Governor Spencer Cox and state officials announced results from Utah's 2026 annual Point-in-Time Count (PIT) today, revealing a decline in the overall number of Utahns experiencing homelessness. This represents the first year-over-year decrease recorded in recent state history.
The 2026 count documented 4,512 individuals experiencing homelessness on a single night in January. This is a 1.6% drop from the 4,584 individuals recorded in 2025, which had previously seen an 18% increase.
The data also indicated improvements in specific categories of homelessness. The number of individuals experiencing chronic homelessness fell from 1,233 to 1,151, a 6.7% decrease. Chronic homelessness involves individuals facing long-term or repeated homelessness alongside disabling conditions such as physical disability, substance use disorder, or serious mental illness.
Unsheltered homelessness also saw a reduction. The number of people living in places not intended for human habitation, such as vehicles or encampments, fell from 1,046 to 945, a 9.7% decrease. This decline occurred even as Code Blue nights, when emergency shelter capacity expands, dropped by 43% from 120 in 2025 to 68 in 2026.
Governor Cox stated that the reversal is the result of sustained legislative investment and partnerships between state and local governments. During the 2026 session, the Utah Legislature provided a $45 million investment to support pillars including mental health infrastructure, affordable housing, emergency shelter, and accountability for high utilizers in the criminal justice system.
Despite the overall decline, state officials noted that certain areas require continued focus. The number of Utahns aged 65 and older experiencing homelessness increased from 356 to 385 individuals.
State homeless coordinator Tyler Clancy noted that an effective system must provide individualized support to help people exit homelessness. The Utah Office of Homeless Services stated it remains committed to working with local leaders to build a sustainable response system focused on long-term stability.
