November 1, 2023

The Cost of Living Index as the Main Driver of Homelessness

This study analyzed data across all 50 US states to identify factors associated with homelessness rates. It found the cost of living index, mainly driven by housing costs, was the primary driver of homelessness. Unemployment, poverty, alcohol use, and taxes were also contributors. Surprisingly, more restrictive opioid prescribing policies were linked to increased homelessness, implying potential unintended consequences of limiting prescription opioids. The insights from this ecological analysis highlight the importance of multifaceted interventions to address the economic and social determinants underlying homelessness. Focusing on housing affordability while also addressing employment, problematic substance use, and access to healthcare will be critical to alleviating this persistent public health issue.

Citation: Heston TF. The Cost of Living Index as a Primary Driver of Homelessness in the United States: A Cross-State Analysis. Cureus. 2023;15(10):e46975. Published 2023 Oct 13. doi:10.7759/cureus.46975