'Point-in-Time Count' reveals areas with the most homeless individuals

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- The latest data from the "Point-in-Time Count" for the region was released Tuesday, showing a 3% increase in unhoused individuals this year compared to 2023.

The count includes people living on the streets as well as those staying in emergency shelters, safe havens or transitional housing as of when the data was collected back in January. There was a total of 10,605 unhoused individuals in the region in January, according to the Point-in-Time Count.

While the report shows an 18% increase in unsheltered individuals from 2023 to 2024, some parts of San Diego County saw more change than others.

San Marcos reported 35 unsheltered people as of January -- a staggering 1,650% jump from only two individuals counted last year.

The Vista-Bonsall area also saw a big increase, up from 88 last year to 170 unsheltered individuals in January -- a 93.2% change.

Carlsbad had an 86.7% increase from 60 in 2023 to 112 in January. The city of Lemon Grove also saw more than an 85% change with 51 more unsheltered individuals this year compared to 2023. According to the report, there were 111 people living without shelter in Lemon Grove.

However, some areas of the county did see some improved numbers.

There were no unsheltered individuals counted in the unincorporated area of Alpine/Crest-Dehesa this year, according to the Point-in-Time Count. There were four counted last year. Meanwhile, Fallbrook saw a 63% decrease from 19 in 2023 to seven this year.

The city of San Diego has the largest percentage of sheltered and unsheltered individuals in the county this year, with a total about nearly 6,800. It's followed by East County with 11.6% share of the region's unhoused population at 1,232.

On another note, the number of people experiencing homelessness over the age of 55 appears to be trending upward. The latest data showed seniors made up 30% of people experiencing homelessness this year, compared to 29% last year and 25% in 2022.