Quantifying the Impact of Evictions and Eviction Filings on Homelessness Rates in the United States

Bibliographic Data

ID21633799
AuthorsDan Treglia (0000-0003-3612-9669, University of Pennsylvania, corresponding author), Thomas Byrne (0000-0002-8809-3664, Boston University), Vijaya Tamla (0000-0002-7368-9123, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee)
Year2026
Volume36
Issue1
Pages37-48
Publication date2026-01-02
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueHousing Policy Debate (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1051-1482 • E-ISSN: 2152-050X
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/10511482.2023.2186749
OpenAlexW4362473357
LanguageEN
Citations received5
References cited21

A causal relationship between eviction rates and homelessness rates has long been hypothesized, but there is little empirical evidence to support its existence. We address this gap by estimating the extent to which rates of eviction filings and eviction judgments are associated with subsequent rates of U.S. homelessness. We align community-level homelessness rates with county-level rates of eviction filings and eviction judgments from 2007 to 2017 and use fixed-effects regression models to assess relationships between eviction filings and eviction judgments and rates of homelessness. We find a positive association between the eviction filing rate and the rate of sheltered homelessness, but do not observe significant associations between eviction judgments and rates of homelessness. Although the community-level relationship between evictions and homelessness is significant, it is more nuanced than previously hypothesized. Findings corroborate the harms of eviction proceedings and suggest a need to intercede before an eviction judgment has been issued

Demographic economics · Economics · Eviction · Political science · Sociology · Criminal Justice and Corrections Analysis · Demography · Food Security and Health in Diverse Populations · Homelessness and Social Issues · Law · Psychology

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