New research released today by the Museum of Homelessness’s Dying Homeless Project* shows that deaths among people experiencing homelessness in the UK rose 6.8% in 2025, in comparison with the previous year.
- In 2025, 1,720 people sadly lost their lives without having a stable place to call home. This represents an increase from the 1,611 people who lost their lives in 2024.
- Tragically, at least 214 people died whilst rough sleeping or with no fixed abode.
- The research also highlighted an estimated 636 homeless deaths in London and the South of England; these areas have the highest levels of homelessness in the country.
*Preliminary findings 01/10/2026
The data has been gathered through freedom of information requests, coroner inquests and memorials submitted by bereaved family members to the project.
Homelessness can take many forms, whether that’s someone who’s rough sleeping, or living in an insecure living arrangement such as sofa surfing, or temporary accommodation, all of these people are represented in these statistics.
Responding to the news, Sean Palmer, Executive Director of Transformation at St Mungo’s said:
“St Mungo’s thoughts are with everyone who has lost someone whilst they were experiencing homelessness. These statistics from the Museum of Homelessness are a stark reminder of the dangers and health inequalities that people experiencing homelessness, and especially rough sleeping, face every day.
“We know that people live longer, healthier and happier lives when they are supported out of homelessness, which is why St Mungo’s works so hard to provide people with specialist, personalised support to help them recover from homelessness and connect them with the services that can help.
“This report, rightly, identifies that there is more to be done to ensure that health services are equipped to support people experiencing homelessness and that those services are properly integrated so that people get the support they need. We desperately need to end this ongoing tragedy.”
