Ohio Homelessness Statistics

The statistics of homelessness can be such a daunting realization, particularly when you realize the following stats are from our own great state of Ohio. As you read through the following statistics, keep in mind that there are real people behind each number.

In the next few weeks, we’ll explore both solutions and preventative measures to homelessness and discuss the root causes of men, women and families who have become or are without a home.

I’ll look forward to your comments and observations as we dialogue through critical issues of our community, as well as learn from one another.

Homelessness in Ohio

147,000 Ohioans are homeless annually.

Women comprise 57% of homeless adults in rural Ohio and more than one-third in urban areas.

The median age of homeless people in urban areas is 33; in rural areas it is 29.

As many as 30,000 veterans experience homelessness annually. 35,000 children are homeless annually; two-thirds are school age.

Homelessness in rural Ohio has increased by 300% between 1985 and 1990.

20% of homeless Ohioans report drinking often, while 30% suffer from mental illness. These groups significantly overlap.

Young families no longer able to close the gap between housing cost and total household income.

Individuals currently employed full- or part-time but with too little income to afford housing.

Women unable to work due to child care responsibilities or limited skills to meet the demands of a changing labor market.

Men unable to work due to disability, limited skills and education with minimal social support.

Disabled persons without the social networks and supports to live independently in the community.

Patterns of Rural Homelessness in Ohio

Average length of time homeless was 49 days (79.7% six months or less).

Nearly one-half were living temporarily with family of friends.

39.2% were living in shelters or missions.

14.6% were living in cars, abandoned building and other unsheltered conditions

Over one-half (52.4%) were residents of the county more than one year, 48.6% of the non- residents had moved from another Ohio county.

Economic factors were identified by 45.1% as the most important reasons for their homelessness; family problems were cited by 30.4% of respondents.

Almost one-third (3 1.2%) had worked for pay in the prior month; 43.2% of those working, were working full-time.

Major sources of income were earnings: 26.2%; welfare: 26.1%; disability (SSI or pension): 9.2%; and family and friends: 3.5%.

Homeless families (26.8% of he interviews) included an average of 2 children per family; and 67.9% of the families were single parent households (99% headed by women).

Major changes in the characteristics of rural homeless persons are a greater proportion women, younger, better educated, and less likely to have history of psychiatric hospitalization.