Oklahoma Homelessness Statistics 2024-2025: Complete Data Guide
Last Updated: January 2025 | Sources: Housing Solutions Tulsa, Homeless Alliance OKC, HUD
Oklahoma's homelessness crisis mirrors national trends but carries its own distinct patterns. This comprehensive guide presents the latest data from Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and statewide sources to help residents, policymakers, donors, and service providers understand the scope of homelessness in our state.
Quick Facts: Oklahoma Homelessness 2024-2025
1,882
1,449
+2.4%
+4.3%
Understanding the Data: How Oklahoma Counts Homelessness
Oklahoma's homelessness data comes primarily from annual Point-in-Time (PIT) counts conducted each January. These counts, required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), provide a snapshot of both sheltered and unsheltered homelessness on a single night.
The state's two largest metropolitan areas, Oklahoma City and Tulsa, conduct separate counts through their respective Continuums of Care (CoC). Oklahoma City's count is coordinated by the Key to Home Partnership and the Homeless Alliance, while Tulsa's count is led by Housing Solutions as part of the A Way Home for Tulsa initiative.
It is important to understand that PIT counts represent a minimum estimate. They capture only those who are literally homeless on the night of the count, missing people who are doubled up with family, staying in motels, or who avoid contact with outreach workers. The Oklahoma City Public School District reported 26,000 children experiencing homelessness enrolled in 2024, most of whom were "couch homeless" and would not appear in PIT counts.
Oklahoma City Homelessness Statistics
Oklahoma City has seen significant fluctuations in its homeless population over the past several years. According to the Homeless Alliance, the city experienced a major increase in 2024 following the end of COVID-era protections.
Oklahoma City PIT Count History
Oklahoma City Demographics
The demographic breakdown of Oklahoma City's homeless population reveals important patterns for service delivery:
- • Gender: 63% male, 35% female, 2% other gender identity
- • Race: 42% White, 32% Black, 9% Native American
- • Veterans: 7% of homeless population
- • Families with children: 19%
- • Youth (under 24): 9%
- • Chronically homeless: 24%
- • Mental illness reported: 24%
Shelter Status in Oklahoma City
Of the 2025 count, approximately 63% were staying in emergency shelters, 13% were in transitional housing, and 22% were unsheltered. The unsheltered population decreased by 3% from the previous year, which officials attribute to programs like Key to Home that focus on housing chronically homeless individuals.
The Key to Home program has housed 389 chronically homeless people since launching in 2023 and is on track to meet its goal of 500 by the end of 2025. The program has contributed to a 43% reduction in chronic unsheltered homelessness over two years.
Tulsa Homelessness Statistics
Tulsa's homeless population has increased every year since 2015, except for a dip in 2021. The 2025 Point-in-Time Count conducted by Housing Solutions found 1,449 individuals experiencing homelessness, a 4.3% increase from 2024.
Tulsa PIT Count History
Key Findings from Tulsa's 2025 Count
Tulsa's data reveals several important patterns that inform service delivery and policy:
- • Local origins: 82% said their homelessness began in Oklahoma, 75% said it began in Tulsa
- • Families with children: 13% of all individuals counted, including over 100 minors
- • Aging population: 1 in 4 were age 55 or older, nearly all with at least one disability
- • Racial disparities: 53% identified as BIPOC while representing only 41% of city population
- • Chronic homelessness: 39% reported long-term or recurring homelessness (up 19%)
- • Mental health: 28% reported mental health conditions as contributing factor (up from 19% in 2024)
- • Veterans: 10% of those surveyed
The finding that 82% of Tulsa's homeless population became homeless while living in Oklahoma is significant. This data contradicts the common misconception that homeless people migrate from elsewhere. These are Oklahomans who lost their footing right here in our communities.
Mayor Monroe Nichols has set a goal of achieving functional zero homelessness in Tulsa by 2030. While the 2025 numbers show continued increases, city officials point to expanded shelter capacity and the A Way Home for Tulsa strategic plan as foundations for progress.
Comparing Oklahoma to National Trends
Oklahoma's homelessness patterns largely mirror national trends but with some important differences:
Oklahoma vs. National Statistics
Oklahoma's 2024-2025 increases were more modest than the national 18% surge, but this follows a significant 28% jump in Oklahoma City from 2023-2024. The state appears to be stabilizing after the post-COVID spike, though numbers remain elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels.
One area where Oklahoma outperforms national averages is in veteran homelessness reduction. Nationally, veterans are the only population showing consistent decline, and Oklahoma's veteran-specific programs have contributed to relatively low veteran homelessness rates.
Root Causes in Oklahoma
Survey data from both Tulsa and Oklahoma City consistently identify the same primary causes of homelessness:
- 1. Lack of affordable housing - Consistently the number one reported cause and need
- 2. Loss of income/job loss - End of COVID era protections triggered many into homelessness
- 3. Mental health conditions - Growing factor, up significantly in 2025 surveys
- 4. Substance abuse - Often co-occurring with mental health issues
- 5. Domestic violence - Particularly for women experiencing homelessness
- 6. Eviction - Oklahoma allows eviction in under 30 days, one of fastest timelines nationally
The Tulsa Housing Study identified that the city needs to invest $245 million per year over ten years to meet affordable housing demand. Without addressing this structural shortage, homelessness will continue regardless of other interventions.
What Oklahoma Is Doing About It
Both major Oklahoma metros have active initiatives to address homelessness:
Oklahoma City Initiatives
- • Key to Home Partnership: Public-private partnership of 50+ agencies launched in 2023
- • Dorset Place: 70 units in pipeline for veteran housing
- • Vita Nova: 76 units converted from motel on East Reno Avenue
- • Getting Home Initiative: County social workers paired with police for street outreach
Tulsa Initiatives
- • A Way Home for Tulsa: Coalition of 40+ agencies coordinating services
- • 2030 Goal: Mayor Nichols' commitment to functional zero homelessness
- • Youth Homelessness Demonstration Project: $5.3 million HUD grant
- • Strategic Plan: Five-year plan with racial equity analysis and specific reduction targets
Frequently Asked Questions
How many homeless people are in Oklahoma?
Based on 2025 Point-in-Time counts, Oklahoma City has approximately 1,882 homeless individuals and Tulsa has approximately 1,449. Combined with smaller communities, the statewide total is estimated at 4,000-5,000 on any given night, though this does not include those doubled up with family or in other precarious housing situations.
Is homelessness increasing in Oklahoma?
Yes. Both Oklahoma City and Tulsa saw significant increases from 2023 to 2024 (28% and 23% respectively) following the end of COVID-era protections. The 2024-2025 increases were smaller (2.4% and 4.3%) suggesting possible stabilization, but numbers remain elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Where do homeless people in Oklahoma come from?
According to Tulsa survey data, 82% of homeless individuals report that their homelessness began in Oklahoma, with 75% saying it began specifically in Tulsa. This contradicts the common belief that homeless people migrate from other states.
What is the main cause of homelessness in Oklahoma?
Lack of affordable housing is consistently identified as the number one cause and the number one need. Other significant factors include job loss, mental health conditions, substance abuse, domestic violence, and Oklahoma's rapid eviction timeline.
What percentage of Oklahoma homeless are men?
In Oklahoma City, 63% of homeless individuals are male. This is slightly higher than the national average of 60% and reflects the national pattern where men, particularly single adult men, are overrepresented in homeless populations.
These statistics represent real Oklahomans: our neighbors, former coworkers, and community members who have lost their footing. At The Steady Ground, we are building a comprehensive restoration community specifically for men, who represent the majority of those experiencing homelessness but receive the minority of targeted services. Based in Broken Arrow, we believe Oklahoma can lead the nation in demonstrating what effective, faith-based restoration looks like.