Homelessness in Australia

The most basic human right

Access to safe and secure housing is one of the most basic human rights, however, homelessness is not just about housing. Fundamentally, homelessness is about lack of connectedness with family, friends and the community and lack of control over one's environment.

Homelessness data is ever changing. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, an independent statutory Australian Government agency, collects and makes available data specific to housing, health, and homelessness. Together with this, Homelessness Australia, the national peak body for homelessness in Australia has many great resources available on their website.

Census data

The most recent census in 2021 found: 122,494 people classified as being homeless. This was up more than five per cent, from 116,427 persons in 2016.

• 68,516 (55.9 per cent) were male, an increase of 1.6 per cent from 2016
• 53,974 (44 per cent) were female, an increase of 10.1 per cent from 2016
• Females accounted for 81.7 per cent of the 6067 increase of people experiencing homelessness in 2021

Of those experiencing homelessness in Australia in 2021:

• 23 per cent were aged from 12 to 24 years
• One in seven (15.8 per cent) were aged 55 years and over
• One in five (20.4 per cent) identified as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin
• Four in ten (39.1 per cent) lived in 'severely' crowded dwellings, with one in five (19.8 per cent) in supported accommodation for the homeless
• Two in five (39.1 per cent, 47,895 people) were living in 'severely' crowded dwellings
• One in five (19.8 per cent, 24,291) were in supported accommodation for the homeless
• One in six (18.1 per cent, 22,137 people) were living in boarding houses
• 7636 people (6.2 per cent) were sleeping rough (living in improvised dwellings, tents or sleeping out)
• 16,597 people staying temporarily with other households
• 3934 people in other temporary lodging

^{Source: ABS Estimating Homelessness, Census 2021}

Individual characteristics do not 'cause' homelessness

Individual characteristics do not 'cause' homelessness but can increase the chances of experiencing homelessness.

Common misconceptions include that homelessness is caused by individual factors, such as poor mental health, lack of employment or involvement with the justice system. These are not causes of homelessness, but can, (together with other factors such as, past experiences of trauma, relationship and family breakdown, alcohol and other drug use) place people at increased risk of experiencing homelessness. These structural and individual factors combine to create homelessness, which has profoundly negative impacts on people and society.

In 2023–24, 280,078 people were supported (more than 1.7 million since 2011) by Specialist Homelessness Services. The issues people reported show some of the interconnected experiences or characteristics that can drive people into homelessness or complicate their experience.

Homelessness is a traumatic experience

Often adding to previous trauma which can have a significantly negative impact upon health, wellbeing, community, and economic participation. There is a strong link between shortened life expectancy and experiences of homelessness.

Homelessness can negatively impact access and participation in education and work, and hinder freedom of movement and expression. When people are impacted by homelessness, it affects not just them, but also their family members, friends and the wider community.