Homeless people 2024

Homelessness is concentrated in the major cities. Out out of homeless people living alone, 20% were in Helsinki. More than half of the homeless people in Finland were in Helsinki, Espoo, Turku and Tampere. In relation to the population, Turku (2.3 homeless per 1,000 residents), Vaasa (1.7) and Tampere (1.6) had the highest number of homeless.

The following cities had the most homeless people living alone:

• Helsinki: 786 homeless
• Turku: 434 homeless
• Espoo: 404 homeless
• Tampere: 391 homeless
• Vantaa: 269 homeless

Long-term homelessness decreased in most major cities. However, in Tampere, the number of long-term homeless people more than doubled from the previous year.

Most homeless people staying temporarily with friends or relatives

The majority of homeless people are staying temporarily with friends or relatives (63% or 2,378 persons). Their share increased from the previous year. The number of homeless people living outside, in stairwells or shelters also increased from the previous year (694, which is 230 more than in 2023). 

Of the homeless, 10% lived in dormitories and accommodation establishments and 9% lived in institutions.

Reasons for increased homelessness

Municipalities gave the following factors as the most important reasons for homelessness:

• Lack of small and affordable homes
• Impairments in social security and income support policies
• High cost of housing and cost of living
• Increased payment defaults and rent arrears

Read the full report