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 figures, collected in the autumn of 2018 and published in January 2018, 4,677 people are estimated to be sleeping rough on any one night.

Is rough sleeping on the rise?

There was a decrease of 2% from 2017 to 2018, however, since 2010 rough sleeping estimates show an increase of 165%.

Which areas saw the biggest increases?

In 2018, the West Midlands saw the biggest percentage increase in rough sleeping since last year (42%). This is followed by the North East of England (29%) and Yorkshire and the Humber (19%).

Analysis of rough sleeping statistics for England 2018

On the 31st of January 2019, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government released the 2018 figures on levels of rough sleeping across England. These provide a snapshot of the number of people who sleep rough on any one night, based on counts or estimates carried out by local authorities. The following analysis provides a regional breakdown and identifies the areas which have seen the largest increases when compared with previous years.

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Rough sleeping 2014 - 2017 analysis

This analysis provides a snapshot of the number of people who sleep rough on any one night, based on counts or estimates carried out by local authorities. The following analysis provides a regional breakdown and identifies the areas which have seen the largest increases when 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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Concerned about someone sleeping rough?

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