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Minnesota Homeless Study

Understanding homelessness so we can eliminate it

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The Minnesota Homeless Study, conducted every three years, is a point-in-time study aimed at better understanding the prevalence of homelessness in Minnesota, as well as the circumstances of those experiencing homelessness. The data and analysis from the study equip users with the information they need to identify and address systemic issues, improve programs and policies, and ultimately eliminate homelessness.

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An orange, patterned border surrounds a white background on which it says Minnesota Homeless Study, a project of Wilder Research. October 26, 2023, understanding homelessness so we can eliminate it. mnhomeless.org

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An estimated 19,600 Minnesotans experienced homelessness on any given night in 2018.

On October 25, 2018, the Minnesota Homeless Study counted 11,371 people experiencing homelessness across the state. Homelessness statewide increased by 10% between 2015 and 2018.

Get complete results from the 2018 study Find detailed data tables from the study

One-night study counts of people experiencing homelessness, 1991-2018. This figure includes two trend lines. First the total count of people experiencing homelessness statewide increased from 3,079 in 1991 to 10,233 in 2018. The total count including American Indian reservations totals 11,371. The second trend line shows an increase in children experiencing homelessness with their parents, from 889 in 1991 to 3,265 in 2018.

As part of the effort to understand who is affected by homelessness in Minnesota, we analyze data from subsets of the overall population.

People Who Identify as LGBTQ

11% of people interviewed for the 2018 Minnesota Homeless Study identified as LGBTQ. Get more data and trends on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people experiencing homelessness in Minnesota.

Older Adults

Older adult homelessness in Minnesota increased 25% from 2015 to 2018. Find more data and trends about adults 55+ experiencing homelessness.

Veterans

From 2000-2018, the percentage of Minnesotans experiencing homelessness who are also military Veterans decreased from 16% to 7%. Learn more from an analysis of U.S. military Veterans experiencing homelessness.

Youth on their Own

An estimated 13,300 Minnesota youth on their own experience homelessness over the course of a year. Learn more from an analysis of 2018 study data.

The Reservation Homeless Study is conducted every three years in partnership with six American Indian reservations in Minnesota.

Homelessness on American Indian Reservations

In total, 2,315 people experiencing homelessness or near-homelessness were counted in partnership with six of Minnesota’s American Indian reservations: Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, Red Lake Nation, and White Earth Nation. The study runs alongside the Minnesota Homeless Study.

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7 Things to Know About the Minnesota Homeless Study

In October 2023, Wilder Research will partner with state agencies, tribes, housing service providers, and volunteers across the state to interview thousands of people experiencing homelessness as part of the next Minnesota Homeless Study. Read the article »