Homeless population rises by 37% in Kern County: 2024 PIT count

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The latest data from the 2024 Point-in-Time count report reveal Kern’s unhoused population has increased by more than a third compared to the previous year.

According to Bakersfield-Kern Regional Homeless Collaborative (BKRHC) report, 421 volunteers participated in the PIT Count which was made up of two parts: the sheltered and unsheltered count.

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In total, 2,669 individuals are experiencing homelessness in Kern County. Of the total, 1,663, or 63%, people were found to be unsheltered.

Volunteers surveyed different areas of Kern County to interview homeless individuals. Two extra days were needed to get an accurate overall count and to finish additional counts of rural Kern and the Kern Riverbed areas.

Of the total homeless population, 1,006 people or 38% utilized shelters. The sheltered count took place in a single night where volunteers visited all emergency shelters, navigation centers and transitional housing.

This year’s count revealed a 37% increase from the 2023 count. Most of the unhoused population were located in the Bakersfield metro area, including unincorporated areas of East Bakersfield, Oildale and Rosedale.

For the second year in a row, the PIT Count received a high volunteer turnout. The purpose of the count is to guarantee Kern receives its fair share of funds to continue supporting homelessness programing and services.

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