Key findings: Report-03-00-24 - A Profile of Homeless Persons in South Africa, 2022

Stats SA has for the first time released a thematic report on homelessness in South Africa, based on census data. The report profiles the prevalence of homelessness in the last three decades, socio-demographic characteristics of homeless persons, and causes of homelessness. In the last three decades, there has been an upward trend in homelessness. The number of homeless persons increased from 13 135 in 1996 to 55 719 in 2022, with Gauteng recording the biggest share of homeless persons (46%) followed by Western Cape (18%).

The demographic profile of homeless persons showed that they were predominantly males (70,1%), the share of the youth and adults was about (44% and 45% respectively), whilst children and the elderly constituted relatively smaller proportions (5% and 7% respectively).

The findings further revealed that the causes of homelessness were mainly due to economic reasons (unemployment and lack of income), family matters (disputes, death and dissolution) and alcohol and drug abuse. 

The information on the extent of homelessness, who is at risk in terms of age and sex, and location, is critical in promoting evidence based decision-making and policy formulation aimed at addressing homelessness in South Africa.