Beyond the streets: Australia's growing homelessness crisis
Across Australia’s busy cities and quieter regional centres, a silent emergency plays out each night. More than 122,000 people were recorded as homeless in the 2021 Census. Of these, around 7,600 were sleeping rough in public places like streets, parks or improvised shelters. Since then, the number is believed to have increased, with housing stress rising by 36 per cent between 2023 and 2024.
At the centre of the issue is housing affordability. Rents have climbed sharply, while wages have not kept pace. In 2024, low-income households were spending as much as 54.3 per cent of their earnings on rent, according to the ANZ CoreLogic Housing Affordability Report. This pressure is now affecting not only the unemployed but also working Australians, including teachers, nurses and essential workers. Housing stress placed over 3.2 million people at risk of homelessness in 2023, a 63 per cent increase since 2016.
Personal stories behind the numbers
Statistics only tell part of the story. People like Susan have lived with housing insecurity for years. For more than a decade, she has struggled to find stable accommodation while managing chronic health issues and caring for her pets. She has been unable to secure a place in the public housing system. Her experience reflects the broader challenges many face, including limited availability of services, lack of support, and systemic shortfalls in funding.
In the 2023 to 2024 period, more than 50,000 people seeking accommodation were turned away due to lack of available support. Climate-related events, underinvestment in public housing, and a patchwork of state and federal responsibilities have contributed to worsening conditions.
Health effects and risks
Homelessness comes with serious health consequences. Nearly half of all rough sleepers face mental health challenges, compared with one in three users of other homelessness services. Women are particularly vulnerable, with higher risks of hospital admission, long-term trauma and exposure to violence.
Policy response and the path forward
The 2024 National Housing and Homelessness Plan aims to bring together federal, state and local initiatives to tackle the problem. Key priorities include investment in affordable housing, improved mental health services and stronger social supports. While these are welcome developments, long-term commitment and increased funding will be vital to meet the scale of the crisis.
At the beginning of 2024, over 223,000 households were waiting for social housing. Without urgent structural reform, this number is likely to grow.
A challenge that reflects deeper inequalities
Homelessness in Australia is not only a housing issue. It is closely tied to broader economic and social conditions including stagnant wages, cost of living pressures, gaps in mental health care, and the erosion of the social safety net.
Understanding the drivers behind the crisis is essential to meaningful change. No one in Australia should be left without shelter. Secure housing must be considered a basic right, not a privilege — especially in a country as wealthy and resourceful as ours.