Facts About Homeless Youth
- The King County Committee to End Homelessness estimates that between 5,000 and 10,000 youth and at-risk young adults ages 13-25 young adults experience homelessness each year in King County. At last count,19% among them who were unstably housed and/or homeless. It is estimated that over 1,000 youth and young adults are homeless on any given night in King County, and the number of homeless students counted by school districts rises 13% yearly.
- Family crisis is the most prevalent reason youth and young adults identify for becoming homeless.
- Approximately 51% of homeless youth are “local kids” who are from the immediately surrounding geographic area. The rest flow from over 39 states toward the Pacific Northwest.
- 20-40% of homeless youth experience sexual abuse, compared to 1-3% of the general youth population.
- 60% of houseless youth have experienced physical abuse at home before ending up on the streets.
- 20-50% of homeless youth have been placed in foster care or hail from an institutional setting
- Up to 40% are LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, or Questioning).
- Studies have found high rates of mental health problems among homeless youth; mental health issues manifest both as a cause and a consequence of homelessness.
- Homeless youth are remarkable young people with tremendous futures.
For citations for statistics listed above, click here. Please reach info@teenfeed.org for more information.