Of the top 10 largest metropolitan areas in the country, Houston has grown more than all but Dallas-Fort Worth since 2010, increasing in population by 25% or more than 1.5 million people. This year’s Kinder Houston Area Survey reflects on the region’s continued growth, highlighting residents’ perspectives on what makes the area attractive as well as the challenges that stand to undermine its prosperity.
The survey was administered in January-February 2025 to nearly 10,000 individuals in Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery counties. This is the first time residents from Fort Bend and Montgomery counties have been included in the Greater Houston Community Panel, and the first time since 2018 they have been included in the Kinder Houston Area Survey.
Key findings
- The people, culture, economic opportunities and activities are what residents like the most about living in the Houston area. About 80% of residents across all three counties said the Houston area was a better place to live compared to other major metro areas around the country.
- More than half of residents were either born in the area or moved here as children. More than half have lived here for around two decades or more. For those who moved here as adults, jobs and family were the main factors drawing them to the area.
- The region’s “biggest problems” continue to be crime and safety, the economy and the cost of housing. More than 6 in 10 rated local infrastructure as either “poor” or “fair,” with 23% of Fort Bend County residents, 30% of Harris County residents, and 28% of Montgomery County residents rating it as poor.
- Nearly 40% of residents said they were giving some thought to leaving Houston in the next few years, with 16% (about 1 in 6) saying it was very or extremely likely they would leave.
- Quality of life and perceptions of Houston differ widely by income. Those earning below $25,000 are three times as likely as those earning $100,000 to rate their quality of life as poor or fair.
- The highest levels of support were recorded for government action to reduce economic inequality between the rich and poor (81% agree) and to ensure everyone who wants to work can find a job (88% agree). In addition, 84% of residents agree the government should ensure all Americans have a basic standard of living — the first time this sentiment has been recorded by the survey.
- Houston-area residents recognize that immigrants contribute more to the economy than they take, with 71% agreeing to this statement when it comes to all immigrants, and 61% agreeing when it comes to undocumented immigrants.
