242 people died while homeless in 2023

An estimated 242 people died while homeless in Scotland in 2023, similar to the number of 244 in 2022, according to new figures from National Records of Scotland.  

The number who died from drug misuse deaths whilst experiencing homelessness increased from 89 to 100. Drug misuse accounted for 41% of all estimated deaths while homeless last year. 

79% of those who died while homeless were male, and 21% were female.

Beth Watson, senior assistant statistician, said: 

“Our estimate shows the number of deaths among people experiencing homelessness in 2023 is similar to the level in 2022. Homeless deaths are at a higher level now compared to the 164 deaths in 2017, when these statistics were first collected.

“Half of homeless deaths in 2023 were people aged under 45, with the most common age group for both female and male deaths being 35 to 44.”

56% of homeless deaths were classed as "external causes" which includes most drug misuse deaths, accidents, suicide, and assault. In comparison, 6% of all deaths in 2023 were due to external causes. 

These figures include people in temporary accommodation such as flats, houses, hotels and B&Bs as well as those who were experiencing street homelessness at the time of their death. 

These figures come from a report classed as Official Statistics in Development because they use a new and evolving methodology which has not yet been assessed against the rigorous quality standards of Accredited Official Statistics. 

Background

The full report and an infographic for Homeless Deaths 2023 is available on our website.

These are official statistics in development. Establishing an accurate number is difficult because not all people who die while experiencing homelessness have their lack of permanent home recorded on their death registration record. The estimated number of deaths is established by examining death registration records to find people who were either in temporary accommodation or were sleeping rough before they died and adding to this a conservative estimated figure based on sampling. The probability is the true figure is higher. The methodology is explained further in the report on our website.

Estimates of homeless deaths in other parts of the UK are not comparable with those for Scotland – this article jointly published by statistics producers across the UK explains why.

Our statistics are produced by professionally independent statistical staff. General information about population statistics can be accessed in the About our Statistics section of the NRS website.