The 2025 NSW Street Count Results: People Sleeping Rough

Street counts took place in more than 415 towns and suburbs in 77 LGA’s across NSW.

Street Counts provide a point-in-time measure of the number of people sleeping rough in a particular area and provides the NSW Government with an indication of programs and housing needed in those areas.

The results of the Street Count in February 2025 show mixed results. Byron Shire reported a 16% drop in the number of people sleeping rough, after a spike in numbers last year. The City of Sydney Street Count recorded the highest number of people sleeping rough, with a 24% increase from 2024. The number of people sleeping rough in inner Sydney was 346, compared to 280 people counted 12 months ago, and the number of people sleeping in crisis and temporary accommodation was 380, a slight drop from 392 in 2024.

These results underscore the urgent need for more social housing and more support across NSW.

• Find out more on the Mercy Foundation website here