Long Beach Homeless Population Rises 6.5% Amid LA Fires Impact

Long Beach's homeless population increased by 6.5% in 2025, rising to 3,595 people despite the city's investment of over $135 million since 2020 to combat homelessness. The increase is largely attributed to displacement from the Los Angeles wildfires in January, with 167 people, or roughly 5% of the total count, reporting fire-related homelessness. Excluding those displaced by the fires, the city's homeless population still rose by about 1.5%. While the number of unsheltered individuals decreased slightly, the sheltered homeless population grew by 7%, and significant portions of the homeless community live in cars or RVs. City officials, including Mayor Rex Richardson, noted that some displaced individuals may have since found housing, and the count reflects conditions at a specific point in time during ongoing crises. The data highlights ongoing challenges such as high rents, mental health issues, and addiction, underscoring that homelessness remains a complex issue despite increased housing placements and funding.