Houston Population
Research Center

The Houston Population Research Center collects and disseminates data to understand social and demographic change in Houston, Texas — the nation’s fourth-largest city and one of its most diverse.

The center provides analytic and methodological support to the Kinder Institute's other research activities to identify solutions to the city’s most pressing problems around housing, health, education, and economic mobility.

Additionally, the population center facilitates the collection and sharing of data to support other research efforts at Rice University focused on socioeconomic disparities and population change.

Initiatives

Kinder Houston Area Survey

Greater Houston Community Panel

Election 2023 Survey

Population Health

Coffee & Quality

Research

Voting Intention and Election Concerns in Advance of the 2024 U.S. General Election

This study explores people’s intention to vote in the 2024 U.S. general election.

BRIEF: October 21, 2024 ELECTIONS

Mental Health and Well-Being of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Residents in the Houston Area

This series of briefs provides a demographic snapshot of lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals in the Houston area and looks at how the Covid-19 pandemic impacted their mental health and well-being. The series also explores mental health care service use and barriers to utilization.

BRIEF: October 10, 2024 HEALTH

Houston and Harris County Residents’ Experiences With Perceived Crimes and Incidents Motivated by Bias and Prejudice

This study aims to understand area residents’ experiences of incidents and crimes they believe to be motivated by bias or prejudice.

BRIEF: October 2, 2024

Housing Repair Needs Reported by Residents of Houston and Harris County

The Kinder Institute surveyed Houston and Harris County residents in targeted neighborhoods about the condition of their homes and neighborhoods.

BRIEF: September 9, 2024 HOUSING

Kinder Houston Area Survey: 2024 Results

The 43rd annual Kinder Houston Area Survey provides an unparalleled look at current conditions in the region as well as the “Houston of Tomorrow.”

REPORT: May 20, 2024 EDUCATION, HOUSING, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Coffee & Quality Case Study #1: Angel Reach

This first Coffee & Quality Case Study focuses on Angel Reach, a nonprofit working with young people aging out of the foster care system and/or at risk of homelessness. The study seeks to understand the predictors and prerequisites of clients successfully completing Angel Reach's programming.

BRIEF: May 14, 2024

Election 2023: Overview of Residents’ Policy Preferences

This study surveyed Houston residents about their views on a variety of policy and budgetary solutions related to crime, infrastructure and housing challenges.

BRIEF: October 23, 2023 ELECTIONS

Election 2023: Priorities and Concerns of Houston Residents

This report identifies the city's current challenges and opportunities and what issues residents would like to see the next mayor address.

REPORT: September 5, 2023 ELECTIONS, GOVERNANCE

Kinder Houston Area Survey: 2023 Results

The 42nd Kinder Houston Area Survey provides a glimpse into how Houstonians are thinking about the economy, affordable housing, inequality, and other critical challenges and issues facing their communities.

REPORT: May 15, 2023 DEMOGRAPHICS, HOUSING, PLACEMAKING

Kinder Houston Area Survey: 2022 Results

The 41st Kinder Houston Area Survey shares Houstonians’ views on the economy, crime, the pandemic and other issues related to the city’s demographic transformations.