"At least 372 Multnomah County residents died while homeless in 2024, according to the county's latest Domicile Unknown report. That's down 18 percent from the 2023 high of 456. Multnomah County releases its Domicile Unknown report in December each year, compiling demographic data and cause of death for the prior year. The county published the latest Domicile Unknown report December 19, detailing statistics for 2024."
"unhoused residents were caused by accidental injury, such as drug overdoses, and those who died did so at an average age far younger than the current US life expectancy of 78. "Each person represented in this report had a meaningful story; their deaths were tragic and most were preventable," the report states. "These community members were people that our outreach teams connected with and clinicians cared for - we were impacted by their lives, and we keep their stories close to our hearts.""
At least 372 Multnomah County residents died while homeless in 2024, down 18 percent from 456 in 2023. County records for 2024 were compiled and published December 19, including demographic data and causes of death. Most deaths among unhoused residents resulted from accidental injury, including drug overdoses. Recorded counts include 321 deaths from the Multnomah County Medical Examiner and 51 from vital records for those who died under medical care. Average age at death was 48, thirty years below U.S. life expectancy, and age-adjusted mortality for unhoused residents was six times higher. Multiple intersecting factors raise risk, including housing shortages, racial injustice, limited social supports, substance use, mental health challenges, trauma, and inadequate access to physical and behavioral healthcare.
Read at Portland Mercury
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