Health Consequences of Eviction Among Unhoused People: A Quasi-Experiment in King County, WA

• In Event: Demography of Housing Inequality and Instability

Abstract

Home eviction poses a significant threat to housing stability, a critical determinant of health. This study examines the relationship between eviction and health and substance use within the unhoused population of King County, Washington. Using a sample of 1,106 individuals experiencing homelessness, we employed a quasi-experimental design to compare the health outcomes of those who have experienced eviction with those who have not. Our findings reveal that eviction is associated with an 8.3 percentage-point increase (SE = 0.039) in the likelihood of reporting poor general health and a 9.5% increase (SE = 0.032) in the likelihood of substance use disorder. No significant effect was found for mental health outcomes. While these results highlight the severe health risks associated with eviction, further research with more precise estimates is necessary to better understand the long-term effects. These findings contribute to the growing evidence of how home eviction undermines the well-being of vulnerable populations.

Authors

• Ihsan Kahveci, University of Oxford

• Tim Thomas, University of California, Berkeley

• Nathalie E. Williams, University of Washington

• Janelle Rothfolk, King County Regional Homelessness Authority

• Cathea Carey, King County Regional Homelessness Authority

• Paul Hebert

• Amy Hagopian, University of Washington

• Zack W. Almquist, University of Washington