Los Angeles homelessness count rises to 73,000 in 2026

An official 2026 homeless count for the Los Angeles region reported 45,194 people experiencing homelessness in the city and 73,000 in the county, a rise of about 3.4 % over the previous year. The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) said the increase reflects higher living costs and a strained safety‑net, noting that “these figures represent real people… fighting to secure permanent homes.”

Mayor Karen Bass blamed federal policies, stating, “The Trump Administration has driven up the cost of gas, groceries and rent, pushing more families to the edge, and slashed critical safety net funding.” The count follows more than $10‑15 billion in combined federal, state, county and city funding over the past decade that has not produced lasting reductions in homelessness.