California Reports Preliminary Decline in Homelessness Across Major Regions, Citing Statewide Interventions
SACRAMENTO, July 23, 2025 (CALIFORNIA NEWS TODAY) — The Office of Governor Gavin Newsom, has announced updated homelessness data showing reductions in several major California communities, according to preliminary 2025 point-in-time counts conducted by local agencies.
The announcement reflects continued statewide efforts to address unsheltered homelessness through policy changes and increased investments. According to the administration, California's rate of unsheltered homelessness remained nearly flat in 2024, increasing by only 0.45%, compared to a national increase of nearly 7%.
Preliminary 2025 data indicates that this trend may be continuing. San Diego reported a 3.9% decrease in unsheltered homelessness and a 13.5% overall decrease. Riverside County reported a 19% reduction in unsheltered homelessness. Los Angeles County is expected to report a 4% drop in total homelessness and a 9.5% reduction in unsheltered homelessness. The City of Los Angeles reported a 3.4% decrease in total homelessness and a 7.9% reduction in unsheltered homelessness.
Other regions, including San Bernardino County, San Diego County, and Bakersfield, also reported year-over-year decreases in their total homeless populations, with San Bernardino down 10.2%, San Diego down 7%, and Bakersfield down 2.3%.
Governor Newsom emphasized the broader progress being made across the state. “No one in our nation should be without a place to call home. I am proud of the work we are doing together to reverse this decades-old crisis. Together, we are turning the tide on homelessness, but we have more work to do. We have a moral obligation to assist every single Californian in need and that means ensuring that everyone has a roof over their head,” said Newsom.
The state cited long-term improvements, noting that between 2014 and 2019—prior to Newsom taking office—unsheltered homelessness in California rose by roughly 37,000 people. Since 2019, the growth has slowed, despite national increases. In 2024, California limited overall homelessness growth to 3%, below the national rate of over 18%. The state also led the nation in reducing veteran homelessness and saw improvement in youth homelessness metrics.
According to the administration, the progress stems from changes in mental health policy, housing programs, and accountability measures. Local agencies conduct their point-in-time counts in January, with final numbers reported to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in December. While the data cited remains preliminary, state officials say it points to a continuing shift in outcomes.
For more information, visit www.gov.ca.gov.
Source: California Governer’s Office
