Does Iceland have a homeless population?
Isabella Turner
Updated on February 22, 2026
Despite having one of the world's most generous welfare systems, Iceland is reportedly struggling with a growing homelessness problem. According to one study, the number of homeless people living in Reykjavik—Iceland's capital—nearly doubled between 2012 and 2017 from 179 to 349, or about three out of every thousand.
What is Iceland's homeless population?
It is estimated that there are between 40 and 50 “literally homeless” (people living on the street) in Iceland, with somewhere between 80 and 100 people in some form of near homelessness.Which country has the lowest homeless rate?
However, what is certain is that Japan is the only country in the world with a homeless population rate of around 0%. At least that is what the 2020 statistical data indicate, which show an amazing drop that began in the preceding years.Does Norway have a homeless problem?
Norway has one of the smallest homeless populations in the world, with only 0.07% of the total population being homeless as of 2016. This proportion is less than half of that found in the United States where 0.17% of the population is homeless.Why does Japan have no homeless?
Worldwide, homelessness results from many factors, including drug addiction, mental health, housing options, education and government decisions. Japan's strict drug laws, mental health systems and housing options contribute to the countries low homeless population.Iceland Has No Money and the Homeless Live on Mountain Tops
Is there a country with no homeless?
Singapore. Singapore has “virtually no homelessness,” according to the Solutions Journal.Where is the best place to be homeless?
Here are the best cities for homeless people in the US:
- Houston, Texas. In less than 10 years, Houston has successfully reduced its homeless population by 55%. ...
- Austin, Texas. ...
- Salt Lake City, Utah. ...
- Berkeley, California. ...
- San Diego, California. ...
- New Orleans, Louisiana.