Contra Costa Homeless Count Shows Small Increase, Still Below 2024 Levels

From Contra Costa Health:

Contra Costa County’s annual survey documenting people experiencing homelessness found a modest increase in 2026 compared to 2025, though the overall count remained lower than 2024 levels, according to data released by Contra Costa Health’s Health, Housing and Homeless Services Division (H3).

H3, with 188 volunteers, conducted the Point-in-Time Count across the county on January 29, documenting at that moment people living outdoors, in vehicles, emergency shelters and transitional housing programs.

The data help determine federal and state funding allocations, inform local planning efforts and help Contra Costa Health (CCH) and community partners better understand trends and service needs.

Findings show that 2,260 people were documented during the 24-hour period, compared to 2,118 people counted in 2025. Of those counted in 2026, 1,312 people were unsheltered and 948 people were staying in shelter beds or transitional housing.

While the 2026 count showed a modest increase from 2025, homelessness in Contra Costa County remained well below 2024 levels, with 583 fewer people experiencing homelessness overall.

The county also continued to see the benefits of expanded shelter and housing resources. Compared to 2025, the number of sheltered individuals increased by 108 people, while temporary and permanent housing bed capacity has grown by 24% over the past two years, including significant expansion in rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing programs.

“This year’s Point-in-Time Count underscores both the scale and complexity of homelessness in Contra Costa,” H3 Director Christy Saxton said. “We continue working closely with community partners to expand housing opportunities, increase access to services, and support people experiencing homelessness throughout the county.”

Regional observational totals showed increases in West County and decreases in Central and East County compared to 2025. Because PIT provides a one-night snapshot, CCH uses the data to evaluate broader trends over time rather than as a measure of year-to-year changes within individual communities.

The count also found that:

54% of respondents were identified as chronically homeless
85% of households reported at least one disabling condition
75% of respondents reported living in Contra Costa County for more than 10 years
Adults ages 25 to 54 represented the largest age group counted

For more information about homeless services and resources in Contra Costa County, visit cchealth.org/h3.