Homeless Deaths in Scotland in 2024
An estimated 231 people died while experiencing homelessness in Scotland in 2024, according to new data released by the National Records of Scotland (NRS).
The figures indicate a slight decrease compared to the previous year’s total; however, the change is "not statistically significant," the NRS stated. The number of homeless deaths has been declining annually since 2020, yet the latest estimate remains 41% higher than the figures recorded when data collection began in 2017.
The NRS reported that the majority of these deaths were caused by external factors, including drug misuse, accidents, suicide, and assaults.
Regional Variations and Demographics
In 2024, there were an estimated 55 homeless deaths per million people aged 15 to 74 across Scotland. However, the rate of deaths varied considerably by region. The City of Edinburgh recorded the highest rate, with 95.4 deaths per million people, followed by Glasgow City with 85.4 deaths per million. Conversely, Orkney Islands, Moray, and East Renfrewshire reported no identified homeless deaths during the same period.
Further analysis of the data reveals that more than three-quarters (78%) of the deaths involved men, while 22% involved women. Approximately half of those who died were under the age of 45. The most common age group for both men and women was between 35 and 44 years old.
Causes of Death and Methodology
The leading cause of death among the homeless population in 2024 was external causes, encompassing most drug misuse deaths, accidents, suicides, and assaults. These external causes accounted for 47% of homeless deaths.
The NRS emphasized that its methodology yields conservative estimates, suggesting the actual number of homeless deaths could be higher than reported.
"We estimate 231 people died while they were in temporary accommodation or sleeping rough in 2024.
This is similar to the estimate of 242 for the year before and not a statistically significant fall. It's also about 40% higher than 2017, when these figures were first calculated.
Deaths of people going through homelessness occur at younger ages than those in the population generally.
They are also more likely to be from external causes which includes drug related deaths, accidents, suicide and assaults."
Phillipa Haxton, head of vital events statistics at NRS, explained that external causes account for about 10% of deaths among people aged 15 to 74 in the general population, but approximately half of deaths among those experiencing homelessness.
The NRS also noted that homeless death statistics from other parts of the UK are not directly comparable with those from Scotland due to differences in data collection and definitions.
Calls for Political Action
Maeve McGoldrick, head of policy and communications at Crisis Scotland, urged all political parties to commit to ending homelessness by 2040 in their manifestos ahead of the Holyrood elections in May.
"This means building more truly affordable homes in the places that need them the most, giving wraparound help to people much earlier on, ideally before they become homeless, and being more strategic and impactful with how money is spent – making sure that it reduces homelessness across Scotland.
These deaths are not inevitable. We know how to end homelessness for good – we just need the political will to make this happen."
Government Response
Housing Secretary Mairi McAllan stated that the government plans to introduce "gold-standard homelessness prevention measures, to ensure people get help before they reach crisis point."
"A safe, warm and affordable home is key to a life of health and dignity.
In the 2026-27 Budget, we have committed a record investment of £4.9bn over the next four years, which will deliver 36,000 homes."
