King County Homelessness Up 5 Percent In 2020, Annual Count Finds

SEATTLE, WA — The number of people experiencing homelessness in Seattle and King County county increased by 5 percent this year, according to new data released Wednesday.

The annual point-in-time count, which takes place over one night each January, found 11,751 people living homeless, with 53 percent sheltered and 47 percent unsheltered. This year's count took place before the coronavirus crisis began.

In the final report, authors note this year's numbers were likely impacted by "substantial rain" that fell the night of the count.

"The rain may have impacted the street count with decreased visibility from volunteers' car windows and individuals experiencing homelessness, who were otherwise sleeping outdoors, may have taken cover from the weather during the hours of the count."

According to the report, the rates of emergency shelter and transitional housing use remains "mostly consistent" from previous years, while the percentage of people living in their vehicles climbed by five points.

Among those found living homeless on the night of the count, approximately 955 were classified as unaccompanied youth or young adults. 813 people are listed as veterans. Approximately 3,355 people were "chronically homeless," meaning they had been homeless for at least a year, or on four or more occasions in the last three years.

More than 1,200 people reported they fled from domestic violence — more than double the figure recorded in 2019.

The full report is accompanied by updated data dashboards, which highlight the demographics and continued disproportionate effects that homelessness continues to have on communities of color.

Seattle and King County declared homelessness emergencies in 2015. In late 2019, city and county officials announced a unified homelessness authority to oversee new decisions, funding allocations and services.

"Looking ahead, we must continue to strengthen our response to homelessness beyond merely a place to sleep, but also providing the safety, dignity, and supports people need to build permanent pathways out of homelessness," said Dow Constantine, King County Executive. "That work must also ensure that we serve Black, Indigenous and other communities of color who are disproportionately represented in the homeless population."