As housing and living costs climb across Greater Houston, a survey of nearly 9,000 area residents examines how rising expenses are impacting housing security.
Key findings
- About 6 in 10 residents said it was at least a little difficult to pay for housing in the past year, jumping to 9 in 10 residents in households earning less than $25,000.
- Increases in day-to-day expenses and utility bills were the most common reasons for this financial strain.
- Approximately 10% of residents moved in the past year because they felt they could no longer afford where they lived; this rate exceeded 15% in 10 Harris County neighborhood areas. Over half of residents (56%) worry they will be forced to move in the next year.
- About 1 in 20 residents reported being temporarily unhoused in the past year — living in someone else’s home (couch surfing), a hotel, outside or in a shelter — including nearly 1 in 7 residents making less than $25,000.
