The 42nd Kinder Houston Area Survey provides a glimpse into how Houstonians are thinking about the critical challenges and issues facing their communities. Houston’s collective optimism shows signs of fading, dropping to some of the lowest levels recorded since the survey began in 1982. Half of Houstonians cited either the cost of housing or the economy as the biggest problem facing the area, despite the fact that jobs have rebounded since the pandemic. Respondents remain overwhelmingly supportive of more interventions to help people experiencing poverty. The survey also measured respondents' views on quality-of-life issues such as walkability, public transportation, environmental protection and safety.
With economic concerns rising, Houstonians want more done to address the gap between rich and poor
As economic aftershocks from the COVID-19 pandemic linger, Houstonians have a dimmer view of their prospects, according to the 42nd annual Kinder Houston Area Survey. With inflation and housing costs reaching record highs—and a potential recession on the horizon—optimism among survey respondents was at one of its lowest levels in nearly three decades. More than ever before, Houston residents are also in alignment that more must be done to close income gaps.
