The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) is concerned about how the number of homeless people across Clark County is now 43% greater than pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
7,928 people were classified as homeless in 2024 compared to 5,530 in 2019
Volunteers completed an annual census to get an idea of how many people have been living in the city without a home; 7,928 people were classified as homeless in 2024 compared to 5,530 in 2019. This places Las Vegas 11th on the list of US cities for this statistic.
The issue is particularly bad in the southeast part of town, with encampments and trailers dotted around the area, including at intersections and in residential neighborhoods. Residents are expressing their concerns about increasing levels of property damage and theft.
LVMPD Southeast Area Command Captain Jeff Clark provided some reasoning for the uptick in homelessness. He believes the higher cost of living is having a big impact, especially with previously more affordable daily and weekly rate accommodations now too expensive for many people as their wages have not increased at the same rate.
Eviction filings are up 42% compared to pre-pandemic levels, as well.