10 Facts About Youth Homelessness The prevalence of homelessness among youth is staggering.

The prevalence of homelessness among youth is staggering.

1. A national survey on youth homelessness found approximately 4.2 million youth up to 24 years of age experience homelessness every year in the United States.
2. 1 in 10 youth ages 18-25 and 1 in 30 youth ages 13-17 endure some form of homelessness each year.
3. A disproportionate number of young people experiencing homelessness are youth of color, gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender.
4. Federal statistics show California remains the state with the highest population of people experiencing homelessness overall and the highest number of unaccompanied homeless youth.
5. More than 2,000 youth experience homelessness in San Diego County.
6. Youth make up about 20 percent of the county's unsheltered homeless population.
7. More than a quarter of homeless people surveyed in the county said they first became homeless before the age of 24.
8. The reported number of homeless youth is likely a vast undercount. Homeless youth tend to be a hidden population and have a harder time accessing services, including shelter and medical care.
9. One of the biggest factors contributing to homelessness among youth ages 18-24 in San Diego is the very high cost of housing.
10. Youth often have traumatic childhood experiences prior to experiencing homelessness. Youth who have been involved in the foster care and juvenile justice systems are significantly more likely to become homeless. Family conflict and rejection, as well as economic instability, also can cause a young person to become homeless.