Fresno-Madera homelessness count shows 9.2% increase, but new survey method makes comparison difficult
The Fresno-Madera Continuum of Care reported a 9.2% increase in homelessness between 2023 and 2025, with 4,905 people counted as homeless across both counties in the 2025 Point-in-Time count, according to data validated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The increase runs counter to statewide and national trends. California reported a 2.8% decrease in homelessness in 2025 — the state’s first decline since 2016 — while the nation saw a 3.3% drop, according to HUD’s 2025 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report.
Among those counted in the Fresno-Madera region, 29% reported a substance use disorder and 31% reported a serious mental illness. Five percent were younger than 18. Officials reported more than 4,000 beds available year-round for people experiencing homelessness, with 84% occupied on the night of the count.
County officials cautioned that the 2025 figures may not reflect current conditions due to delays from HUD, which took more than a year to validate the submission.
For the 2026 count, the region switched to a new survey-based methodology. Trained volunteers asked people experiencing homelessness about demographics, disabilities and causes of homelessness, rather than relying on visual tallies. Preliminary unvalidated figures from that count show 3,254 people experiencing homelessness — 1,619 unsheltered and 1,635 sheltered.
Officials said the 2026 numbers should not be compared to previous years because of the methodology change. The new approach only counts individuals who opted in to participate in the survey, meaning those who declined are not included. Laura Moreno, chair of the Fresno-Madera Continuum of Care, said the release “should be viewed as a way to better coordinate and to collaborate amongst the stakeholders to provide better, more specific services to people experiencing homelessness.”
Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer said the city has eliminated encampments using a definition of 10 or more people in one location for 10 or more days, but acknowledged that homelessness persists. “Have we eliminated the homeless problem in Fresno? No, you can look around and you can see we still have people experiencing homelessness,” Dyer said.
The region closed two housing shelters at the end of 2025 due to declining funds and is converting others to permanent supportive housing at the requirement of California officials. Dyer called for additional resources in this year’s budget toward creation of a second Homeless Assistance Response Team.
The Breakdown
- The validated 2025 Point-in-Time count found 4,905 people homeless in Fresno and Madera counties, a 9.2% increase from 4,493 in 2023
- This contrasts with a 2.8% statewide decrease and 3.3% national decrease in 2025
- The region switched to a survey-based counting method for 2026, where volunteers interview people rather than conducting visual counts
- Preliminary 2026 data shows 3,254 people experiencing homelessness, but officials say this cannot be compared to prior years due to the methodology change
- The new method only counts people who agree to participate in surveys, and does not include those who decline
- HUD took more than a year to validate the 2025 count, meaning the data may not reflect current conditions
What This Means for You
The confirmed increase in homelessness between 2023 and 2025 means the region bucked a trend of declining homelessness seen across California and the nation. The new counting method aims to provide better information about why people become homeless and what services they need, which county and city officials say will guide budget decisions on homelessness programs and services. However, the change in how people are counted makes it unclear whether homelessness is actually increasing or decreasing in the region right now.
