he Cordoba City CouncilCo-habita, in collaboration with the various entities that make up the Co-habita network, has released data on the city’s homeless population. They conducted a study conducted by Carmen Cruz, the project coordinator Homelessness classroom to … University of Cordoba where the growth of the homeless has been confirmed over the years.
Data that was Collected from November 4 to 6extracted from a more comprehensive study that needs in-depth analysis. On Wednesday, they presented the preliminary results of a specific census carried out in a limited period of time. “It is a very useful tool for quantifying the phenomenon, identifying trends and guiding decisions, but it does not replace a full diagnosis that allows us to delve deeper into the causes,” Cruz noted.
Divide the study into Four main categories: People who sleep on the street; Those spending the night in emergency overnight accommodation such as a cold snap; those in foster care; and those living in substandard housing. In addition, data were collected from people living in substandard housing such as storage rooms or garages. The count was conducted from 8:00 a.m. on November 4 to 8:00 a.m. on November 6.
Key findings are identified 447 homeless people In Cordoba, this is the highest number recorded in the past decade. The jump compared to the last census is significant: compared to the 371 people counted in 2024, the increase is 76 people, representing just over 20%. Compared to 2015, when 245 were registered, The increase amounts to more than 200 peopleThat is about 82%. Hence, this development reflects a clearly sustainable and upward trend.
Regarding the distribution by classification, from 447 homeless people197 are homeless or using overnight emergency devices. It represents 44% of the total number. There are 197 compared to 173 the previous year, suggesting that the more visible and extreme core of homelessness remains present and coherent.
On the other hand, cases classified as “homeless,” shelter homes and supportive accommodation are grouped together In total 161 people36% of the total. “These resources perform an essential function of social support, but they are not stable solutions, they are also temporary solutions. The continuing volume of these people reflects the constant pressure on the resource network,” Professor Cruz says.
Finally, 89 people live in an unsafe or inadequate housing situation. They are 20% of the total. “There are a lot because we only served those who come to the Co-habita network. It is this group that is growing larger and is a clear sign of widening housing instability.
Regarding other characteristics of people experiencing homelessness, the study confirms that the majority are male. 82.6% menCompared to 17.2% of women. In terms of age, the presence of young people stands out greatly. One in four people is under thirty years old. Although the largest group is still between the ages of 45 and 65, which represents 42.1% of the total.
Educational level was also analysed. 73.8% (three out of four people) Did not pass the mandatory studies. Regarding nationality and residency dynamics, for the first time since the census was conducted in Cordoba, foreigners slightly outnumber Spaniards. There are 53.2% foreigners compared to 46.8% of people born in Spain.
30 different nationalities
81% of displaced foreigners have been in Cordoba for more than a year. In addition, 55% of people surveyed are registered in Cordoba. Among the total population, Moroccan nationality represents 25.3% of the population. One in four people holds Moroccan citizenship. It was also confirmed that there were more than thirty different nationalities.
On the other hand, Nearly 60% of people accumulate it over a year In this case, 19% exceeded five years. Among the reasons that led to their arrival in this situation, the loss of a job or income stands out in 35%, and family conflicts or separations in 25%.
Regarding the use of basic resources and services such as the day centre, showers and laundry They have 57.5% usageAnd soup kitchens, 47%, are the most used, and the least used is the Housing Office’s service for requests for rental assistance or public housing, at 1.3% of the total.
“The 2025 census shows that homelessness in Cordoba is a problem structural phenomenon, It is complex and multidimensional and is linked to patterns of residential instability, social inequality, and lack of access to affordable housing. Carmen Cruz said these trends are consistent with what has been observed at the national level.
“The cooperation between the Cordoba City Council, the Co-habita network and the University of Cordoba allows us to obtain solid data on which we can base public policies.” Evidence-based He added: “It opens the door to strengthening prevention, intervention and support strategies that guarantee adequate and stable housing alternatives.”