New figures from the research center VIVE show that 6,028 people were registered as homeless in Denmark in February 2026, virtually unchanged from 2024.
The count was published this week and shows 39 more registered homeless people than two years earlier, when the figure was 5,989. DR reports that the numbers have stood still despite the homelessness reform adopted in 2023.
Minister for Social Affairs Monika Rubin of the Moderates called the result incredibly disheartening. In a press release from the Ministry of Social Affairs, she said the effects of the reform cannot yet be seen in the figures.
Rubin stated that she still sees unused potential in the homelessness reform. She also said the new dignity reform, aimed at the most vulnerable groups, will make a difference for people living on the street.
The 2023 reform was intended to change how municipalities help people in homelessness. Under the Housing First approach, a permanent home is offered first, followed by the necessary social support.
A count cannot explain the causes
The report comes from VIVE, the Danish Center for Social Science Research. Senior researcher Lars Benjaminsen, who is behind the mapping, said the figures lie at broadly the same level as before.
The mapping counts how many people were in different homelessness situations during a single week, week 6 of this year. According to Benjaminsen, it cannot in itself explain which factors have played a role, or what effect the reform has had.
Homelessness in the count does not only mean sleeping outdoors. A total of 482 people had slept on the street during the count week, while the largest group, 2,910 people, had used a shelter or hostel. Another 1,375 had stayed with family or friends.
Copenhagen up, Aarhus down
The figures show large geographic differences. In Copenhagen, the number of registered homeless people rose from 1,387 in 2024 to 1,572 this year. In Aarhus, the number fell from 556 to 492 over the same period.
VIVE underlines that there is uncertainty in the count. Some homeless people may have no contact with the authorities, while others may be registered more than once.
A further 526 homeless migrants without permanent residence were counted separately. They are not included in the total of 6,028. The mapping is carried out at regular intervals and covers registrations across municipalities and social services.
Housing conditions have been part of the wider debate, including reporting on low vacancy rates in social housing and on homelessness concerns tied to welfare policy.
