Statistics of Homelessness in Orange County's Shelters

Jul 4, 2022By Arielle Zappia

Stories will be posted soon, however, while you wait, here are some statistics from a homeless shelter in Orange County:

More than 80% of shelter clients report having a mental and/or physical disability, 72% report experiencing chronic homelessness (as defined by HUD), and 26% are survivors of domestic violence.

Homelessness, according to local and national studies, is most commonly a result of economic poverty. All clients are considered Very-Low Income or Extremely Low Income. 98% of clients meet the State of California's definition of extremely low-income (30% of area median income) and 87% of clients report income below the Federal Poverty Level.

Age Groups:

  • 47% 45-64

  • 35% 25-44

  • 13% 65+

  • 5% 16-24

Gender:

  • 65% Male

  • 35% Female

Race/Ethnicity

  • 67% White, non-Hispanic

  • 15% Hispanic/Latino

  • 7% Black

  • 3% Native American Indian, Indigenous peoples, or Alaska Native

  • 3% Multiracial (Individuals that identify as two or more races)

  • 2% Asian

  • 2% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander (NHOPI)

  • 1% Not Tracked