LANE COUNTY, Ore. — The number of people experiencing homelessness in Lane County has risen sharply, increasing by 14% since 2024 and 24% since 2023, according to data released by Lane County Human Services.
The annual Point-in-Time (PIT) count, conducted on the night of January 29, tracks the number of individuals who are both sheltered and unsheltered. This year’s count revealed a total of 3,509 people experiencing homelessness, up from 3,085 in 2024 and 2,824 in 2023.
County officials attribute the rise primarily to a severe shortage of available housing. Lane County projects a need for 33,210 additional housing units over the next 20 years to accommodate both housed residents and the unhoused population.
While the overall homeless population has grown, the number of sheltered individuals saw a significant increase of 52% compared to last year, driven by the addition of 495 cold-weather shelter beds during periods of extreme weather. Authorities also reported providing alternative shelter accommodations, such as safe parking areas without electricity or heat, to 209 people.
The breakdown of the 2025 count shows 914 people staying in formal emergency shelters, 96 in transitional housing, and 2,004 living without formal shelter. The percentage of chronically homeless individuals who are sheltered has risen notably, from 25% in 2020 to 46% in 2024.
One of the most alarming trends highlighted by the report is the dramatic increase in domestic violence survivors experiencing homelessness. Their numbers surged from 681 in 2024 to 3,404 in 2025, underscoring a growing crisis within the community.
Lane County Human Services continues to emphasize the urgent need for expanded housing options and support services to address the growing homeless population and its complex challenges.
