Homelessness in Los Angeles increased by 3.4 percent in 2025, adding new attention to one of the city’s most pressing issues as Mayor Karen Bass campaigns for a second term. The latest figures come ahead of a November runoff election against Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman, with both candidates making homelessness a central focus of their campaigns.
The updated data has intensified debate over the city’s response to the crisis and could play a significant role in shaping voter decisions in the months ahead.
Report
The latest annual point-in-time count found that 45,194 people were experiencing homelessness across the City of Los Angeles.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the overall increase includes people staying in shelters, while the number of individuals living outdoors or in vehicles rose 7.9 percent compared with the previous year.
| Homelessness Data | 2025 |
|---|---|
| Total people experiencing homelessness | 45,194 |
| Overall increase | 3.4% |
| Increase in unsheltered homelessness | 7.9% |
The figures represent one of the most closely watched indicators of the city’s efforts to address homelessness.
Response
Following the release of the report, Mayor Bass said local efforts were unable to offset broader economic and policy factors.
She attributed the increase to federal and state funding decisions, arguing that reductions in homelessness-related programs made it more difficult for cities to keep people housed.
Bass also said policies implemented during President Donald Trump’s administration contributed to additional financial pressures on families.
In addition, she cited a 50 percent reduction in funding for California’s Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention program and said Los Angeles County has not provided sufficient support to address the crisis.
Campaign
Homelessness has remained one of the defining issues in the mayoral race.
Before the latest report, Bass had highlighted previous declines in homelessness as evidence that her administration’s policies were producing results.
The new data, however, has shifted attention back to the continuing challenges facing the city and has become a key issue in the runoff campaign.
Criticism
Councilmember Nithya Raman said the latest report demonstrates the need for a different strategy.
In comments reported by Newsweek, Raman described the results as “disappointing, but not surprising.”
She argued that City Hall should place greater emphasis on moving people into permanent housing and said the current approach has not produced sufficient progress.
Election
Bass and Raman advanced to the November runoff after neither candidate received a majority of votes in the June primary.
Although the election is officially nonpartisan, both candidates are Democrats. Raman is generally viewed as representing the more progressive wing of the party.
Former reality television personality Spencer Pratt also entered the race as an independent but did not advance beyond the primary.
Polls
Polling and prediction markets currently offer mixed signals about the race.
The only publicly released head-to-head poll conducted before the primary showed Raman leading Bass by 32 percent to 28 percent. The survey also found that one-quarter of voters supported neither candidate, while 15 percent remained undecided.
Despite that poll, prediction markets currently give Bass roughly a two-thirds chance of winning reelection.
Outlook
With several months remaining before voters return to the polls, homelessness is expected to remain one of the central issues of the campaign.
Both candidates have acknowledged the scale of the crisis but differ on how the city should respond. As new data continues to emerge, the effectiveness of current policies is likely to remain a major topic of debate.
The outcome of the November runoff may depend in part on whether voters believe the city’s current approach should continue or whether a different strategy is needed to address homelessness in Los Angeles.
FAQs
How many people were experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles?
The latest count recorded 45,194 people.
How much did homelessness increase?
Overall homelessness rose by 3.4 percent in 2025.
Who is challenging Karen Bass?
Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman.
What issue dominates the mayoral race?
Homelessness is the campaign’s central issue.
When is the Los Angeles mayoral runoff?
The runoff election is scheduled for November.
