Crowding, a Precursor to Homelessness, on the Rise in NYC

As New York City’s shelter population continues to hover near historic levels, another factor that’s a known predictor of homelessness is also on the rise: Crowding.

City residents are living in increasingly crowded quarters and a combination of factors — from stagnant wages and rising rents to citywide demographic shifts — are likely behind the trend, according to a Comptroller’s Office report that analyzed U.S. Census Bureau data.