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Unhoused and Mismeasured: The Accuracy of Surveys of Those Experiencing Homelessness

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  • Bruce D. Meyer
  • Angela Wyse
  • Gillian Meyer
  • Alexa Grunwaldt
  • Derek Wu

Abstract

We examine the accuracy of self-reported information from homeless shelter residents in the American Community Survey by comparing survey responses to administrative records. While basic demographic information (age, gender, and citizenship) is reported with reasonable accuracy, we find substantial misreporting of economic outcomes, with error rates that tend to be moderately higher than those of housed populations. Notably, homeless respondents have high false negative rates for formal employment and SNAP receipt, leading to significant underreporting of these important sources of income. These findings suggest that survey-based research on homelessness may reliably capture demographics but substantially misrepresent economic outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Bruce D. Meyer & Angela Wyse & Gillian Meyer & Alexa Grunwaldt & Derek Wu, 2025. "Unhoused and Mismeasured: The Accuracy of Surveys of Those Experiencing Homelessness," AEA Papers and Proceedings, American Economic Association, vol. 115, pages 90-95, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:apandp:v:115:y:2025:p:90-95
    DOI: 10.1257/pandp.20251005
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C83 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - Survey Methods; Sampling Methods
    • H75 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - State and Local Government: Health, Education, and Welfare
    • I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • R38 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Real Estate Markets, Spatial Production Analysis, and Firm Location - - - Government Policy

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