POVERTY & HOMELESSNESS.
The Quality of Life Area of Poverty and Homelessness is a critical aspect of societal well-being, encompassing economic stability, access to housing, and overall social health. This area matters because it directly impacts individuals' ability to lead healthy, productive lives and affects community stability and growth. High poverty and homelessness rates can lead to increased healthcare costs, reduced educational outcomes, and heightened crime rates, creating a difficult-to-break cycle of disadvantage.
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The data provides a comprehensive view of these issues, highlighting the prevalence of severe housing problems, food insecurity, and the number of individuals and families living below the poverty level. It also sheds light on specific vulnerable groups, such as children and veterans, who are disproportionately affected. By understanding these indicators, policymakers and community organizations can better target interventions to improve living conditions and promote economic and social equity.
The graphics below were frozen at the time of publishing the Consumer Progress Report in November 2024. To learn more about each indicator and view more information with recent updates through 2026, simply click on the charts, map, or graph to be directed to the NevadaTomorrow.org Community Data Portal, where you will see maps, charts, graphs, year-over-year comparisons, and more.​
VIEW OR PRINT THE FULL REPORT
The Truckee Meadows Tomorrow 2024-2026 Community Progress Report published on November 12, 2024! It includes all 10 Quality of Life areas with the most important data points selected by our Data Advisory Group and TMT team. You will find the same indicators and summaries in each online QOL area with links to NevadaTomorrow.org.
Print it out and take it with you for easy reading and reference.
DIGGING INTO THE DATA
The data on NevadaTomorrow.com includes over 40 indicators related to poverty, housing insecurity, food insecurity, and other social determinants of health impacting the quality of life in the region. ​The indicators provide a data-driven understanding of socio-economic and health challenges contributing to poverty and homelessness in Washoe County. They cover economic stability, housing affordability, food security, and health determinants, offering insights into vulnerable groups and economic disparities. The housing indicators assess affordability and stability while measuring access to adequate nutrition.​Many indicators provide data over time, allowing trend analysis to understand whether conditions are improving or worsening, which is crucial for policy evaluation and planning. By identifying areas with the greatest need, these indicators can guide the allocation of resources and the development of programs to address specific issues effectively.
POVERTY LEVELS BY DEMOGRAPHIC GROUPS
Several demographic groups in Washoe County are notably affected by poverty. Young adults ages 18 to 24 remain significantly affected by poverty, with almost one in five individuals living below the poverty level in 2022. Poverty also affected more than one in five Black individuals in 2022. The American Indian/Alaska Native demographic also shows a poverty rate of nearly one in five people.
Percent of Population Living Below Poverty Level
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
Overall, the data shows a positive trend in reducing poverty levels among children, families, and adults with disabilities. However, there is an increase in poverty among seniors, highlighting a potential area of concern that may require targeted interventions.
PEOPLE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS
Over the past decade, homelessness in Washoe County has shown concerning trends. The rate of homeless individuals per 100,000 increased from 267.3 to 332.2, indicating a rise of about 24%. The Point-in-Time count, a critical measure of homelessness, rose by 4% from 2023 to 2024, reflecting a growing issue. Meanwhile, the number of WCSD students experiencing homelessness decreased by 40% since 2020, suggesting progress in addressing youth homelessness. These trends highlight the complex nature of homelessness, driven by factors such as domestic crises, unemployment, and lack of affordable housing.​
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PERCENTAGE OF INCOME SPENT ON HOUSING
The amount of household income spent on housing reveals significant financial burdens. Nearly half of renters spent at least a third of their income on rent in 2022. Almost one out of three homeowners with a mortgage spent at least a third or more of their income on housing, and older adult homeowners show a similar trend, with about a quarter of individuals affected.
Renters
Homeowners with mortgage
Older adult homeowners
Food Insecurity
Food insecurity remains an issue in Washoe County, affecting various demographics, particularly vulnerable populations. As of 2022, the overall food insecurity rate was 12.9%, reflecting a significant increase from 9.7% in previous years. Child food insecurity is particularly concerning, with 16% of children living in food-insecure households, up from 11%. Additionally, 40% of food-insecure children were ineligible for federal assistance in 2022. Seniors also face challenges, with about one-third reporting having to choose between paying for food or transportation and another one in six choosing between food and medical bills.
Children in Transition (CIT) Count
RESOURCES
The City of Reno offers programs, such as the Clean and Safe Program, Reno Works, and the Housing and Neighborhood Development division, to address homelessness and related issues.
The City of Sparks offers rental assistance and housing rehabilitation programs to assist residents with rental needs, prevent evictions, and provide financial aid for essential home repairs.
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Envision Washoe 2040 lays out a comprehensive strategy for development and growth over the next 20 years and prioritizes addressing affordable housing by promoting mixed-use projects and implementing regulations and incentives.
The Reno Housing Authority is a government agency that provides affordable housing assistance to low- and moderate-income families and manages various programs, including public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers.
The Washoe County Regional Homelessness Plan outlines the strategies and goals to build a system that makes homelessness rare, brief, and non-reoccurring by focusing on centralized data sharing, coordinated outreach, faster housing placement, emergency shelter provision, accessible case management, and regional affordable housing initiatives.
The Washoe County Sheriff's Homeless Outreach Proactive Engagement (HOPE) Team works to connect with homeless individuals, offer support services, and address quality of life concerns related to homelessness.