Rough sleeping - our analysis

Our analysis of numbers and trends around people who sleep rough in England.

How many people sleep rough each night?

According to the latest Government figures, collected in the autumn of 2019 and published in February 2020, 4,266 people are estimated to be sleeping rough on a single 'typical' night. Further information on the data collection methodology can be found here.

Is rough sleeping on the rise?

There was a decrease of 9% between 2018 and 2019. However, since 2010 the rough sleeping figure has increased by 141%.

Which areas saw the biggest changes?

In 2019, the South West and North East reported an increase in rough sleeping, while seven regions reported a decrease, with the West Midlands experiencing the largest percentage change of -24%.

Analysis of rough sleeping statistics for England 2019

On 27 February 2020, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government released the 2019 figures for rough sleeping across England. These provide a snapshot of the number of people who slept rough on a single 'typical' night. Our analysis provides a regional breakdown and identifies the areas which have seen the largest changes compared with previous years.

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Rough sleeping statistics analysis 2014 - 2018

This analysis provides a regional breakdown of the Goverment's annual rough sleeping figures and identifies the areas that have seen the largest changes compared with previous years.

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Rough sleeping in London: analysis of CHAIN data

The CHAIN database, managed by St Mungo’s, captures information about people who sleep rough in London. These figures are updated quarterly.

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Molly Zakra

Research Officer

Molly Zakra is the Research Officer at Homeless Link

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Concerned about someone sleeping rough?

Help connect them to local support. Visit streetlink.org.uk or download the app.