(Center Square) – Maricopa County’s homeless population continues to grow, but the number of people without shelter is declining, according to new point-in-time counts.

The Maricopa County Government Association determined there was a 7% increase in homelessness as of January last year. This makes him face 9,642 homeless people across the county.

49% are considered protected and 51% are considered unprotected. Of those sheltered, 77% are in emergency shelters, 22% are in ‘temporary housing’ and only 1% are in the Safe Haven program.

Despite the increase in overall population estimates, there have been some positive developments, including an 18% increase in protected numbers and a 2% decrease in unprotected numbers.

Phoenix has the highest number of unprotected people, at 3,333. Tempe was second with 406 and Mesa was third with 366.

The number of homeless veterans has increased 20% since last year, and the number of “chronically homeless” has increased 103% since 2017. Two-thirds are male, mostly Caucasian, and range in age from he’s 25 to he’s 44.

The data came when the city of Phoenix was recently ordered to clear out a large homeless encampment in downtown Phoenix known as “The Zone” in March. “The Zone” is just blocks from the Arizona State Capitol and is home to hundreds of people, including families. AxiosThe outlet reported that the city has until July 10th to act.