LA Homeless Mortality Rate Decreases for the First Time

A newly released report from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health shows a significant shift in a troubling trend. For the first time since the county began tracking deaths among people experiencing homelessness in 2014, the homeless mortality rate has declined.

Key Findings from the 2024 Report

The seventh annual mortality report, released March 10, 2026, found that deaths among people experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles County decreased in 2024. Public health officials describe the decline as an encouraging sign that prevention strategies and expanded health services may be making an impact.

According to the report, there were 2,208 deaths among people experiencing homelessness in 2024, representing approximately 300 fewer deaths than in 2023.

The mortality rate dropped by about 10 percent, falling from 3,326 deaths per 100,000 people in 2023 to 2,994 deaths per 100,000 in 2024.

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While the decline represents meaningful progress, the mortality rate for people experiencing homelessness remains extremely high. The report notes that deaths among the unhoused population occur at about 4.2 times the rate of the overall county population, though this is slightly improved from 4.4 times higher in 2023.

The decline in deaths was observed among both men and women and among Black and White individuals experiencing homelessness. However, the mortality rate remained largely unchanged among Latinx individuals.

Overdose Prevention Played a Major Role

One of the primary drivers of the decrease in deaths was a significant reduction in drug overdose fatalities.

The report indicates that overdose deaths declined by roughly 21 percent in 2024. Public health officials attribute this change to increased access to services such as:

• Harm reduction programs
• Mental health treatment
• Substance use disorder treatment
• Overdose prevention initiatives

These programs have been expanded in recent years across Los Angeles County as part of broader public health and homelessness response strategies.

Other Causes of Death Show Mixed Trends

While several categories of mortality declined, others increased.

The report noted decreases in deaths related to:

• Heart disease:The second leading cause of death continues to be coronary heart disease (CHD), accounting for 14% of deaths among people experiencing homelessness in 2024. The CHD mortality rate decreased by 12%.
• Homicide: Homicide, still the fourth leading cause of death among people experiencing homelessness, accounted for 5% of deaths in 2024. The homicide rate decreased by an additional 13% after a 25% decrease in 2023.

However, increases were observed in deaths caused by:

• Traffic-related injuries: Traffic injury remained the third leading cause of death among people experiencing homelessness, accounting for 11% of deaths in 2024. Over 95% of these deaths continued to occur among pedestrians and cyclists.
• Suicide: The rate of suicide, still the fifth leading cause of death, increased by 21% in 2024 after remaining relatively stable over the previous five years.

Public health experts say these findings highlight the complexity of health risks faced by people experiencing homelessness and the need for continued investment in both healthcare and safety interventions.

Officials Urge Continued Investment in Prevention

County leaders say the decline demonstrates that coordinated prevention efforts can make a difference, but they also caution that progress could be threatened by potential funding reductions.

Hilda L. Solis, Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, emphasized that collaboration across agencies and communities has been critical to improving outcomes.

Officials warn that federal funding cuts could undermine many of the programs that contributed to the progress seen in the report. Continued investment in housing stability, healthcare access, substance use treatment, and mental health services will likely play a key role in maintaining and improving these trends.

A Public Health Challenge That Remains

Despite the improvement reported in 2024, the mortality rate among people experiencing homelessness remains a major public health concern in Los Angeles County.

The findings continue to reinforce the need for continued multidisciplinary efforts that address housing, healthcare, mental health, substance use treatment, and community safety.

Public health leaders say the report offers both a sign of progress and a reminder that much work remains to be done.

We at csjacupuncture say it is a sign of progress and a step in the right direction.

Find the Report here: Lives Lost: Mortality Trends and Prevention Opportunities For People Experiencing Homelessness in LA County, 2015-2024