King County homeless population rises as shelter beds decline
King County's homeless population continued to grow in 2026, but at a slower pace than in previous years, according to the newest point-in-time count data in King County.
The 2026 “initial results” count by King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA) found an estimated 18,365 people were experiencing homelessness on any given night in King County, including 11,829 people living unsheltered and another 6,536 staying in emergency shelters, transitional housing programs or safe havens.
The total represents a net increase of 1,497 people, or 9%, from 2024, when 16,868 people were counted, according to KCRHA. While homelessness continued to rise, the increase was substantially smaller than the 26% jump recorded between 2022 and 2024.
At the same time, the number of people living unsheltered grew much faster than the overall population. The unsheltered count rose by 2,019 people, or 21%, since 2024.
https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2026/06/24/king-county-homelessness-point-in-time-count.html