New York’s overall homeless population declined during the past year, but many communities outside New York City experienced significant increases, according to a new analysis released by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.
Using the latest data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the report found New York’s homeless population fell by nearly 8 percent, from 158,019 people in January 2024 to 145,560 in January 2025. The decrease of 12,459 people was the largest of any state and was driven largely by a decline in New York City.
Despite the statewide improvement, homelessness increased in 17 of New York’s 25 Continuums of Care, the regional planning areas established by HUD. Eleven of those regions saw increases of more than 10 percent.
The largest increases were reported in Columbia and Greene counties, where homelessness rose nearly 59 percent, followed by Troy and Rensselaer County at 55.2 percent, and Schenectady City and County at 41.7 percent.
The report also highlights the continued impact on children, who account for 31.7 percent of New York’s homeless population—double the national average.
DiNapoli said the decline is encouraging but noted that homelessness remains a statewide issue that extends beyond major cities. He said addressing the growing number of children experiencing homelessness will require continued collaboration among government agencies, nonprofits, and the private sector.
The analysis points to New York’s ongoing multi-year housing plan and recently approved changes that will provide additional school aid to districts serving homeless students. It also notes that federal policy changes are shifting funding away from “housing first” programs and tightening eligibility for some forms of housing assistance.
DiNapoli said continued investment in affordable housing and support services, particularly for families with children, will be critical to reducing homelessness across the state.
