Increase in Homeless Deaths in Los Angeles
Over 2,000 homeless individuals died in Los Angeles in 2023, showing a 300% increase from 2014. Majority of deaths were due to drug overdoses, particularly fentanyl-related. The crisis is exacerbated by the fact that most of the unhoused population are living outside.
Key Points
- Over 2,000 homeless individuals died in Los Angeles in 2023, a 300% increase from 2014
- Majority of deaths were due to drug overdoses, with a significant rise in fentanyl-related deaths
- L.A. County's homelessness crisis is worsened by the fact that most unhoused individuals live outside
- Data is likely an undercount as it only includes deaths considered 'violent, sudden or unusual'