and the Salvation Army. These organisations provide accommodation, meals, and support services to help people find stable housing and address underlying issues.
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Homelessness among Indigenous Australians
Homelessness is a significant social issue in Australia, with approximately 116,000 people experiencing homelessness on any given night. This figure rose to 122,000 people in 2021, with 20% of those being Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, despite this group only comprising 2.5% of the general population.
Indigenous Australians are over-represented in the homeless population, and their experience of homelessness is unique. On Census night in 2011, an estimated 26,743 Indigenous people were experiencing homelessness, which equates to 1 in 20 Indigenous people, compared to 1 in 284 non-Indigenous people. This disparity highlights the disproportionate impact of homelessness on Indigenous communities.
In 2011, 51% of Indigenous homeless people were female, compared to 42% of non-Indigenous homeless people. Additionally, 42% of the Indigenous homeless population were aged 18 or under, compared to 23% among non-Indigenous homeless youth. This data suggests that homelessness among Indigenous Australians disproportionately affects women and young people.
Domestic and family violence was the most commonly reported reason for Indigenous people seeking assistance from specialist homelessness services (22%), followed by financial difficulties (18%), and housing issues (15%). It is important to note that these issues are often interconnected and complex.
From 2011 to 2021, the number of Indigenous Australians experiencing homelessness decreased from 26,700 to 24,900. This positive development was driven by a decline in severely overcrowded dwellings, with the rate of homelessness among Indigenous people falling from 487 to 307 per 10,000 population during this period. However, it is worth noting that the rate of homelessness for Indigenous Australians is still 8.8 times higher than that of non-Indigenous Australians.
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Frequently asked questions
The majority of homeless people in Australia are living in the country's large cities, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. In 2021, the highest rate of homelessness was in the Northern Territory, with 564 people per 10,000 population, while the lowest was in Western Australia, with 37 people per 10,000.
On Census night in 2021, it was estimated that 122,494 people were experiencing homelessness in Australia. This was an increase of 5.2% since the 2016 Census, which recorded 116,000 homeless people.
The causes of homelessness are numerous and complex, and each individual's path to homelessness is unique. Some reasons include addiction, mental illness, exiting care systems, refugee barriers, debt, disability, unemployment, and poverty.
The Australian government funds Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS) agencies to provide assistance to those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. In 2023-24, about 280,000 clients were assisted by SHS agencies. The government also supports non-governmental organizations that deliver services to specific target groups, such as young people or victims of domestic violence.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics defines homelessness as affecting a person who does not have suitable accommodation alternatives. This includes those living in temporary, insecure, or unsafe housing situations, such as refuges, crisis accommodations, motels, cars, or couch surfing.
