Two sets of data released today (Thursday 1 October) reveal the devastating impact of homelessness on society. 

New data provided by the ONS states that an estimated 974 people died while homeless in England and Wales during 2025.  

Analysis of this data shows:  

• Of the 974 figure, 911 deaths were in England and 63 deaths in Wales.  

• The average age of death for people experiencing homelessness was just 43 for women and just 47 for men, showing people’s lives are being cut short by decades because they have nowhere safe to live.  

• Official government data on the number of people who have died while experiencing homelessness has not been published since 2022, highlighting a lack of routinely collected, in-depth evidence on the outcomes and impacts of homelessness. 

• National homeless and inclusion health charities Crisis and Pathway welcome the ONS reinstating this data set. 

Separately, independent research released by the Museum of Homelessness today suggests this official count is vastly undercounting the number of people dying while homeless. Their preliminary findings show: 

• 1,720 people, including 51 children, died while homeless in 2025. The total number of deaths is a 6.8% rise on the previous year.  

• Overall, more than 10,000 people have died while homeless since 2017. 

• Over 30% of the deaths in 2025 were either on the streets or in rough sleeper’s accommodation. 

Responding to today’s figures, Matt Downie, Chief Executive of Crisis, said: “Behind these statistics are human lives tragically cut short because of homelessness. Official figures show that the average age of death for someone experiencing homelessness is just 43 for women and 47 for men, decades shorter than the life expectancy for those of us with secure homes. This shameful suffering is inexcusable in the 21st century and further proof of why the leadership from the Prime Minister to end rough sleeping is so critical. 

“We fully support the Prime Minister in his drive to give everyone sleeping rough in England a route off the streets. With people dying prematurely right now, this vital action will save lives, and we welcome the commitment to making it a permanent national policy beyond Christmas, because people need a roof over their heads all year round. 

“In the longer term, we know that homelessness can only truly be ended by providing safe and affordable homes. That is why people in desperate need must be given access to social housing. We stand ready to help ensure the UK Government’s recent measures to strengthen council powers over social housing work in practice and are implemented swiftly. Where a home cannot be provided immediately, good-quality accommodation alongside a clear pathway to settled housing is the right first step. 

“Homelessness is not inevitable. By working together, we can end homelessness in this country for good.” 

Alex Bax, CEO of the homelessness and health charity Pathway, said: "Every one of these deaths is an indictment of a health system that is failing people who are forced to sleep on our streets. Behind each number is a person who will have faced closed doors and missed opportunities at every turn.  

“The NHS now has an opportunity to step up and play its part in delivering the Prime Minister's commitment to end rough sleeping. We already know what works; it is set out in the NICE guideline on integrated health and social care for people experiencing homelessness. What's missing is the investment and will to deliver it. We now need concerted action from Government, backed by funding, to make lifesaving care a reality across the country.” 

-Ends- 

Notes to Editor 

About ONS data  

The data released today for the deaths of homeless people in England and Wales can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/announcements/deaths-of-homeless-people-in-england-and-wales-2025-registrations 

This is the first new release since these statistics were put on hiatus in 2022. 

The methodology for estimating these numbers has changed since then. 

About the Museum of Homelessness data 

Museum of Homelessness has been running the Dying Homeless Project since 2019, when the Bureau of Investigative journalism handed it over, having begun this groundbreaking work in 2017. The project aims to capture far more detail on the people who have lost their lives than currently covered by official statistics. More information about the project can be found here: https://museumofhomelessness.org/dhp.  

The Dying Homeless Project uses information from coroners’ enquiries, media coverage, family testimony and freedom of information requests to verify details of each case.    

About Crisis   

Crisis is the national charity for people facing homelessness across Wales, Scotland and England. We know that homelessness is not inevitable, and we know that together, we can end it. 

We provide services directly to people experiencing homelessness, carry out research into the causes and consequences of homelessness, and campaign for the changes needed to end it. 

About Pathway 

Pathway is the UK’s leading homeless and inclusion health charity. We exist to improve the health of people experiencing homelessness and other dimensions of severe social exclusion.