The Scope

Transitional Living Center in Midland, TX

The Scope of Youth Homelessness

Every year, an estimated 4.2 million youth and young adults experience homelessness in the United States, including 700,000 unaccompanied minors—young people without a parent or guardian. This means that annually, approximately one in 10 adults ages 18-25 and one in 30 youth ages 13-17 will face homelessness.Locally, the 2024 Midland Homeless Coalition report highlights an alarming rise in homelessness. The annual Point-in-Time Count showed an 81% increase in unsheltered homelessness from 2023, while the number of individuals in shelter programs rose by  17.3%. Children and youth make up 29% of the total homeless population, underscoring the urgent need for resources and support for young people facing homelessness in our community.
The Scope

The Scope of Youth Disconnection in America

  • Disconnected youth are young people between the ages of 16 and 24 who are not in school and not working.
  • Disconnected Youth rates
    • National: 10.9%
    • Texas: 485,600 or 12.5%
    • Ector County: 3,300 or 15.6%
    • Midland County: 2,400 or 12.1%
    • Rural counties have a youth disconnection rate of 17.3%, on average, compared to 11.2% in urban centers and 9.9% in suburbs. (2021)
  • Research shows that being disconnected as a young person has long-term consequences; it’s associated with lower earnings, less education, worse health, and even less happiness in later adulthood.

Source: Measure of America 
2022 Data

  • Ector County 
    • At Risk: 21,190
    • Economically Disadvantaged: 24,213
    • Homeless: 1,460
  • Midland County
    • At Risk: 16,599
    • Economically Disadvantaged: 18,102
    • Homeless: 397
2023-2024 School Year Data 

Source: Measure of America 2022

The Scope