The number of people experiencing homelessness in San Bernardino County has declined for the second consecutive year, according to the results of the 2026 Point-in-Time Count released Wednesday.
The count on Jan. 22 identified 3,718 sheltered and unsheltered individuals, which represents a 3.1% decline from 2025.
Among those counted, 2,448 people were unsheltered and 1,270 were experiencing sheltered homelessness. Unsheltered county residents decreased by 188 individuals, or 7.1%, compared with last year.
The total homeless population declined 10.2% in 2025 after a 1% increase in 2024, a 26% rise in 2023 and 6.6% uptick counted in 2022.
“We’re proud of the progress reflected in our Point-in-Time Count numbers,” county Board of Supervisors Chairman and District 3 Supervisor Dawn Rowe said in a statement. “Even with this decrease, we know there is still significant work ahead, and we remain committed to building on these efforts.”
Officials said the annual Point-in-Time Count provides a snapshot of the county’s homeless population, enabling officials to monitor progress toward reducing homelessness and direct resources to areas with the most significant needs. The count also plays an important role in securing state and federal grant funding to support people at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
County officials attributed the two years of decreases to expanded outreach, increased shelter capacity and spending on permanent supportive housing.
“It’s encouraging to see a decrease in homelessness this year,” Board of Supervisors Vice Chair and 5th District Supervisor Joe Baca Jr. said in a statement. “It shows that expanded outreach, additional resources from the state and federal government, and coordinated strategies with our partners are all helping to move the needle in the right direction.”
Supervisors Paul Cook, Jesse Armendarez and Curt Hagman also issued statements.
“We’re pleased to see a continued decline in the numbers,” Cook said. “Thanks to state and federal funding, more people are being placed into housing, and the overall trend continues to move in the right direction.”
Armendarez added, “The decline in homelessness is a clear sign that our approach is delivering results. We will continue building on what is working, but lasting success will require sustained investment from our state and federal partners.”
According to Hagman, “The Point-in-Time Count shows the progress our community is making and challenges us to continue to build on the framework that helps people find stability. With strong partnerships and the right resources, we’re helping more people find safe, stable housing, and providing effective local programs to reduce homelessness.”
The city of San Bernardino posted a 23.6% decline in overall homelessness, with 1,172 unhoused residents in 2026 and 1,535 counted in 2025.
Despite the reductions, some areas saw increases.
Fontana’s unhoused population increased over 29%, jumping from 364 individuals counted last year to 470 in 2026. Overall homelessness increased in Montclair from 38 to 55 individuals, or nearly 45%.
Adelanto, Apple Valley, Barstow, Big Bear City-Sugarloaf, Colton, Crestline, Grand Terrace, Hesperia, Joshua Tree, Lenwood, Ontario, Skyforest, Twentynine Palms, Upland, Valley of Enchantment, Yucaipa and Yucca Valley also recorded various percentage increases in overall homelessness.
The annual Point-in-Time Count is coordinated by the San Bernardino County Homeless Partnership with support from the county Office of Homeless Services. Participants in this year’s count included members of the Board of Supervisors, Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk Josie Gonzales, county employees, homeless service providers, local stakeholders and area residents.
“I want to thank all of the volunteers who participated in the annual Point-in-Time Count,” OHS Chief Marcus Dillard said in a statement. “Their work made it possible to carry out a coordinated effort across the county, which resulted in more comprehensive data.”
The 2026 count expanded on previous efforts to assess the local homeless population through additional field resources and enhanced coordination, officials said.
“A mobile team was available during the count to respond in real time and connect individuals experiencing homelessness with emergency housing, temporary shelter and supportive services,” according to a county statement.
The county also introduced a StoryMap, an internet-based tool for sharing maps, software applications and multimedia files.
“These changes were intended to strengthen the Point-in-Time Count process by improving coordination in the field, enhancing real-time response capabilities, and providing volunteers with better tools and support before and during the count,” according to the county.
More information about ongoing efforts to address homelessness in the county, is online at sbchp.sbcounty.gov.
The 2026 count’s full report with data on cities is available on the county’s website.
