Today, the San Diego Regional Task Force on Homelessness released the results of January’s Annual Point-in-Time Count, a national effort to collect data on homelessness on the same day over a four-hour period.

The latest numbers show progress in reducing the number of people living in vehicles in Carlsbad. This year, 36 people were counted living in vehicles in Carlsbad. This marks a decrease of 25 people compared to 61 counted last year. In 2025, the city updated its unlawful camping ordinance and launched a grant-funded outreach program in the Village, Barrio and beach areas focused on people living in vehicles.

Over the past three years, the Point-in-Time Count numbers have shown an average of 108 unsheltered people experiencing homelessness in Carlsbad. This year that number was 110, compared to 101 in 2025 and 112 in 2024.

Here is some of the other data from this year’s Point-in-Time Count:

• The number of sheltered individuals in Carlsbad increased to 61, up from 42 in 2025, reflecting continued progress in connecting people experiencing homelessness with shelter and pathways to permanent housing.
• The results show homelessness in the North Coastal Region has increased 8% compared to the 2025 count.
• Carlsbad makes up approximately 3.5% of the county’s population, but has less than 2.2% of the county’s unsheltered population.

Because the Point-in-Time Count results are just a snapshot and can vary widely, the city uses a variety of data points tracked year-round to broadly assess the city’s efforts.

The city’s latest progress report for July 2024 through June 2025 shows our year-round efforts to reduce homelessness are continuing to make a difference.

• From July 2024 through June 2025, 148 people were placed into permanent housing, a 66% increase over the previous year.
• Another 122 people were helped from becoming homeless, and police calls for service related to homelessness decreased by 44%.

The next report is scheduled for presentation to the City Council in June.

This video provides a behind-the-scenes look at the Point-in-Time Count taking place in Carlsbad this year.


More information
2026 Point-in-Time Count data
Carlsbad’s homeless response efforts