Patterns of unsheltered homelessness over time: mapping visible urban encampments in Salt Lake City, Utah

Unsheltered homelessness is increasingly common within U.S. urban landscapes. Urban homeless encampments range in size, duration, and distribution, varying due to a complicated patchwork of services, policies, enforcement, and displacement practices. However, there is little empirical inquiry concerning the spatial and temporal patterns of unsheltered homeless encampments. To address this gap, this research examines the distribution and persistence of visible encampments in Salt Lake City, Utah. Weekly in-person observations were conducted across the urban core over an 18-month period, documenting 11,225 visible encampments. Geospatial mapping, ANOVA testing, and negative binomial regression analyses reveal significant spatial and temporal variation in encampment distribution. Visible encampments were largely absent from the downtown central business district but persisted in specific park, infrastructural, open space, and mixed-use locations. Open space areas showed disproportionately high encampment concentrations, while proximity to light rail stations was significantly associated with higher encampment counts. Encampment visibility declined sharply after August 2021, though several northern zones maintained durable concentrations throughout the study period. These findings suggest that locally contingent political and enforcement decisions may shape homeless encampment visibility and persistence more strongly than land use classifications, seasonality, or other environmental factors.