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

Abstract

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.