(FOX40.COM) — Newly released data from Sacramento Steps Forward shows homelessness continues to rise across Sacramento County.

Results from the 2026 Point-in-Time Count, reveal that an estimated 7,458 people were experiencing homelessness in Sacramento County when the count was conducted.

That marks an increase of about 843 people, or 12.7%, compared to the last count conducted in 2024.

More than 800 volunteers, outreach workers and community partners participated in this year’s count across two nights.

Officials said sheltered homelessness saw the biggest increase, rising 22%, while unsheltered homelessness increased by 6.6%.

“About 69% of the overall increase between 2024 and 2026 occurred among people staying in shelter and transitional housing on the night of the count,” said Trent Simmons, Chief Implementation Officer for Sacramento Steps Forward.

Sacramento Steps Forward also said the county recorded its highest shelter count in history, which leaders say reflects expanded access to indoor shelter and supportive services.

Despite that, officials acknowledged unsheltered homelessness remains heavily concentrated in the city of Sacramento.

“In 2026, 59% of the unsheltered homelessness was counted in the city of Sacramento, 27% in the unincorporated county, and 14% in surrounding cities,” Simmons said.

Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty said reducing the number of people living on the streets remains a major focus for the city.

“We know that there are fewer people living unsheltered living on our streets, which is our North Star,” McCarty said.

“We know that there are fewer people living unsheltered living on our streets,” McCarty said. “Our council wanted to get fewer people off of the streets into more structured places to turn the page, whether that’s a shelter, a tiny home, a motel program.”

Survey responses collected during the count also shed light on what may be contributing to homelessness. Officials said the most common cause reported was job loss or lack of income, followed by conflict with family or friends and eviction.

When asked what Sacramento could do better to help people experiencing homelessness, nearly half of respondents said increasing affordable housing was the top need.

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