New Poll Finds Americans Deeply Concerned About Housing Costs and Homelessness as Economic Insecurity Drives Crisis

May 19, 2025, Washington, D.C. — A new poll from the National Alliance to End Homelessness and Morning Consult reveals strong public concern over homelessness and housing affordability, with a majority of Americans tying the worsening crisis to rising housing costs.

According to the national survey, half of all U.S. adults report an increase in homelessness in their community in the past year, with 69% citing rising housing costs as the top reason for the surge.

The results likely reflect the widespread economic uncertainty gripping many households, as they struggle with rising rents, stubborn inflation, an uneven stock market, the unknown impacts of U.S. trade policy, and a presidential budget proposal that would decimate funding for homelessness and affordable housing.

“This polling reinforces what researchers, advocates, and those on the front lines of homeless response have been saying for decades: homelessness is primarily an economic issue,” said Alliance CEO, Ann Oliva. “Our leaders have become increasingly unfocused on the economic needs of everyday Americans — in red states and blue alike — and the results clearly indicate anxiety about people’s number one expense: housing.”

The link between housing and homelessness is clear: 72% of adults agree that their community would face less homelessness if there were more affordable housing options. Yet, 58% say their community hasn’t invested nearly enough to meet that need. The failure to act has left cities and towns across the country grappling with the fallout. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, the country is short 7.1 million affordable housing units for extremely low-income renters.

The poll also underscores how widespread the economic anxiety is around housing. Nearly three-quarters (74%) of adults say the current economic situation is making housing less affordable, and 48% believe increasing affordable housing should be a top priority for local leaders.

The public sentiment is clear: 71% believe their community would be a better place to live with more affordable housing, rejecting the fear-based narratives that claim otherwise.

“Americans overwhelmingly want solutions,” said Oliva. “They know that more affordable housing means stronger, safer, more stable communities. Now, we need our elected officials to get the message. The Alliance encourages leaders at all levels — federal, state, and local — to prioritize housing policy that centers affordability, dignity, and opportunity for all Americans.”

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Key Takeaways from National Opinion Polling, May 2025

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About the National Alliance to End Homelessness

The National Alliance to End Homelessness is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization committed to preventing and ending homelessness in the United States. As a leading voice on the issue of homelessness, the Alliance analyzes policy and develops pragmatic, cost-effective solutions; works collaboratively with the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to build state and local capacity; and provides data and research to policymakers and elected officials in order to inform policy debates and educate the public and opinion leaders nationwide.