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).
Most people would consider an ‘older’ Australian to be someone in their late 60s, consistent with the current Age Pension eligibility age of 67 years. However, in the context of homelessness and housing, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) typically defines ‘older’ people as those aged 55 years and over.
This is done to reflect the unfortunate fact that the hardships associated with homelessness or insecure housing can essentially age a person — leading to an earlier onset of health problems usually associated with older people.
How many older people are experiencing homelessness?
In 2021, one in seven people experiencing homelessness (almost 16%) were aged 55 years and over. Of older females aged 55 and over who are experiencing homelessness: aged 55 years and over. Of older females aged 55 and over who are experiencing homelessness:
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26.7% are staying temporarily with other households
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30.5% are living in ‘severely’ crowded dwellings
Men were more likely than women to be living in improvised dwellings, tents, or sleeping out — 12.4% compared to 8.3%. However, most males 55 and over experiencing homelessness were living in boarding houses (37.1%).
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 in later life can contribute to an experience of homelessness among older Australians. These may include a divorce, job loss, the death of a partner, or health issues — any of which can deplete savings or create severe housing stress for people relying on the age pension.
The AIHW also highlights that older women are particularly 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 caregiving responsibilities. When a major setback or crisis occurs, such as family or domestic violence, the risk of homelessness can be significantly greater for women.
Statistics about people over 55 at risk of or experiencing homelessness
In 2025, The Salvation Army's homelessness services assisted nearly 35,000 people. More than one in 10 (11%) were aged 55 years and over.
The national and state and territory governments provide support and initiatives for older Australians experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. The Salvation Army, as one of the largest providers of Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS) is dedicated to providing person-centred and tailored care for older Australians experiencing homelessness.
The following statistics from the AIHW show the numbers of older people seeking support in 2024–25:
- 11% of all people seeking SHS were 55 years and older
- Since July 2011, the average number of older clients seeking support from SHS has increased by an average rate of 6.3% per year
- Women have been particularly affected — 54% of clients aged 55 and over seeking support were female
Source: AIHW, Specialist Homelessness Services Annual Report 2024–25
The top three main reasons older people experiencing homelessness sought assistance from SHS agencies in 2024–25 were:
- Housing crisis – 24%
- Inadequate or inappropriate dwelling conditions – 24%
- Housing affordability stress – 12%
The services most commonly requested by older people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness were:
- Long-term housing — 43%
- Assistance in maintaining tenancy — 34%
- Material aid — 33%
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 2026 Rental Affordability Snapshot surveyed 48,776 rental property listings across Australia on 14–15 March 2026.
Housing is generally classed as unaffordable if the rent costs a low-income household more than 30% of its gross income. A household in that situation is also said to be experiencing ‘household stress’.
The snapshot statistics show how challenging it is for older people to find affordable rental housing. They revealed that only 0.7% of rental listings were classed as ‘affordable’ for a couple on the Age Pension with no children. This dropped to 0.2% 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 during 2025. The research has been released in a report called The Red Shield Report 2026: Falling Short and provides a glimpse into the hardships faced by some of Australia’s most marginalised people.
Among respondents aged 55 years and over:
- 51% reported being unable to pay the rent or mortgage on time in the past 12 months due to a shortage of money
- 10% said they couch surfed or lived in their car in the past 12 months
- For those in stable housing (including private renters, mortgage holders, people in social housing, and those paying board):
- 15% were behind in their rent, mortgage or board
- 40% said housing costs are their biggest money worry
- 20% said they are worried about losing their home and becoming homeless
- 14% said they are living in a smaller place than they need because it is all they can afford
- 35% said they cannot move homes even if they wanted to
- 73% were in housing stress, spending more than 30% of their household’s income on housing, while 43% were in extreme housing stress, spending more than 50% of their household’s income on housing
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 are associated with a range of physical and mental health conditions — and these conditions can make it more challenging to find and maintain suitable housing.
“We rent privately and all we can do is pay the rent to have somewhere to sleep. We don’t have any money to eat, pay bills, or pay for petrol.”
— 74-year-old woman from Victoria
“I had to move out of my rental accommodation two weeks ago, as my daughter moved out to live with her boyfriend and I couldn’t afford it on my own. I couldn’t get a rental by myself, so I am staying with my mother for now. I have just used all my superannuation to buy a campervan so that I will have a roof over my head.”
— 58-year-old woman from Queensland
Are you falling short when it comes to your housing? Find help now.
Thankfully, there is always hope, and the Salvos are here to help older people who are at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness. Homelessness affects people of all ages and demographics, and no one should be struggling alone.
Our homelessness services provide wraparound support to individuals and families, addressing challenges such as cost-of-living pressures, housing crises, family and domestic violence, and substance use. We have a strong focus on helping people find or maintain suitable housing and, through our casework model, guide them through their challenges and towards their goals.