PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Authority is reporting a significant decline in the number of individuals experiencing homelessness across the state, with the latest data showing the lowest number of homeless veterans in nearly two decades.

The South Dakota Housing for the Homeless Consortium, an affiliate of South Dakota Housing, released results from the annual Point-in-Time count conducted on Jan. 27. The statewide survey identified 1,154 people as experiencing homelessness, a figure lower than both 2024 and 2025.

In Rapid City and across the state, the count includes individuals residing in public or private shelters, transitional housing, or motels paid for by agencies. It also accounts for the unsheltered population living in vehicles, on the streets, or in locations not intended for human habitation.

A significant highlight of the report was the identification of only 26 homeless veterans. This represents the lowest total since the standardization of these counts began in 2009.

Data from the count showed that 675 men and boys were identified, compared to 479 women and girls. This 58% to 42% ratio has remained consistent over the last five years. The report also indicated that 22% of all respondents were unsheltered, down from 25% the previous year.

While the data shows a downward trend, officials noted that certain areas remain difficult to track. Outside of larger hubs like Rapid City and Sioux Falls, the data may not fully represent the scope of homelessness. Rural regions of South Dakota are frequently undercounted due to a lack of service providers and partners available to conduct the surveys.

Youth homelessness also saw a decline. Those between the ages of 18 and 24 made up 8.6% of the respondents, down from 11% in 2024. Among the unsheltered population, youth accounted for only 5.4%.

“The 2026 count indicates South Dakotans experience homelessness at a rate below the national norm, however program gaps in the most rural areas of the state make full accounting challenging,” the Consortium stated in the report.

Domestic violence shelters and victim service providers also reported a change in numbers. This year, 20 providers counted 210 clients in shelters, compared to 25 providers who reported 254 people in 2025.

The annual data is used to measure homelessness trends at local, state, and national levels to help determine resource allocation for those in need.