Homelessness—Statistics

Statistics on homelessness in Tucson and Pima County can vary widely. Below are some statistics from valid sources.

Arizona

The Arizona Department of Economic Security publishes the Report on Homelessness. The latest (and past) reports can be found at Homeless Services. (Scroll down to Reports and Outcomes.)

According to the DES, in 2021 the homeless population in Arizona was counted at 5,460. The homeless population of Pima County was counted at 821, approximately 15% of the state total. This number is down from 2020, when the total Arizona homeless population was counted at 7,419 and the total Pima County homeless population was counted at 1,324, approximately 19% of the state total. However, only sheltered individuals were counted in the 2021 statistic due to the COVID-19 pandemic; there is no data on how many unsheltered individuals were living in Pima County or Arizona during 2021.

Pima County

The Tucson Pima Collaboration to End Homelessness reports on homelessness with the January Housing Inventory and Point in Time Counts here.

Older statistics on homelessness in Tucson and Arizona:

The 2021 Annual Report on Homelessness in Arizona (PDF) by the Department of Economic Security.

The 2020 Annual Report on Homelessness in Arizona (PDF) by the Department of Economic Security.

The 2019 Annual Report on Homelessness in Arizona (PDF) by the Department of Economic Security.

The 2018 Annual Report on Homelessness in Arizona (PDF) by the Department of Economic Security.

The 2017 Annual Report on Homelessness in Arizona (PDF) by the Department of Economic Security.

The 2016 Annual Report on Homelessness in Arizona (PDF) by the Department of Economic Security.

The 2015 Annual Report on Homelessness in Arizona (PDF) by the Department of Economic Security.
The 2014 Annual Report on Homelessness in Arizona (PDF) by the Department of Economic Security.
The 2013 Annual Report on Homelessness in Arizona (PDF) by the Department of Economic Security.

Organizations

Habitat for Humanity-Tucson
3501 N. Mountain Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85719
520-326-1217
info@habitattucson.org
Contact

Primavera Foundation
702 S. 6th Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85701
520-623-5111
Contact

National Coalition for the Homeless
2201 P St. NW
Washington, D.C., 20037
202-462-4822
info@nationalhomeless.org

Definitions of Terms

Chronically homeless: Those who are homeless for a year or longer with frequent and long spells in the homeless assistance system. 

Episodically homeless: Those who use the homeless assistance system intermittently and for short periods.

Temporarily homeless: Those with one short spell of homelessness who are not seen again by the homeless assistance system. 

Additional sources:

Kent, Jackie, Report: Homeless Numbers Drop in Pima CountyTucson News Now. January 21, 2014.


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