SNOHOMISH COUNTY—Snohomish County conducted its annual Point-in-Time (PIT) count on January 22, 2025, documenting 1,140 individuals experiencing homelessness, marking a 1.8% decrease from the previous year—21 fewer people.
“The Point in Time Count is important to help us better understand homelessness in our county and the impact of local programs working to reduce homelessness. While there is still a lot of work to do, it is good news that this year’s count is slightly lower than last year, marking a decrease for the second year in a row,” Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers said. “Our County has strong partnerships with organizations that work to connect people with shelter or housing and to keep them housed. Federal funding is at risk for this crucial work, and I will continue to fight to preserve our homeless housing system while working alongside our community partners to plan for the future.”
The annual PIT count is a survey aimed at capturing a snapshot of homelessness on a single night. The effort involved 340 volunteers, staff from partnering agencies, law enforcement social workers, first responders, outreach workers, social service agencies, and Human Services Department employees. The PIT count included individuals in emergency shelters, transitional housing, and those living without shelter, supplemented by data from the Coordinated Entry System to ensure comprehensive coverage.
The 2025 count recorded 1,140 individuals across 890 households in Snohomish County shelters, reflecting a 1.8% decrease (21 fewer people) compared to 2024. Of these, 604 individuals were sheltered in emergency shelters or transitional housing, an 11% increase from 2024, while 536 were unsheltered, a 14% decrease. The sheltered count rose partly due to the operation of Cold Weather Shelters, which opened in 2025 amid freezing temperatures, unlike in 2024 when warmer weather kept them closed.
Among unsheltered households, 436 consisted solely of adults, 18 included adults and children under 18, and no child-only households were reported, down from one in 2024. Sheltered child-only households decreased from 19 to 17.
Demographic shifts showed an increase in the proportion of individuals identifying as Asian or Asian American, Hispanic/Latin, Middle Eastern or North African, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and Multi-racial, while those identifying as American Indian, Alaska Native or Indigenous, Black or African American, and White decreased.
Age demographics shifted, with the 25-34 and 45-54 age groups decreasing by an average of 13%, while other age groups rose by an average of 10%. Women made up 40.5% of the total (up from 2024), men 58.3% (down from 2024), with transgender and multi-gender individuals each at 0.4%, non-binary at 0.3%, and those questioning their gender at 0.2%.
Data for Impact
While an imperfect measure, the PIT count is required by the state and federal governments and is one of the tools used to inform priorities for federal, state, and local funding. It also helps identify trends and craft solutions for the needs of vulnerable individual and families.
The analysis and overall trend data are utilized by the Snohomish County Partnership to End Homelessness as one of the many tools to track progress toward goals to prevent, reduce, and end homelessness. A detailed infographic is on this year’s count and additional historical Snohomish County PIT information can be explored at: https://snohomishcountywa.gov/2857/Point-In-Time
Author: Mario Lotmore
