In November and December 2024, members of the Greater Houston Community Panel were asked how difficult it was in the past 12 months to afford housing costs, and if certain factors contributed to the difficulty they experienced. Residents were also asked whether the challenges they faced had forced them to move in the past year.
Key findings
- Two-thirds of Houston and Harris County residents find it at least a little difficult to afford their housing costs.
- Utility bills (88%) were the most commonly cited factor affecting affordability. Severe weather events; job loss or unsteady income; and increasing rent, mortgage, and/or insurance rates were also contributing factors.
- About 13% of residents moved in the past year because they felt like they could no longer afford where they were living.
- About 6 in 10 residents are at least a little worried they will have to move in the next 12 months because they will be priced out of where they currently live.
