Homeless Rates Climbing in Washington, D.C.

With rapidly rising costs of living, one study shows the number of homeless in the nation's capital is double the national average.

1 minute read

January 5, 2017, 2:00 PM PST

By Casey Brazeal @northandclark

Homeless in Washington, D.C. / Shutterstock

Washington is becoming an increasingly expensive city to live in, causing a bump in homelessness in the city. "In December, a devastating survey of 32 big cities prepared by the United States Conference of Mayors showed Washington with the highest rate of homelessness. There are 124 homeless people for every 10,000 residents here, more than twice the national average. Nationally, homelessness has shrunk 12.9 percent over the last seven years," Noah Weiland writes for the New York Times.

The working poor have trouble finding housing. "In such a desirable real estate market, landlords are circumspect, taking government subsidies for affordable housing before screening out potential tenants for qualities associated with homelessness," Weiland writes. Those who do find housing have trouble affording it, "… with rising rent, the poorest Washington residents faced spending more than half their income on housing."

FULL STORY: D.C. Homelessness Doubles National Average as Living Costs Soar

Sunday, January 1, 2017 in The New York Times

Community / Economic Development Housing District of Columbia Washington D.C. Homelessness Cost of Living Homeless View More

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.