Overview
- Los Angeles County recorded 2,208 deaths among people experiencing homelessness in 2024, down 300 from 2023 as the mortality rate fell 10%.
- Drug overdose remained the leading cause at about 40% of deaths, but the overdose death rate declined 21% as officials expanded naloxone distribution and harm-reduction efforts.
- Fentanyl was involved in a smaller share of overdoses (59% vs. 70% in 2023) while methamphetamine-only overdose deaths increased to 27%.
- Other leading causes in 2024 were heart disease (14%), traffic-related injuries (11%) with a higher fatality rate for unhoused pedestrians and cyclists, homicide (5%) and suicide (4%).
- Severe disparities persist with more than six deaths daily and an overdose death risk 46 times the general population, and county leaders cite local $200 million cuts, proposed state reductions and federal policy shifts as threats to continued gains.