Older Australians experiencing homelessness statistics
Australia’s aging population
On Census night 2021, 21.5 per cent of the Australian population was aged 55–74 (nicknamed the ‘Baby Boomer’ generation) and 7.5 per cent was 75 years and over (nicknamed the ‘Interwar’ generation).
In general, an older Australian refers to someone aged 65 and over, in line with eligibility for the age pension (roughly 65–67 years). However, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) both consider anyone aged over 55 as an ‘older Australian’.
This is because the disadvantages and impacts associated with homelessness or insecure housing can cause poor physical and/or mental health conditions in people aged 55+ that would usually be associated with older age (65+).
How many older people are experiencing homelessness?
One in seven people (16%) experiencing homelessness is aged 55 years and over (Source: ABS Census, 2021). Of older females aged 55 and over who are experiencing homelessness:
- 27 per cent are staying temporarily with other households
- 31 per cent are living in ‘severely’ crowded dwellings
Men are more likely to be living in improvised dwellings, tents or sleeping out than women: 12 per cent compared to eight per cent. However, most males 55 and over who are experiencing homelessness are living in boarding houses (37%).
Why do older Australians experience homelessness?
For some older Australians, homelessness has been an ongoing feature of their lives. That is, they may have experienced episodes of homelessness in the past and are once again in that situation. However, for many others, homelessness, or the risk of homelessness, is a new situation.
According to AIHW research, major setbacks late in life can contribute to an experience of homelessness for older people. This may include the breakdown of a marriage, job loss, death of a partner or development of an illness — any of which could deplete savings or cause severe housing stress to someone surviving on an age pension.
The AIHW also identifies that older women are particularly prone to becoming at risk of homelessness. One contributing factor is a lifetime of lower earnings than men. In general, women are more likely to have taken time out of the workforce or worked on a part-time basis due to family caregiving roles. When a major setback or crisis occurs, such as a family and domestic violence incident, the path towards homelessness can be significantly more detrimental for women.
Statistics about people over 55 at risk of or experiencing homelessness
In 2024, The Salvation Army’s homelessness services assisted nearly 40,000 people. One in 10 (11%) were aged 55+.
The state and territory governments have prioritised support and intervention initiatives for older Australians who are experiencing homelessness. The Salvation Army, as one of the largest providers of Specialist Homelessness Services, aligns with this. This strategic action stems from the growing numbers of older people being at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness.
The top three main reasons older clients sought assistance from Specialist Homelessness Services agencies in 2023–24 were:
- Housing crisis – 22 per cent
- Financial difficulties – 15 per cent
- Inadequate or inappropriate dwelling conditions – 15 per cent
The services were able to support older people’s needs, with requests including:
- Short-term or emergency accommodation — 29 per cent
- Family and domestic violence assistance — 12 per cent
- Material aid — 33 per cent
- Long-term housing — 41 per cent
The top three main reasons older clients sought assistance from Specialist Homelessness Services agencies in 2021-22 were:
- Housing crisis – 22 per cent
- Financial difficulties – 16 per cent
- Family and domestic violence – 14 per cent
The services were able to support older people’s needs, with requests including:
- Short-term or emergency accommodation — 27 per cent
- Family/domestic violence assistance — 14 per cent
- Material aid — 32 per cent
- Long-term housing — 39 per cent
Challenges for older people experiencing housing stress
Housing affordability and housing stress are contributing factors to older people becoming at risk of homelessness.
Anglicare’s Rental Affordability Snapshot 2024 surveyed 45,115 rental property listings across Australia on 16–17 March 2024. An affordable home is classed as one where rent is no more than 30 per cent of a household budget. When an individual or family is spending more than 30 per cent of their income on rent or a mortgage repayment, they are classed as being in housing stress.
The snapshot statistics show how challenging it is for older people to find an affordable place to live if they are seeking a home to rent. They revealed that for a couple on the age pension (no children), one per cent of rental listings were classed as affordable. This dropped to 0.2 per cent for a single person on the age pension.
Older people at risk of or experiencing homelessness — Salvation Army statistics
The Salvation Army conducted a study of people who sought assistance from a Salvation Army Emergency Relief centre over a 12-month period. The research has been released in a report called The Red Shield Report 2025: Struggling to survive.
Among respondents aged 55 years and over:
- 67 per cent were experiencing housing stress
- 11 per cent were behind on their rent, mortgage or board payments, and almost half (49%) of those in arrears were behind more than four weeks
- 89 per cent found it difficult affording essential living costs, such as housing, groceries, medical care or utilities in past 12 months
Unfortunately, housing stress or the inability to make mortgage repayments are not the only pressures that can place someone at risk of homelessness. Unsuitable living arrangements can cause physical health problems or mental health problems — including anxiety, depression and loneliness — and this makes finding and maintaining safe and suitable housing challenging.
“It has been extremely stressful, as well as making my health worse. Our landlord increased our rent $200 a week so we had to leave. We have been trying for three months to secure a new rental, so far without success. I am 75 and terrified I will have to sleep in my car on the beach. We are homeless except for staying at a friend’s house while she is away for three weeks.”
— 75-year-old female respondent to The Salvation Army research study
“Struggling with the cost of living is severely impacting my mental health. I am constantly worrying how I can obtain food security and how I can access affordable housing. I get very scared of becoming homeless and not providing a home and food and security for myself and my daughter … I am trying everything to rise up, but I just can't. My life is very demoralising.”
— 59-year-old female respondent to The Salvation Army research study
Thankfully, there is always hope and the Salvos are here to help older people who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness. We see homelessness affecting people of all ages and demographics — and do not want to see anyone struggling alone.
Our homelessness services provide wraparound support to individuals and families — addressing cost-of-living issues, housing crises, family and domestic violence situations and substance use. We have a strong focus on helping people maintain or find suitable housing and, through our casework model, guide people through their challenges and towards their goals.