The number of people counted in Thurston County’s 2024 homeless census increased compared to 2023, continuing an upward trend. Preliminary data released Monday shows 864 people were experiencing some form of homelessness the night of Jan. 25.
Of that total, 417 people were unsheltered, 400 people were staying in emergency shelters and 47 people were in transitional housing. The county reported totals of 740 in 2023, 724 in 2022 and an all-time high of 1,145 in 2021, according to the county’s last Point in Time (PIT) report. The county’s homeless response partners and community volunteers typically conduct the PIT during a series of events in late January. The count is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The data released Monday must still be cross-checked by the Washington State Department of Commerce, which is expected to report final data next month, according to a county news release. Though the data shows an increase in 2024, the PIT has historically undercounted the homeless population for various reasons. Some people decline to participate in the count, which requires completion of a survey. Enumerators also miss people who are not present during the count.
Methodologies also change. The 1,145 total for 2021 relied on observation rather than volunteer surveying. In 2022, the county used an abbreviated survey and held no events.
Last year, the county used an extended survey and many households declined to participate, The Olympian previously reported. This year, the county held eight events where it conducted surveys and shared resources, according to the release. The events were tailored toward different populations, including seniors, adults, youth and young adults. Those who attended the events were given blankets, winter gloves, hand warmers, rechargeable headlamps, duffle bags, hygiene kits, socks, and other winter clothing. Attendees also were offered connections to services, food, haircuts, foot care and veterinary care. The United Way of Thurston County recruited more than 20 volunteers to staff tables, sort donations, gather surveys, deliver equipment and manage supplies for the census.
Here’s a breakdown of the preliminary data
A plurality of the 417 unsheltered people counted in 2024 were living in a vehicle while fewer than 100 lived in tents or encampments, the preliminary data showed. Of the unsheltered people who were surveyed, 65.5% were from Thurston County, 13.6% were from bordering counties, 12.8% were from out-of-state, and 8.1% were from elsewhere in Washington state.
About 90 of the unsheltered people surveyed lived in Thurston County for five or more years. Less than 40 lived in the county for one to five years, and few lived in the county for less than 12 months, according to the data. About 65% of unsheltered “households” surveyed were classified as single adults or couples. The remaining 35% were families.
The data indicates 82 people said they were doubled-up or couch surfing, and five people were counted as staying in jails and hospitals without a permanent address, according to the preliminary report. However, the report says these people were not included in the formal PIT count because they are officially considered unstably housed rather than homeless. About 58% of respondents identified as men, 38.1% identified as women, 1.4% identified as non-binary and 1% identified as transgender, according to the data. The remaining 1.4% preferred not to answer. Veterans made up 3% of respondents. About 17% of respondents indicated they were fleeing domestic violence and 43% reported having a disability. Most respondents identified as white.
The largest age group among respondents was 35- to 44-year olds at 22.3%. They were followed by 25- to 34-year-olds at 21.8%, 45- to 54-year-olds at 17.5%, those 17 and younger at 16.3%, people 55 and older at 14.9% and 18- to 24-year-olds at 7.2%.
