Harris County

Urban flood buyouts are fracturing some Houston neighborhoods more than others

Since the 1980s, the federally backed home buyout program has been used to move more than 40,000 households out of flood-prone areas. What began as an effort to help farmers weather the devastating impacts of flooding has become a tool for urban and suburban homeowners to escape worsening climate risks. Yet as logical as this policy sounds, a new study from sociologists at Rice and Temple finds it may also be eroding the social fabric of some communities more than others—especially those with lower home values and higher proportions of Black and Hispanic residents.

After Harvey, How Can Houston Improve the Buyout Process?

Buyouts are a popular hazard mitigation but examples from across the country offer innovative ways to improve the process.

The State of Local Democracy in Houston and Harris County

This report looks at local elections in Houston and Harris County.

Houston's Harris County Still Growing, According to 2016 Estimates

Harris County still younger and more diverse than the country as a whole.

Mapping Eviction Judgments in Houston

Data shows sources of eviction hearings in Harris County

Taking Stock: Housing Trends in the Houston Area

A report analyzing housing trends in the Houston metropolitan area.

Harris County's New Marijuana Policies Could Keep Doors From Being Closed on Users

Blacks are more than three times as likely as whites to be prosecuted for marijuana possession. Reforms in Harris County can help address that disparity.

Harris County No Longer Leads Country in Population Growth

After eight years at the top, Harris County falls to Maricopa County.

Hispanic Voting May Be Higher Than We Thought in Harris County

The number of Hispanic voters in Harris County increased an estimated 39 percent in 2016. And one researcher says Hispanic turnout may actually be even higher than previously thought.

A Year-End Message From Kinder Institute Director Bill Fulton

The Institute isn't just producing reports and blog posts, Fulton says. It's having an impact.

In Houston, Voters Send a Strong Message About Criminal Justice Reform

Newly-elected sheriff and DA say they'll avoid locking up low-level offenders.

Despite Trump's Win, Texas Election Results Offer a Glimpse at Electorate's Shifting Demographics

Trump won Texas, but the numbers might reveal a shifting electorate.

Harris County Votes to Move Forward With First Phase of Astrodome Renovation

Harris County commissioners voted Tuesday to go forward with plans to raise the floor of the Astrodome and install 1,400 indoor parking spaces beneath it.

Houston Study Reveals Fault Lines of Immigration Debate

City-dwellers and suburbanites alike were growing more accepting of immigration, but when asked about resources, clear divisions emerged.

Asian Population Is Houston's Fastest-Growing Group

The group saw 5.7 percent annual growth in the Houston area.