Women and Housing in Australia

The short answer

Women made up 44.1% of the 122,494 people counted as homeless in the 2021 Census, and their numbers grew faster than men’s. Women and girls are also the majority of people who turn to homelessness services, and family and domestic violence is the most common main reason anyone asks those services for help.

This guide sets out the official figures, then the help available: Rent Assistance for people who rent, and a 2% deposit option for single parents buying a home.

Women and homelessness in numbers

The ABS estimates homelessness from the Census. Its count includes people sleeping rough, and also people in crisis accommodation, staying temporarily with other households, living in boarding houses or in severely crowded homes.

Between 2016 and 2021, the number of homeless women rose 10.1% and the number of homeless men rose 1.6%. Women accounted for 81.7% of the 6,067 extra people counted. The homelessness rate for women edged up from 41 to 42 per 10,000, while the rate for men fell from 58 to 55.

Women seeking help

Governments across Australia fund specialist homelessness services to support people who are homeless or at risk of losing their home. In 2024–25, these services supported 288,970 people. 60.1% were women and girls. About 1 in 79 women and girls in Australia got support during the year, compared with 1 in 117 men and boys.

Many came with children. 41% of female clients were single parents when their support began, against 25% of male clients.

Clients could give more than one reason. Accommodation problems include a housing crisis such as an eviction, a home in poor or unsuitable condition, and the end of a previous place to stay.

The AIHW counts the 1.3% of clients recorded with sex as “Other” with females in these totals.

Family violence and housing

Family and domestic violence was the main reason 76,456 clients (27%) sought help in 2024–25, more than any other reason. Housing crisis came next, at 18%.

Services supported 116,538 people who had experienced family and domestic violence, many of them children. Among adults in that group, 87.7% were women.

If you are experiencing violence, 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 offers free support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In an emergency, call 000.

Older women

Homelessness services supported 16,996 women aged 55 and over in 2024–25, more than double the 7,464 in 2011–12. Lower super, time out of paid work and living alone all add to the risk. Our research page on older women and homelessness covers the figures in detail, and Women’s Superannuation in Australia explains the super gap behind them.

Help with rent: Rent Assistance

Rent Assistance is an extra fortnightly payment for people who pay rent and get an eligible payment, such as the Age Pension, JobSeeker Payment, Parenting Payment, or Family Tax Benefit Part A above the base rate. You don’t need to apply. Services Australia pays it automatically with your regular payment once you tell them you rent.

It pays 75 cents for every dollar of rent above a minimum, up to a maximum. Rates change on 20 March and 20 September each year, in line with inflation. These rates apply from 20 September 2026:

For example, a single parent with two children paying $550.00 a fortnight in rent gets about $257.00 a fortnight: 75 cents for each dollar above $207.34. Parents usually get Rent Assistance with Family Tax Benefit Part A.

Buying a home as a single parent

Under the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme, single parents and single legal guardians can buy a home with a deposit of 2%. First home buyers need 5%. The government gives your lender a guarantee, so you avoid lenders mortgage insurance. Since 1 October 2025, the scheme has had no income caps and no waiting list.

To use the single parent option, you need to:

• be an Australian citizen or permanent resident aged 18 or over
• be single and the parent or legal guardian of at least one dependent child. If you are separated but not divorced, the scheme doesn’t treat you as single.
• own no other property once your new home settles
• buy at or below the price cap for your area, and live in the home yourself
• apply on your own through a participating lender, not through Housing Australia.

A 2% deposit means a larger loan and more interest over time. Housing Australia’s information guide for single parents sets out the risks of borrowing with a small deposit, and your lender still applies its normal credit checks.

Where to get help

• Rent Assistance: give Services Australia your rent details when you claim a payment or change address, and they will check whether you qualify.
• Homelessness services: specialist homelessness services can help you keep a tenancy or find somewhere to stay. About half of their clients are still housed when they first ask.
• Family, domestic or sexual violence: call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, or 000 in an emergency.