How many beggars in America?

Estimating the number of beggars in America is challenging due to the transient nature of homelessness and panhandling. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), in 2020, there were approximately 580,000 homeless individuals on a single night in January, but this figure includes those in shelters and not just those begging on the streets. Additionally, various studies and local surveys suggest that the number of people engaging in panhandling can vary widely by city and season. Overall, the exact number of beggars is difficult to determine and likely fluctuates frequently.